2010 Dodge Challenger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Dodge Challenger
Pictured: Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2015) Hirschaid-20220709-RM-120221 (cropped). Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe RWD R/T, 2dr Coupe RWD Se / Sxt, 2dr Coupe RWD Srt8
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.1L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
Length
197.6 in
Curb weight
3,721–4,140 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 15% below the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a compact car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.1L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 198 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,041 lb (2dr Coupe RWD R/T).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 15% worse than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2010

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Challenger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Challenger →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe RWD R/T197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,041 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD Se / Sxt197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in3,721 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD Srt8197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,140 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Challenger3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-15%$3,350444
Challenger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-19%$3,550468
Challenger5.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 18-24%$3,700494
Challenger6.1L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 16-32%$5,150555
Challenger6.1L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-36%$5,500592
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.6 MPG2010 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Dodge Challenger under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Dodge Challenger (this car)20 MPGNot rated6
2010 Ford Mustang21 MPGNot rated5
2010 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated13
2010 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated4
2010 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated8
2010 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated1
2010 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 4 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jul 10, 2015 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 15V444000 · 88,460 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Oct 7, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V475000 · 23,237 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Risk
LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical System › Ignition › Module · May 11, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V200000 · 37,335 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER 300, DODGE CHALLENGER, CHARGER, JEEP COMMANDER, GRAND CHEROKEE AND DODGE RAM VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE EXHIBITING A BINDING CONDITION OF THE SOLENOID LATCH.
Risk
THE RESULT OF THE DEFECT COULD LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH (WIN MODULE) PRIOR TO PLACING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

178Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
66,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags70
Electrical System45
Engine37
Unknown Or Other19
Steering18
Service Brakes17
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Power Train12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/08: 319/09: 219/11: 119/12: 220/02: 120/03: 120/08: 120/09: 220/10: 221/01: 121/02: 121/06: 121/08: 221/10: 122/07: 123/01: 123/12: 124/04: 124/06: 224/07: 124/08: 124/10: 125/02: 126/09: 119/0819/1220/0821/0121/0823/0124/0624/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 70 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Dodge Challenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Challenger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2023 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★243
2022 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★29
2021 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★219
2020 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★120
2019 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★359
2018 Challenger23197.6 in★★★★★375
2017 Challenger23197.6 inNot rated349
2016 Challenger23197.6 inNot rated178
2015 Challenger23197.6 inNot rated5127
2014 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated4135
2013 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated5159
2012 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated6195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →