2013 Dodge Challenger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Dodge Challenger
Pictured: Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2015) Hirschaid-20220709-RM-120221 (cropped). Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe RWD R/T/R/T Classic, 2dr Coupe RWD Srt, 2dr Coupe RWD Sxt/Sxt Plus
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
Length
197.6 in
Curb weight
3,834–4,169 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 17% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Dodge Challenger is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.4L 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 4,083 lb (2dr Coupe RWD R/T/R/T Classic).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 17% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Challenger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Challenger →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–5.7L 8-cyl
Engine–6.4L 8-cyl
DriveRWD

Trims

BaseR/TSRT8

Built in: Brampton, Ontario · Sterling Heights, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2013 Challenger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe RWD R/T/R/T Classic197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,083 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD Srt197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in4,169 lb56/44
2dr Coupe RWD Sxt/Sxt Plus197.6 in75.6 in57.1 in116.1 in63 / 63.8 in3,834 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
Challenger3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-17%$3,200426
Challenger5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-25%$4,000477
Challenger5.7L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-29%$4,550495
Challenger SRT86.4L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-33%$4,850520
Challenger SRT86.4L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 23 / 17-33%$4,850523
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Dodge Challenger.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Dodge Challenger (this car)21 MPGNot rated5
2013 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated6
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2013 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3
2013 Dodge Charger23 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 3 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.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 8, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Mar 21, 2013 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 13V103000 · 4,051 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
Risk
A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix
Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Dodge Challenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

159Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
57,272 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System89
Engine24
Air Bags17
Power Train15
Steering14
Unknown Or Other11
Service Brakes7
Structure › Body7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/06: 120/07: 220/10: 420/11: 121/01: 121/02: 121/06: 121/09: 121/12: 122/02: 122/06: 122/07: 222/11: 122/12: 123/01: 123/06: 123/09: 224/08: 125/02: 125/04: 125/11: 226/02: 126/04: 126/05: 120/0620/1121/0622/0222/1123/0625/0226/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Dodge Challenger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 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. Electrical System — 89 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Air Bags — 17 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,272 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 2013 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
2012 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated6195
2011 Challenger21197.6 inNot rated6149

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