2009 Dodge Challenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- 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
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,818–4,171 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 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), 10% worse than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
- Engines added: 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 15 to 20
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Challenger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Brampton, Ontario · Nazareth, Israel
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 Challenger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD R/T | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,041 lb | 56/44 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD Se / Sxt | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,818 lb | 56/44 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD Srt8 | 197.6 in | 75.6 in | 57.1 in | 116.1 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 4,171 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Challenger | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Challenger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -14% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Challenger | 6.1L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 16 | -28% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Challenger | 6.1L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -32% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Challenger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Dodge Challenger (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Impala | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Chrysler 300 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Equipment · Dec 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles
- Problem
- 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
- Risk
- If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
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.
Not every 2009 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Air Bags — 38 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 15 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Challenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 43 |
| 2022 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 19 |
| 2020 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2019 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2018 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 75 |
| 2017 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2016 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 78 |
| 2015 Challenger | 23 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 127 |
| 2014 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 135 |
| 2013 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 159 |
| 2012 Challenger | 21 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →