DodgeChallenger1971Overview/dodge/challenger/1971/base/

1971 Dodge Challenger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1971 Challenger.

The 1971 Dodge Challenger Overview examines a vehicle whose documented model complaint history spans 2008 to 2023. Within that window, complaints peaked at 298 in 2010 and reached their lowest recorded level of 9 in 2022. Because this dataset covers only those later years, the 1971 model year sits outside the recorded reliability history, leaving its standing in the broader model lineage unmeasured by these figures.

Model year202320222021202020172008198319821971

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length191.3 in
Overall width76.4 in
Overall height50.8 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Curb weight3146 lb

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Challenger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.8–11.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.80 sec — 1970 R/T SE 440-6 Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1970R/T SE 440-6 Coupe 7.2L V85.80 sec14.00 sec390 hpRWD
1970T/A Coupe 5.6L V87.10 sec15.40 sec290 hpRWD
1981Coupe 2.6L I-411.70 sec18.20 sec105 hpRWD

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
0
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
0
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

No owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this vehicle.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

71V004000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:DrumReported 06/11/1971

Remedy:

71V067000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:RotorReported 20/04/1971

Remedy:

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Challenger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 1971 Challenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.