Damon Challenger Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Damon Challenger (1998–2003) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 7. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (5 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Challenger model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 19,000 | 4 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 6 | 25,000 | 3 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 6 | 35,500 | 3 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes5 26%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3 16%
- Body and structure3 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain2 11%
- Suspension2 11%
- Other or unknown2 11%
- Vehicle speed control1 5.3%
- Seats1 5.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1998: “Both exhaust manifolds cracked . One manifold stud broke off at the head. Wiring harness started to melt due to hot exhaust. This is a 454 chev. Engine. We had to insert metal plate to deflect the exhaust until we could get it fixed. It is in the shop now for repair on the right exhaust manifold and replacement on the left exhaust manifold. We will have the old parts when done.”
NHTSA complaint #10100332, filed 2004-11, 35,500 miles2003: “Stalling when it rains. It seems that the air filter is right in front of the right front wheel. When it rains the front tire kicks up water in the air filter housing soaking the air filter causing the engine to quit running. This happens every time it rains hard. I have to replace the filter in order to continue driving. Carrying extra air filters is starting to get expensive. Right now I use duck tape to seal the filter box.”
NHTSA complaint #10136118, filed 2005-09, 19,000 miles1999: “The contact owns a 1999 Damon Challenger. While driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting a turn, the contact experienced a loss of brakes and the brake pedal abnormally fell to the floorboard. The contact examined the failure and discovered that the rear driver side wheel was abnormally hot. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the wheel screws were tightened. The failure recurred three times following repairs and was not corrected. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10381118, filed 2011-02, 25,000 milesOther Damon models
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology