2016 Dodge Challenger R/T — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $18,000–$26,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The retro muscle cruiser — the Challenger R/T pairs a 5.7L HEMI with a big, comfortable, roomy coupe that's more grand tourer than corner-carver. Great highway car, real V8 character. The HEMI's cylinder-deactivation lifter tick is the key listen, and it drinks fuel. Buy a stock, un-abused one and enjoy a lot of V8 for the money.
Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Cylinder deactivation can wear lifters and the cam, causing a tick and misfire. Listen carefully at idle; the repair is major.
Repair cost range: $1,500-$4,000 if affected
The power module and electronics can throw odd faults; verify all functions.
Repair cost range: $300-$1,000
Many were driven hard; inspect for tunes, driveline wear, and accident history.
Repair cost range: Varies
Thirsty and eats rear tires if driven hard.
Repair cost range: Ongoing
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Lifter tick / misfire
- ✗Signs of hard use or a tune
- ✗Random electrical faults
- ✗Worn/mismatched rear tires
Good Signs
- ✓Quiet HEMI, no tick
- ✓Stock, documented, adult-owned
- ✓Clean history
Found a specific Dodge Challenger R/T?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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