Quick take
The 2016 Challenger is a second-year car in the refreshed run, which means the first-year quirks of 2015 had a year to be sorted out. NHTSA has 78 complaints on file for it, noticeably fewer than the 127 for 2015, and only two recalls. For a buyer who wants a V6 or V8 coupe with the newer interior and eight-speed automatic, it is a reasonable year to put at the top of the list.
Fewer reports does not mean no problems. Before you buy, check the driveline for noise, listen to the engine when cold, and test the steering assist and the air bag warning light carefully. The air bag complaints in particular are serious in tone, and you will want to know whether the car has ever been in a collision.
What changed for 2016
The 2016 model carried over the refreshed styling, interior and eight-speed automatic introduced for 2015. The lineup still ran from the V6 SXT through the 5.7-liter R/T and 6.4-liter cars up to the supercharged Hellcat. Treat it as a continuation rather than a redesign, so the best way to separate one 2016 car from another is by trim, options and history rather than by model-year changes.
If you are choosing between years, the 2015 report shows more recalls and complaints, and the 2017 report adds the all-wheel-drive version and a different complaint mix. Our overview explains how the generations fit together.
Known trouble spots to check
The top groups in NHTSA's data for 2016 are power train (16), electrical system (15), engine (12), air bags (11) and steering (9). Here is what owners describe.
Driveline and power train. A recurring story is a knock or bang from under the car, and some owners trace it to the driveshaft. One owner of a low-mileage SXT said they believed it was a known pattern for the V6 cars from the early refresh years. That claim is theirs, not something we can confirm, but it fits the noise reports on the 2015 cars too. Another complaint describes a loud bang while pulling away from a stop, followed by a dragging feeling. A separate report says a crankshaft damper on a V8 let go. That is one complaint, not a trend, but it is a part worth asking about on a high-mileage V8. On a test drive, listen from low speed through highway speed for knocking or hum under the floor. Check the engine bay for any wobble at the front of the crank pulley.
Electrical system. Owners mention a backup camera that quits, a melting or burning smell near a fuse or control module, headlights that flicker or drop out because of a hot fuse or wiring, and the car shutting down to accessory mode while driving. Be careful with that last one. It was reported on a car with very few miles, and it is worth ruling out with a long test drive. Check every light, including both headlights on low and high beam. Smell for hot plastic around the fuse area.
Engine. Complaints include persistent ticking from the valvetrain, a report of lifters and rocker arms needing replacement on a car at moderate mileage, and leaks from the oil filter housing on at least two cars. Look for oil around the top of the engine and on the transmission. Ask whether the oil filter housing has been replaced and check the oil level.
Air bags. Eleven complaints concern air bags, and many are about crashes where the owner says the bags did not deploy. These are owner accounts and no cause is confirmed in the data. What you can do as a buyer is check that the air bag warning light comes on at startup and goes out, ask whether the car has had collision repair, and have a shop scan the restraint system for stored codes.
Steering assist. Several owners describe power steering warnings and sudden heavy steering, sometimes with stability control and ABS lights as well. One owner says it began after a computer software recall repair, which is worth asking a seller about. It usually clears after restarting, which makes it easy to miss on a short drive. Turn the wheel lock to lock at a stop and again while rolling slowly. Watch for any warning on the dash.
General checks:
- Look at the front suspension for torn bushings and cracked or rusty arms.
- Check for rust at the suspension joints and brakes. One complaint describes a car with heavy corrosion and sand deposits, which raised questions about flood history.
- On manual cars, note whether the rear end hops under hard acceleration in lower gears. One owner described wheel hop in a second-gear shift.
- Look at brake rotor wear and listen for squeal or grinding.
- Ask whether the security software on the key system was updated. One owner of a manual-transmission car said the dealer would not apply a theft-related update to their car.
Recalls on a car this age
Only two recalls appear for the 2016 Challenger:
- Cruise control wiring. A recall that covers 2015 to 2018 Challengers, along with many other FCA models. A short circuit in the wiring could stop cruise control from switching off, even with the brake pedal or the switch. If you buy a 2016, make sure the repair was done.
- Performance engine computers. A recall limited to certain Mopar Stage 1 kit and Demon crate PCMs. It matters only if the car has one of those aftermarket parts. A stock car would not be involved.
The short list is good news, but the recall database only lists campaigns that NHTSA has matched to this year. Run the VIN at NHTSA's free recall lookup and also ask a Dodge dealer to list open campaigns. Recall repairs are free at a dealer regardless of who owns the car.
Test-drive checklist
- Walk around the car first. Check that panel gaps, paint and tire wear match on all four corners.
- Cold start. Listen for ticking and rough running, and check the dash for lights that stay on.
- Pull away from a stop gently and then firmly. Listen for a bang, clunk or dragging noise under the car.
- Drive at steady highway speed. Feel for vibration, wander or a pull, and check that the steering weight is consistent.
- Turn the wheel fully at parking speeds in both directions. Watch for a steering warning.
- Brake hard from a moderate cruising speed in a safe spot. The pedal should be firm, the car should stop straight and there should be no ABS surprises.
- Run the camera, the touchscreen and every light, and leave the car idling for several minutes with the A/C on to watch the temperature gauge.
- On a manual, test the clutch in several gears. It should engage smoothly and not slip under load.
Before you hand over money
- Run the VIN for recalls and ask the dealer for a printout of completed work.
- Get a vehicle history report. Look for collision records, because of the air bag complaints, and for flood or salvage branding.
- Book an independent inspection with a shop that knows these cars. Ask them to scan every control module, inspect the driveshaft and look for oil leaks around the top of the engine.
If the car is a 392 or Hellcat, ask the seller directly about tunes, intake and exhaust changes, wheels and tires, track or drag use and the car's service history. Ask for invoices from whoever did the work, and ask whether the factory parts are still available. A tune that was fitted carefully is one thing. A car with several unexplained changes is another.
Once the car passes, the payment calculator can help you work out a realistic monthly figure.
Is it the right car for you?
A 2016 SXT or R/T is a good match for someone who wants a roomy, comfortable coupe and is willing to inspect the driveline and steering carefully. The V8 cars suit buyers who want classic muscle sound and can live with a heavy car. A 392 or Hellcat suits an enthusiast with a trusted shop and a plan for tires and brakes.
Look elsewhere if you need a lightweight, sharp-handling car for track days, or if a steering warning on the highway would be a deal breaker for you.
Bottom line
The 2016 Challenger has a short recall list and a lower complaint count than 2015, but the driveline, valvetrain and steering reports are worth testing for. Check collision history closely, get a scan and a lift inspection, and ask hard questions about any modifications.