Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2011 Dodge Charger — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2017
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (204 complaints). 25 complaints involved crashes. 64 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V018000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V435000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V021000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V467000
Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V101000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps. In the affected vehicles, a sub-harness for the headlights may overheat and cause the low beam headlights to go out.
Risk: Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V352000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V043000
Component: STRUCTURE
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Risk: A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V118000
Component: AIR BAGS
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V042000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 and 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS OF SOME VEHICLES COULD FAIL DUE TO AN OVERHEATED BULB HARNESS CONNECTOR. OTHER VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP JUMPER HARNESSES AND RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE WITHIN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V634000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V197000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 691)
Exterior Lighting →4 issues
Your headlights are turning off unexpectedly while you're driving at night, affecting one or both lights. This creates a serious safety hazard since you lose visibility on the road. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the electrical circuit, replacing the headlight switch, or repairing wiring connections.
Parts you may need:
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Your headlights aren't providing enough light when you're driving. An independent mechanic replaced both the headlamp bulbs and ballasts, but the problem came back. The issue started happening around 70,000 miles.
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Your headlights randomly shut off as your car warms up, even though they work fine when you first turn them on. This appears to be related to a known recall issue, but your vehicle isn't on the recall list. Loss of headlights while driving reduces visibility and increases accident risk. The fix will likely involve inspecting or replacing the headlight assembly and wiring connections.
Parts you may need:
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Your driver-side headlight failed while driving and was replaced by a mechanic, but the same headlight failed again shortly after. The mechanic didn't diagnose why the headlight kept failing, so the underlying cause remains unknown. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the electrical circuit, wiring harness, or headlight assembly to prevent future failures.
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Air Bags →3 issues
Your knee airbags deployed during a crash and caused severe lacerations to both shins, exposing bone and requiring five surgeries, skin grafts, and a five-day hospital stay. The airbags, which are designed to protect you, inflicted extensive soft tissue damage to your lower legs instead. Addressing this issue would likely require Dodge to investigate the airbag deployment force and padding design to prevent similar injuries in future vehicles.
Parts you may need:
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Your car is subject to a mandatory national recall for the airbag system, but your dealer or independent repair shop has been unable to complete the repair. This means your airbags may not function properly in a crash until the recall work is finished.
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During a highway fender bender, your airbags deployed and the passenger-side airbag (the one at your feet) came out with enough force that you believe it may have caused an injury to your leg. You initially thought this might be related to the Takata airbag recall, but discovered your vehicle isn't included in that recall. The airbag deployment itself may require professional inspection and replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
Your engine seized while driving at 45 mph with no warning lights, requiring complete engine replacement. The failure occurred at approximately 90,000 miles. The dealer confirmed the engine needed to be replaced, and an independent mechanic completed the work. Engine replacement typically involves removing the failed engine and installing a new or rebuilt unit.
Parts you may need:
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Your car's timing chain tensioner guide may be wearing out or failing. This component helps keep the timing chain properly tensioned as your engine runs. If it fails completely, your engine timing could become misaligned, potentially causing engine damage or a breakdown. The fix will likely involve replacing the tensioner guide and possibly the timing chain if it has been damaged.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →2 issues
While driving on a busy interstate, your car suddenly wouldn't shift into gear and started slowing down, making it difficult to safely change lanes. The transmission appears to have failed, leaving your son stranded and unable to drive normally. Fixing this transmission issue will likely require professional repair or replacement at a transmission specialist or dealership.
Parts you may need:
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While driving at 60 mph, your car suddenly lost power and wouldn't accelerate. You coasted to the side of the road safely. When the dealer inspected it, they found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, indicating the transmission was failing internally. The transmission will need to be repaired or replaced to restore normal power delivery.
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting →2 issues
Both of your low-beam headlights keep burning out while you're driving, even after you've replaced the bulbs multiple times. This is a recurring problem that suggests an underlying electrical issue rather than just bad bulbs. The issue may require diagnosis of the headlight circuit, wiring, or charging system to prevent continued bulb failure.
Parts you may need:
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Your left front headlight low beam keeps burning out every few months, and when you replace the bulb, you notice the wiring harness looks hot and damaged. This causes you to lose visibility while driving at night. The dealer says you need a new headlamp harness to fix the problem. The repair will likely involve replacing the damaged wiring harness that powers the headlight.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,service Brakes,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
Your Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) module has failed prematurely, causing your traction control to stop working. You've experienced multiple spinouts in wet conditions at low speeds because the ABS isn't activating traction control as it should. Warning lights are displaying on your dashboard, and neither your dealership nor local ABS rebuilders have been able to fix the module due to parts availability issues. Fixing this will require either replacing the ABS module or having it professionally rebuilt once parts become available.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,air Bags,seat Belts →1 issue
Your car's seatbelt warning light and airbag warning light keep coming on even when seatbelts are buckled, suggesting the occupant restraint module (which controls airbags and seatbelts) isn't working properly. You had this issue fixed under a recall in 2015, but the same problem has returned multiple times since then. The dealership is now asking you to pay over $700 to replace the module again, even though it was supposedly fixed under the original recall.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,lane Departure →1 issue
Your car's display screen went completely black and became unresponsive, affecting your navigation, radio, and entertainment system. Your blind spot warning system also stopped working, and your air conditioning is stuck on full blast like it's on defrost mode. Additionally, your car's language settings changed to German unexpectedly. The system appears to have failed suddenly while driving, though the car was working fine earlier in the day.
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Steering,electrical System,visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your car stalled while driving, the engine got hot, and your battery warning light came on. This combination suggests an electrical charging problem that caused the engine to shut down. The issue likely involves your alternator or battery system, which may need inspection or replacement to restore normal operation.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
You're experiencing a strong gasoline smell inside your 2011 Charger R/T AWD, especially when the fuel tank is full. You've also noticed a puddle of gasoline under the right rear seat area while the car was parked. This issue appears to be an ongoing problem that needs prompt attention before it becomes a safety concern.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,service Brakes,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car has experienced multiple issues after recall repairs: the ABS module is now faulty even though the ABS wiring was recalled and replaced, the airbag clock spring has failed despite an airbag recall, and the fuel pump has stopped working and needs replacement despite being under extended warranty. Additionally, you have an ongoing oil leak from the crankshaft main bearing seal that requires replacement, and other oil leak repairs have already been done within the past month.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
Your car shut off while you were driving 60 mph on the highway due to alternator failure, requiring a tow. While there are existing recalls for this problem on some models, yours wasn't included in them. Your mechanic friend is scheduled to replace the alternator.
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