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2009 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Challenger years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Challenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

89 reports with mileage · 44 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports4 fire reports6 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

9 reports
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139,109 miles · Nov 14, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 125 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED WATERMARK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AT 800-549-3637 (LOCATED AT 1055 CROSSING PL, MADISONVILLE, KY 42431) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 125 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED WATERMARK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AT 800-549-3637 (LOCATED AT 1055 CROSSING PL, MADISONVILLE, KY 42431) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,109.

NHTSA ODI #11280046

54,000 miles · Jun 16, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control

I AM HAVING SAME ISSUES AS EVERYONE ELSE. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING ISSUES WHERE MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS STICKING IN GEAR AND DOESN'T SHIFT LIKE IT NEEDS TO. I ALSO, HAVE TO EITHER PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF OR SHIFT IT INTO MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM THE MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO DEAL WITH.

NHTSA ODI #10874605

64,500 miles · Jun 1, 2016
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

MY 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS DOWNSHIFTING WHEN APPROACHING A STOP. YOU WOULDN'T KNOW UNTIL YOU PRESS THE GAS TO PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD AND BARELY MOVE AS THE VEHICLE WOULD BE STUCK IN THE HIGHEST GEAR. I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTA…

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MY 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS DOWNSHIFTING WHEN APPROACHING A STOP. YOU WOULDN'T KNOW UNTIL YOU PRESS THE GAS TO PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD AND BARELY MOVE AS THE VEHICLE WOULD BE STUCK IN THE HIGHEST GEAR. I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTART IT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC AS IT WOULD HAVE A HIGH TENDENCY TO CREATE A COLLISION. TRANSMISSION CODE FOR THE INPUT SPEED SENSOR AND AFTER RESEARCHING IT ONLINE, I FOUND A MASS NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND REPAIRS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH BY FCA AND NHTSA DUE TO THE COMMON OCCURRENCE IS THESE VEHICLES. REPLACING THE INPUT SPEED SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF AN ELECTRONIC MODULE COST APPROXIMATELY $500 AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10871878

70,000 miles · Jan 4, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING NORMAL AT ABOUT 70MPH AND WAS EXITING HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JUST DIED. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO CRANK IT AND NOTHING. CALLED A WRECKER AND THEY TOOK ME TO THE PARTS HOUSE TO GET A CODE CHECKED AND IT SAID CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I BOUGHT ONE AND TOOK IT HOME AND REPLACED IT AND STILL NOTHING. YOU COULD SEE THAT T…

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I WAS DRIVING NORMAL AT ABOUT 70MPH AND WAS EXITING HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JUST DIED. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO CRANK IT AND NOTHING. CALLED A WRECKER AND THEY TOOK ME TO THE PARTS HOUSE TO GET A CODE CHECKED AND IT SAID CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I BOUGHT ONE AND TOOK IT HOME AND REPLACED IT AND STILL NOTHING. YOU COULD SEE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD BROKE THROUGH THE HOLE WHERE THE SENSOR WENT. OVER A FEW WEEKS I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN, PLASTIC GUIDE AND TENSIONER (THEY GAVE ME METAL PARTS AS A REPLACEMENT), HSD TO REMOVE THE HEADS AND REPLACE ALL VALVES BECAUSE THEY WERE BENT, HAD TO FIND AND REPLACE BROKEN A VALVE GUIDE. THIS WAS CAUSED FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD BY THE PLASTIC PARTS WEARING OUT AND CHRYSLER IS QUIETLY REPLACING THEM AS PEOPLE BRING THEM IN, I FIXED MY OWN AND KEPT RECEIPTS AND ALL BROKEN PARTS. THEY ARE ALSO SAYING IT IS A HARMONIC ISSUE WITH THE MDS EITHER WAY I CALLED AND MADE A CLAIM WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY TRIED TO DENY IT WAS COMMON. I HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS WAY MORE COMMON THAN ARE SAYING AND THEY JUST DON'T WANT TO HAVE A RECALL. I WAS ALSO YELLED AT BY A MANAGER AT FREEDOM DODGE WHEN I MENTIONED THIS IN FRONT OF OTHER CUSTOMERS, HE SAID "DODGE NEVER DOES A RECALL UNLESS ITS A SAFETY ISSUE!" I SAID," IF I'M GOING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MOTOR DIEING WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS." HE WENT TO THE BACK AND WAS MAD AND THEN ANOTHER EMPLOYEE THAT WAS GETTING MY PARTS WHISPERED TO ME IT MORE COMMON THAN THEY WANT TO ADMIT. I FEEL LIKE I GOT RIPPED OFF AND THEY ARE ADVERTISING A PRODUCT THAT DOESN'T LAST, THE CAR ONLY HAD 70K AND HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN VERY HARD. I SPENT A LITTLE OVER $1000 TO FIX THIS AND THAT WAS CHEAP, DODGE WANTED $7000 TO DO IT AND I AM NOT A MECHANIC, THANK GOODNESS FOR GOOD FRIEND AND THE INTERNET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558495

