Certain customers who bought a 2021 Dodge Challenger should be on the lookout for mail from the manufacturer. Dodge is recalling some 2021 Challenger models due to faulty instrument clusters. Luckily, the fix shouldn’t be too difficult. 

The Dodge Challenger recall relates to a software glitch 

Dodge is recalling certain 2021 Challengers due to a defect in their safety system status indicators. As WGN Radio recently shared, the reason for the recall is the Challenger’s safety status system indicators. 

Specifically, these indicators do not illuminate sufficiently, a problem that occurs both in daylight and at night. The defect means that the Challenger doesn’t comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, “Control and Displays.” Failure to properly display vehicle safety information could lead to the potential for injury to drivers and passengers in the Challenger and others on the road. For that reason, if you’re notified that the recall affects your vehicle, it’s vital to get the situation remedied as soon as possible. 

Not all 2021 Dodge Challenger owners should expect to receive the recall notification, which doesn’t affect all units sold. Instead, only about 135 models are expected to be involved. 

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration explains that to remedy the problem, dealers will reprogram the instrument clusters to display correctly at all times of the day. As with most recalls, there will be no charge to customers for this service. 

What affected owners should expect next

How will you know if your Dodge Challenger is one of the affected units? Notifications of the recall will start being mailed to the appropriate owners on October 15, 2021. So, keep an eye on your mailbox for possible information in the days and weeks after that. 

If you’re still not sure whether your vehicle is one of the affected models, perhaps because you’ve moved recently or otherwise don’t have access to your mail, you can contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is Y58.

Another option is to call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). You can also go to the NHTSA website to check your vehicle’s status. Whatever option you choose, you’ll want to make sure you have your VIN at the ready so that the NHTSA can adequately assist you. 

The 2021 Dodge Challenger has a lot going for it

Despite the minor hiccup with the instrument panel, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is a highly respected car. In fact, U.S. News recently selected it as one of “The 22 Best Cars From American Brands for 2021.”

The newest Challenger offers a variety of powerful engines that range anywhere from 303 horsepower to an awe-inspiring 807 horsepower. With that power behind it, it’s no surprise that the Challenger can hit top speeds in the blink of an eye. In fact, the fastest Challenger can go from 0 to 60 mph in an astonishing 3.25 seconds.

The Challenger also offers a surprisingly comfortable and roomy interior for a muscle car. It comes with 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space and an upscale interior. A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard with the vehicle, with an optional upgrade to an 8.4-inch setup also being possible. For enhanced safety, a rearview camera also comes standard on the 2021 Challenger. 

Many other driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and blind-spot monitoring, are also available. Given the range of features and engine types available on new Dodge Challenger models, it’s unsurprising that there’s quite a price range differential between trims. The 2021 Challenger starts at around $28,000 but can easily cost above $80,000 depending on the trim and optional features chosen.