Best Years to Buy a Used Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a popular used car choice, but certain model years have documented issues worth knowing about — including tipm failure. Here's a breakdown of the best and worst years to buy.
Known Issues — Dodge Challenger
- 2011–2014: TIPM failure — same as Charger, electrical issues, no-start [High severity]
- 2009–2014: Brake fade on base brakes under hard use — undersized for performance trims [Medium severity]
Best Years to Buy
Based on documented issues, the cleanest years for the Dodge Challenger are: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These model years avoid the most common documented failure points and represent the best value for used buyers.
Years to Avoid
Exercise extra caution with model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 due to documented high-severity issues. If buying one of these years, have a pre-purchase inspection done and verify any known repairs have been completed.
- 2011–2014: TIPM failure
What to Inspect Before Buying
- Run a VIN report (Carfax or AutoCheck) to check for accidents, title issues, and odometer rollbacks
- Ask specifically about TIPM failure — verify it has been addressed
- Verify all open recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls using the VIN
- Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection ($100–$200)
- Ask for service records — consistent maintenance history is the best reliability indicator
Check Repair Costs Before You Buy
See repair cost estimates, known issues, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist for any by model year.
Use RepairIQ Free →