20,000 miles · Jul 4, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

THE GAS PEDAL STOP WORKING GOING UP A GRADE THEN STARTED WORKING AFTER PUT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10464218

5,000 miles · Jun 19, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED THE CURRENT SPEED DESPITE WITHOUT DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOW…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED THE CURRENT SPEED DESPITE WITHOUT DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #10462234

35,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

WHEN YOU STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR IN 4TH, 5TH OR 6TH GEAR THE CAR HESITATES FOR A SECOND OR LONGER BEFORE ACCELERATING. THERE ARE MANY OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM CAUSED BY A FLASH OF THE COMPUTER DODGE PERFORMED AND DODGE HAS YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428783

69,000 miles · Jun 24, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE SECONDS WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE SECONDS WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO CURRENT REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE, BUT THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10408825

15,539 miles · Apr 1, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

THE DEALERSHIP FLASHED THE PCM AS DETAILED IN SERVICE BULLETIN 18-021-09 REV. A. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT THROTTLE LAG. WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL WAIT 1/2 TO 3/4 SECOND, THEN THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND AND THE CAR WILL GO. MERGING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC IS NOW DANGEROUS AS THE CAR WILL NOT A…

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THE DEALERSHIP FLASHED THE PCM AS DETAILED IN SERVICE BULLETIN 18-021-09 REV. A. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT I NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT THROTTLE LAG. WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WILL WAIT 1/2 TO 3/4 SECOND, THEN THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND AND THE CAR WILL GO. MERGING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC IS NOW DANGEROUS AS THE CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS RESPOND TO THE PEDAL INPUT. WHEN IT FINALLY DOES RESPOND THE CAR WILL SURGE FORWARD (SINCE I'M PUSHING DOWN MORE ON THE PEDAL TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE). THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE REAR TIRES CAN LOSE TRACTION ON WET ROADS. THE DEALERSHIP HOOKED UP A PORTABLE DATA LOGGER AND ROAD TESTED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE ABLE TO VERIFY THE COMPLAINT. THEY SENT THE RESULTS TO CHRYSLER'S ENGINEERS. THOSE ENGINEERS REVIEWED THE DATA AND SAID, "THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED, DELAY IS NORMAL, WE SEE NOTHING WRONG." I HAD THE CAR FOR 22 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS UPDATE AND NEVER HAD THE PROBLEM BEFORE.

NHTSA ODI #10394926

Official recalls

7

18V021000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V444000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jul 10, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.

09V420000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Oct 29, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

08V642000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Dec 5, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V458000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

Sep 10, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,636 MY 2008-2009 DODGE CHALLENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND "KEYLESS GO" OPTION. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PREVENTION." IF THE STOP/START BUTTON IS PRESSED AND HELD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE ELECTRONIC KEY CODE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS CAN OCCUR IN A TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK," AND THE TRANSMISSION OR GEAR SELECTOR DOES NOT BECOME LOCKED IN "PARK" AS A DIRECT RESULT OF KEY REMOVAL, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NONCOMPLIANCE MAY EXIST.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES VEHICLE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRASHES RESULTING FROM THEFT AND ACCIDENTAL ROLLAWAY OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE WIRELESS IGNITION NODE MODULE SO THE ENGINE CAN ONLY BE TURNED OFF WHEN THE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.