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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Dodge Challenger Electrical system Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
19%of 78 total for the year
Median mileage
14,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Dodge Challenger, 19% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Driving home from work, I started smelling smoke a few blocks from my house. I thought a garbage can was on fire in the neighborhood or something like that. I pulled into my driveway and my trunk was on fire. Called 911 and the fire department arrived within 4 minutes. Car was totaled. Dealership and insurance company believe wiring harness or battery (located in trunk) was the cause of the fire.”

NHTSA complaint #11111662, filed 2018-07, 7,500 miles

“About a week or two ago I remote started my vehicle with the factory remote starter. I entered the vehicle which was stationary, pushed the start button to complete the activation. The vehicle started and ran normally, about a minute or two later the vehicle idled roughly and shutoff, all the dashboard cluster lights and side mirror proximity lights came on. The push button was also illuminated in the run position. …”

NHTSA complaint #11098094, filed 2018-05, 19,000 miles

“When shutting the trunk with the key fob in my pocket the locking actuator will engage and unlock the trunk. This happens several times before it will stay locked. Also when this happens 2 other issues present. When locking the door using the lock button on the door panel and closing the door while standing outside of the vehicle with the fob in my pocket. The door will unlock its self, the horn will beep and the lights will flash this issue will happen several times before it stops, or I will use the key fob to lock the door. …”

NHTSA complaint #11207154, filed 2019-05, 27,200 miles

“My headlights intermittently went out. Sometimes one side, sometimes both. It happened last night while I was driving. Both headlights went out. Luckily I was right down the street from my house. Pulled in the garage to find that both headlight fuses (fuse 15 and fuse16) were burnt. Upon further research on forums and websites dedicated to my car, many other people are also having issues with this. This has happened to multiple times. Luckily this time I was not on a busy street, but I was on a state route a minute prior to this. Both my lowbeams and high beams were affected.”

NHTSA complaint #11322266, filed 2020-04, 39,000 miles

“My 17 year old son's 2016 Dodge Challenger turns off while car is being driven. The ignition switch usually goes to acc (sometimes run). Also, the steering wheel locks up, the headlights go out, braking is difficult, heating/cooling turn off, and according to the manual the airbags become inactive in acc. My son has nearly hit a tree and he has crossed lanes into the opposite direction when the steering wheel has locked. The problem started happening at about 2500 miles 04/2016. It has happened from10 MPH to 70 MPH. …”

NHTSA complaint #10916381, filed 2016-10, 2,500 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023614%
2022111%
2021421%
2020735%
20191729%
20182837%
20171633%
20161519%
20152620%
20146242%
201310458%
201213855%
201110353%
20106823%
20092116%
2008440%

Other parts of the 2016 Dodge Challenger

Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Dodge Challenger

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology