Common Problems with the 2019 Dodge Challenger
Powertrain, Transmission Issues:
“I have a 2019 Challenger R/T with the 6 speed manual transmission. It has a problem where it will pop out of first gear intermittently and I have taken it to the dealer 7 times in the 7 months I have owned the car and they have failed to fix it. I have provided 2 videos one a month after I bought the car and one that happened last week to prove it is a continuous problem. I have been almost rear ended many times because the car will pop out of gear from a stop. It is dangerous and dodge has failed to even attempt to fix my vehicle. I have replicated it with a dealer employee in the car and have been told by dealership employees when this problem happens I just need to pull it out of gear and put it back into gear. It is dangerous and I am afraid to drive the car. It has happened to my mother and myself while driving and I don’t want her to be injured or myself to be injured because my car is stopped at a green light. It is an intermittent problem and it happens at least three times a month but up to four times a week.”
“IF PARKED IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE WILL GET STUCK IN THE GEAR IT WAS LEFT IN. IT ALSO HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING INTO LOWER GEARS WHEN COLD. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN STAR CENTER CASE #K38556860 AND #S1021000004.”
“While driving on a city street received a transmission malfunction warning. Vehicle had been driven less than 300 miles. Vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic and transmission would not engage. Luckily I was not rear ended. Engaged emergency flasher. After several efforts to start/stop the vehicle transmission did finally engage. This took about 15 minutes. Managed to get the vehicle home and took it to the dealership the next day. It is my understanding that a transmission control module was replaced. Still learning about driving this vehicle.”
Electrical System Problems:
“Key Fob to start vehicle ran out of battery, I then replaced the battery from a nearby CVS Store and the Key Fob is still not working and my car will not start due to my key fob not being detected.”
“Had vehicle in reverse, put vehicle back in drive or park and rear view assist camera is still showing on the screen for at least 10-12 seconds after gear is no longer in reverse. Just got car in January of 2021, can’t understand why this happens. Has happened multiple times now.”
“Driver and passengers windows go up and down when car sits overnight which drains the car's battery.”
Engine Problems:
“Purchased the car brand new with 992 miles put on by the dealership owner (that's what I was told). Drove the car for 8 hours, spent the night in a hotel; left the next morning and at odometer 1626 going 75mph on the interstate the engine blew up. I was able to control the vehicle and bring it safely to the shoulder but all the engine oil had covered the roadway and metal pieces. Looked under car and saw part of a connecting rod hanging out of the oil pan.”
Brakes Problems:
“Brake lines in engine bay on passenger side are routed too close to the exhaust manifold causing the insulation to melt. The melted insulation was found by my independent mechanic during a routine inspection of the vehicle. The mechanic noted that this could be a serious safety issue due to boiling brake fluid and recommend getting this fixed at dodge under warranty as soon as possible.”
“Stock, factory built, rear brake pad surface area is substantially different than the rear rotor diameter. Sweep of brake pad is substantially narrower than the rotor. This is causing an improper wear pattern on rotor. Reduces stopping force and will create a ridge in the rotor. This ridge will make future replacement brake pads incompatible, and could affect brake system performance negatively.”
Steering Problems:
“Power steering/rack and pinion. Yes. Power steering cuts in and out around corners and sometimes completely locking steering wheel with no control. When steering wheel locks up it’s you to lose control of car and could cause head on collision. Yes I had dodge dealership diagnose and also independent mechanic. Manufacturer has not inspected. There were no warnings or any warning lights in car. Problem started about 3 months ago.”
“The power steering or steering rack appears to be defective. While turning on a curve, the steering will get stuck in what feels like a knotch, and can be weird to un-stick from that knotch. Can maybe cause unstable feeling in steering.”
Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com
California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist
The California Lemon Law is a vital protection for consumers facing persistent issues with their vehicles. If your 2019 Dodge Challenger has proven to be a lemon, Valero Law is well-equipped to guide you through the Lemon Law process. We will advocate for your rights, ensuring that the manufacturer addresses the recurring problems. Reach out to Valero Law for a free consultation, allowing us to outline your options and prioritize your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout the resolution process.