2017 Dodge Challenger Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2017 Dodge Challenger
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:wiring.
- Scores 9 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2019 Dodge Challenger earns a 87.
- The system most likely to surface first: electrical/infotainment system (moderate severity).
The 2017 Dodge Challenger at a glance
- Is the 2017 Dodge Challenger reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Dodge Challenger 78/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A powerful and iconic muscle car requiring informed maintenance to mitigate common electrical and engine-specific vulnerabilities.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Dodge Challenger?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The 2017 Dodge Challenger is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking classic American muscle, but it's not a 'bulletproof' used car. Its common electrical gremlins and specific HEMI V8 engine risks mean potential buyers must be prepared for vigilant maintenance and potential repair costs. For the right owner who…
- Which Dodge Challenger years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2018-present (minor refinements, continued ZF 8-speed, Uconnect updates). Years to avoid: 2008-2010 (early production issues, less refined powertrains).
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Dodge Challenger are Electrical/Infotainment System (typically around 20,000-60,000 miles), Engine (HEMI V8 Lifters/Camshaft) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Front Suspension Components (typically around 50,000-90,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Dodge Challenger is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, most Challengers should still be under original warranty or extended coverage. Focus on routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Electrical glitches with the Uconnect system may start to appear, often res…
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
The 2017 Dodge Challenger offers a thrilling experience but demands attentive ownership to avoid potential pitfalls. While its robust powertrains can be durable, expect to address common electrical gremlins and be vigilant about specific engine wear issues, particularly with the V8s. This isn't a set-it-and-forget-it car, but with proactive maintenance, it can be a rewarding long-term investment.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking classic American muscle, but it's not a 'bulletproof' used car. Its common electrical gremlins and specific HEMI V8 engine risks mean potential buyers must be prepared for vigilant maintenance and potential repair costs. For the right owner who…
Best Model Years
2018-present (minor refinements, continued ZF 8-speed, Uconnect updates)
Years to Avoid
2008-2010 (early production issues, less refined powertrains)
Biggest Strengths
- Heavy-duty chassis and structure
- Generally robust ZF 8-speed automatic transmission
- Strong performance potential across engine range
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Dodge Challenger, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The Uconnect system is prone to freezing, lagging, or complete blackouts. Other electrical issues like parasitic battery drain, sensor failures, and dashboard warning lights can also occur, often linked to wiring harness issues or module…
Specifically affecting the 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI V8s, the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters can fail, leading to camshaft wear, often manifesting as a noticeable 'HEMI tick'. Neglecting proper oil changes or using incorrect oil exacer…
While generally durable, the heavy weight of the Challenger, especially with aggressive driving or larger aftermarket wheels, can accelerate wear on front suspension components such as lower control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball j…
2017 Dodge Challenger Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Dodge Challenger most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, most Challengers should still be under original warranty or extended coverage. Focus on routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Electrical glitches with the Uconnect system may start to appear, often res…
Maintenance Zone
This mileage marks a period where more significant maintenance items are due, such as spark plugs, transmission fluid, and potentially differential fluid. Front suspension components might start showing initial signs of wear, and HEMI V8…
Elevated Risk Zone
Here, wear items become more prevalent. Expect to consider replacement of suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms). The risk of HEMI lifter/camshaft issues significantly increases if prior maintenance was lax. Check for fluid…
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, major components like the engine or transmission could require costly repairs or rebuilding. Electrical gremlins may become more persistent, and general wear and tear on all systems will be evident. Comprehensive pre-p…
2017 Dodge Challenger Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Dodge Challenger on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-900 (for V6), $700-1,200 (for V8)
Moderate Repairs
$800-2,000 occasionally (e.g., Uconnect module, suspension work)
How Long Does the 2017 Dodge Challenger Last?
While well-maintained Challengers can comfortably exceed 150,000 miles, the sweet spot for a used purchase is typically under 75,000 miles, allowing some buffer before higher-risk components like V8 lifters become a more pressing concern.
What 2017 Dodge Challenger Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Head-turning classic muscle car styling and road presence.
- Powerful engine options deliver thrilling acceleration and sound.
- Surprisingly comfortable ride for a performance coupe, especially on long trips.
- Spacious interior for a two-door, with a usable back seat and large trunk.
Common Frustrations
- Poor fuel economy, especially with the V8 engines.
- Significant blind spots due to thick C-pillars and high beltline.
- Infotainment system (Uconnect) can be prone to frustrating glitches and unresponsiveness.
- Interior materials, while functional, can feel dated or cheap compared to rivals.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
Best For
- Muscle car enthusiasts prioritizing styling and straight-line performance
- Drivers seeking a comfortable cruiser with a powerful engine
- Individuals who value a spacious coupe interior and trunk capacity
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers needing maximum fuel efficiency
- Commuters requiring absolute, worry-free reliability day in and day out
How the 2017 Dodge Challenger Compares to Rivals
The Challenger often lags behind its pony car rivals in handling prowess but makes up for it with retro styling, a more spacious interior, and raw V8 power. Its reliability generally falls in line with domestic performance vehicles, a step below many Japanese sports coupes.
More Reliable Than
- Chevrolet Camaro (earlier generations for some interior quality/visibility aspects)
- Ford Mustang (some early S550 EcoBoost/V6 engine reliability)
Comparable To
- Ford Mustang (S550 GT)
- Chevrolet Camaro (later Gen 6 models)
NHTSA Recalls
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.
What breaks on the 2017 Dodge Challenger?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Dodge Challenger by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Dodge Challenger. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
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Where the 2017 Dodge Challenger report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2017 Dodge Challenger for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Dodge Challenger. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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