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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2016 Dodge Challenger Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
21%of 78 total for the year
Median mileage
20,676miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Dodge Challenger, 21% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,676 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“Slowly pulling out of carport area making an inclined right turn I get a distinctive screeching sound. Something is slipping almost sounds and feels like im braking and hitting the gas: as in burning rubber. Just had powertrain updated and she still does it. Please note that the incline is relatively mild, I do not have a sharp turn, so I am not cranking my steering wheel, I've tried to shift into first, go super slow, use traction control button (which indecently does not turn on anymore after powertrain recall update). …”

NHTSA complaint #11221620, filed 2019-06, 30,000 miles

“Caxmax sold me a car that my mechanic described as flood damaged up to the body line just below the window. Rust from the engine to the exhaust tips. Rocks and sand in all body cavities on the underside of the vehicle. I conveyed this information to my salesman who facilitated a refund. I included photos. A week later it was back on the carmax south sacramento website (where I bought it) with updated mileage information and no mention of the flood damage. As it is in 'unavailable' status it is likely being resold to another unsuspecting consumer.”

NHTSA complaint #11301517, filed 2020-01, 25,352 miles

“Driveline clunk noise in rear of vehicle when coming to a stop between 3 to 6 MPH downshifting. This happens no matter what the road surface your on. This is a new vehicle with less than 500 miles, after I went to my county probate office to get my licence tag, this occurred every time I came to a full stop at a sign, light or behind a vehicle in front of me. Took vehicle to dealership, service manager came out to see if anything was loose in trunk, spare tire,etc. No problem found, I was told to bring car back monday morning for further diagnosis where techs can find problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10885201, filed 2016-07, 483 miles

“Car sticks in gear when parked or driving. Snychs replaced at 41k now at 49k clutch plate now needs replacing. This vehicle has almost caused accidents as I could not get it in/ out of gear while driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11103496, filed 2018-06, 49,000 miles

“I had a recall fixed at dodge for PCM since then service power steering comes on and the steering wheel locks up sometimes I'm driving and it seizes up it started at 37000 miles And when my extended warranty was up 3yr manufacture 6 yr extended warranty but since we purchased it in the beginning the warranty overlapped not fair since I should have had 9 yrs now I can't even drive my car more than 15minutes also it's very dangerous that I can be driving and all of a sudden can't turn the steering.”

NHTSA complaint #11607381, filed 2024-08

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2022111%
2021316%
2020315%
2019712%
2018811%
2017510%
20161621%
20152923%
2014128%
2013169%
2012177%
201184%
20103612%
20092720%

Other parts of the 2016 Dodge Challenger

Electrical system
15 complaints
Engine
12 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Other or unknown
11 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Wheels
4 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Fuel 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 29, 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