DodgeChallenger2021Overview/dodge/challenger/2021/base/

2021 Dodge Challenger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Challenger.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger calls for 6.0 quarts of 5W-20 engine oil and has generated 18 owner complaints across two recalls, with air bags standing out as the top reported concern. Within the model’s 20082023 complaint history, that 18-complaint total sits just above the range low of nine recorded in 2022 and well beneath the 2010 peak of 298. That placement marks the 2021 model year as one of the more settled entries in the Challenger’s documented reliability record.

Model year202320222021202020172008198319821981

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI H7 · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI H7 · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size245/45ZR20 99YOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 04892339BE
Engine air filter68256672AA alt 04861746AB
Spark plugSP196724AC alt SP149212AC
Battery56029635AD
Front wiper blades68015148AA
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length197.6 in
Overall width75.6 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase116.1 in
Curb weight4116 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

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.

4.2–5.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.20 sec — 2021 392 Scat Pack Widebody Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021392 Scat Pack Widebody Coupe 6.4L V84.20 sec12.70 sec485 hpRWD
2021T/A Coupe 5.3L V85.00 sec13.60 secRWD
2019SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.70 sec11.80 sec797 hpRWD
2019SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.70 sec11.40 sec797 hpRWD
2019SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.80 sec11.60 sec797 hpRWD
2019SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.80 sec11.80 sec797 hpRWD
2019SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V84.00 sec11.80 sec797 hpRWD
2023SRT Super Stock Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.60 sec11.40 sec807 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 engine oil, Synthetic · 75W-90 · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 111 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Differential Gear OilSynthetic · 75W-90 · 75W-85
Engine Coolant Capacity11.1 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity15.2 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity14.7 qt
Engine Oil5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-20

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.14 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper BoltsVibration Damper: 133.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper BoltsVibration Damper: 130.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts111 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.56; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-12
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-12
Standard BCI Group NumberH7

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure4.0 minimum psi @ Curb idle speed. psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM25.0-110.0 psi @ 3,000 rpm's rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 121.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 98.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.5
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 44.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 23.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 120.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 87.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.4
Minimum Pad Thickness.040 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.040; Rear: 17
Maximum Rotor RunoutMeasure on Vehicle: .0008"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°30 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°.30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners in reverse order., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs, Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. **Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90° ** Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts3.66 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts3.66 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 96,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 18,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 90,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
Every 96,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Intercooler (drain & refill)

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.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger registers 18 complaints, 2 recalls, 0 investigations, and 286 TSBs, positioning it as one of the cleanest years in the model's modern federal record, second only to 2022's 9 complaints. Compared to the generation's complaint peak of 298 in 2010 and the 126-to-253 range that defined the 2011-2015 era, 2021 represents a dramatically matured vehicle with most early-build issues long since flushed out, while its 2 recalls and 0 investigations further suggest no active federal scrutiny. The elevated TSB count of 286, though still high in absolute terms, is part of a downward arc from the 2015 peak of 350 and 2020's 320, indicating that service-related refinements were tapering as the platform approached its end of run. The top complaint areas — Air Bags (3), Power Train (2), Unknown Or Other (2), and Steering (1) — are spread thinly across categories rather than concentrated in a single defect, and with 4 crash-related and 1 fire-related complaints out of 18 total, the data does not specify a dominant safety failure mode. The 2023 follow-up does see a modest rebound to 40 complaints, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on airbag, powertrain, and steering behavior is still warranted. Overall, 2021 stands as a strong candidate year within this generation, offering the low-complaint, low-recall profile buyers should prioritize.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
286
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
18
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 18 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags3
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other2
Steering1
Electrical System,Seat Belts1
Suspension,Power Train,Structure1
Seats1
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Vehicle Speed Control1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V664000Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelReported 26/08/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions… Remedy: Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US…

21V516000Visibility:WindshieldReported 08/07/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to… Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 286 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
18-044-262026-03-21EngineFlash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction…
S2208000045 REV.C2026-03-18Unknown Or OtherBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2621000003 REV.A2026-03-09Power TrainThe vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the…
S26080000102026-03-05Electrical SystemActive Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00…

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.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

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

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Challenger take?

6.0 qt of Mopar 5W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Challenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.