Dodge’s sales struggles under Stellantis have been well-documented. In the midst of this news, it’s easy to forget how its former CEO addressed a highly publicized sales squabble. TikTok user @mycnjc7u1 reshared a Brian Mello clip on the platform detailing how a Dodge dealership got itself into a PR nightmare. Which involved active service duty member Cody Espinoza and his limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.

“One Dodge dealer in Mississippi screwed over an active duty soldier,” he states at the top of the video. That’s because, according to the TikToker, it’s so that dealer “could make more money.” As he continued with his clip he could be heard narrating: “Mac Haik Dodge is trying to put out one hell of a PR nightmare after they sold not one. But two, Challenger Demon 170s out from under the customers they were promised to. A story that’s become all to common these days,” he remarks.

The tale the TikToker is referring to occurred back in late 2023 to early 2024 and has been making the rounds on social media once again. Either inspired by good intentions or widespread outrage, the dealership took action. The Flowood, Mississippi based dealer purportedly fired staff members who partook in the deal.

Here’s what went down: Espinoza purchased a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 while he was deployed. According to Hemmings.com, the car was a limited-edition offering. One that the soldier had arranged for a family member to pick up on his behalf. However, another buyer was interested in the supercharged V8 monster and purportedly drove 8 hours just to see it.

But the particular vehicle that buyer came to check out had already been sold. Which left the spoken-for-model that belonged to the active military member on the dealer lot.

Dodge Demon 170 Debacle Takes a Nasty Turn

Things quickly turned ugly on social media. A YouTube video showing screenshots purportedly grabbed from a private Facebook group delineated how the service member learned his claimed limited-run ride was sold out from under him. As it turns out, the service member happened to check up on this same Facebook Group the other buyer posted the Demon to.

This led to the two men discussing what happened with the sale of the car. Following this, a Mac Haik Chrysler franchise manager in Texas got involved and made things much worse. He outright denied that the Challenger Demon 170 belonged to Espinoza. Furthermore, he accused the active service member of not even being in the military.

Following the blowout, workers at the dealership were advised to ignore the incident in the hopes it would fizzle out. But the uproar was big enough to reach the ears of former Dodge CEO Tim Kunsikis, who reached out to the deployed service member. He informed the former head of Dodge that no resolution was offered to remedy the situation.

Dodge Makes it Right

Kunsikis went on to demonstrate an above-and-beyond mentality to addressing the issue. The person who purchased Espinoza’s Demon offered to return it. However, he had already put some miles on it. Which meant the service member wouldn’t have a brand spanking new car waiting for him when he returned from service.

So Kunsikis took a Pitch Black Demon 170, and put it through Dodge’s Jailbreak program. This allowed for the vehicle to be customized to the exact specifications that Espinoza originally requested. Further addressing the military member’s Demon woes, the car was sold to him at MSRP. Which is a staggering discount, considering he paid $50,000 above that price due to the rarity and demand of the car.

The cherry on top? Comedian and known car-buff Jay Leno delivered the Demon 170 to the soldier himself as part of his series.

A Contrast to Dodge’s Sales Woes

This story is an easily forgotten demonstration of stellar customer service for an ailing US car brand. Dodge’s sales have plummeted “nearly 50% in [the] first half of 2025,” according to Mopar Insiders. This is largely attributed to the brand’s decision to step away from gas-guzzling, pavement eating offerings. Mopar Insiders writes that Dodge enthusiasts were soured by the automaker’s decision to debut its EV Charger Daytona ahead of the gas variants.

Seeing as how fans of the brand willingly shelled out so much cash for a 1,025 horsepower ICE Demon 170, it’s hard to argue against the outlet’s logic. Furthermore, the sales figures don’t lie, either. Discontinued ICE Chargers and Challengers resulted in a massive sales hit for Dodge. The 4,299 Charger Daytona sales just couldn’t make up the difference in lost sales for these rides going the way of the dodo.

Many have argued that when it comes to consumer demographics, Dodge muscle car entusiasts prioritize specific features. Namely, loud, aggressive noises that come from the car’s engines. A desire to cruise around in a noticeable whip is further cemented by the bold color options Dodge muscle cars come in. Neon green, red, blue, mango; these hues don’t exactly embody a subtle design aesthetic. Moreover, there’s a reason Dodge has outfitted its Charger Daytona with faux-engine sounds: it knows its buyers probably want a raucous ride.

Fuel Efficiency Fine Obliteration: Help for Dodge?

In July of 2025, the White House announced that it would stop fining automakers with fuel efficiency rulings. Which means Dodge could lean more heavily into manufacturing muscle cars for buyers interested in loud, gas-gulping ICE vehicles.

Whether or not this is going to help Dodge’s sales woes is yet to be seen. However what is known is that Dodge is going to get back to dropping Hemi V8s into its Dodge Charger. March 2025 reports indicate that the larger, ICE engine is making a return in 2026 models. So folks like the soldier who had his Demon 170 sold from under him, can get back to weeping at the pump. But maybe it’s worth smiling when they find a stretch of open road, punch the gas pedal, and are loudly thrown to the back of their seats.

MotorBiscuit has reached out to Espinoza via Instagram DM for further comment.