2013 Dodge Challenger Electrical Problems

Driver & passenger door windows on many 2010-2017 Dodge Challengers activate repeatedly on their own during driving and after ignition is turned off causing the battery to completely drain overnight & sometimes after only one or two hours after the ignition is turned off. There was a TSB#23-039-11. This TSB does not apply to my 2013 Challenger. Parts are extremely expensive and the car leaves me stranded if parked only a couple of hours. During driving the cycling down and up causes danger as it appears the door wants to open on its own and making us have to pull over several times until we figured out it was doing it on its own as if it was haunted. No warning lights on my 2013 Challenger. Mechanics checked it after having 2 brand new batteries drain overnight. Batteries are approximately $200.00. Dealer will only say the door latch mechanism needs replacing at approximately $480.00. Parts cost approx. $190.00.

NHTSA ID

11716732

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

On Saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 DRIVING 27 MILES FROM DISTANCE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY WITH INTERNAL LIGHTS QUICKLY POWER OUTAGES ON AND OFF INTERIOR LIGHTIN. dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event within the battery system, rapidly escalating into a fire that engulfed the vehicle. Further analysis is underway to determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.NO WARNING ADVISORY ON THE PRELIMINARY OCCURRENCE IT ESCALATED FROM FLASHING ON AND OFF LIGHTS AND STEREO TO A STIFF STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN AND RAPIDLY SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND FIRE STARTED CONSUMING THE REAR END OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE. THIS WAS A VERY DEVASTATING AND OVERWHELMING TRAGEDY IT HAPPENED WITHIN 15 MINUTES TIMEFRAME AND FIREDEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN FIVE MINUTES INTO THE CONCERNING FIRE IT ALSO TOOK AROUND AROUND A HOUR FOR THE FIREMAN TO PUT OUT THE FIRE FROM THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11699878

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. The shop did inform me later in the day that they forced the fob to the left and was able to extract it from the ignition switch. * YES, inspected and review by my trusted mechanics shop. * No signs prior to the attempted removal of the key bof at the finish of returning to my home.

NHTSA ID

11698630

Incident

Oct 30, 2025

When I start the car, it shuts off if I pushed the button to restart it, sounds like it’s double starting itself the only way that I can make it stop is by continuously hitting the button. The only way that I can restart. The car is if I open the driver‘s door, then hit the button to completely cut off the car shut the door hit the button again then the car will start. It’s like I have to reset it. it does it often has been for years when I take it to the mechanics or dealership they tell me to bring it up there when it’s doing it. That’s the only way that they can find out what the issue is, after this happens I’ll take it to the dealership and they find nothing they request for me to bring it when is doing that, but I never know when it’s going to happen until it does, but it doesn’t happen at the dealership. I have Google this issue other challengers are having this issue but again it can never be resolved because it doesn’t happen when you take it to the dealership I believe eventually this will mess up the engine or starter below is asking for a date this incident occurred it started in 2015 when I purchased the car this will happen here or there not that often but it is continuously a problem, over the years and getting worse

NHTSA ID

11643855

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

The vehicle is available for inspection. The issue caused a fire under my carport and within 30 feet of a neighbor's house. The car is immobile and still at the location of the incident, it has not been reproduced or inspected. there were no warning lamps at the time of the incident. The electrical system seemed to have several issues over the past years. The passenger side tail light would burn out at least twice a year. The driver's side window would go up and down when the car was off and ran out of battery. The vehicle would allow the key fob to be locked in the car. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause. Most recently what a mechanic thought was the starter failed twice in less than six months. Last month, I went to start the car, and it started and then turned off. I heard a pop and crackling sound, and the trunk battery was on fire.

NHTSA ID

11610907

Incident

Jul 14, 2024

Taillights aren’t staying on. The break and signal lights work however, after driving the vehicle for a few minutes the taillights go out. I can turn the switch from auto to on but after about 5 minutes each time they are going off

NHTSA ID

11543757

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Car has had intermittent electrical issues, head lights flashing, dash board losing power, car alarms in and out. Most recently it stalled while driving on a country road. Was able to restart after a while. It stalled again while driving on highway. Took car to dealership but they stated my alternater was not a part of safety recall T36, even though I was having those exact same issues.

NHTSA ID

11527769

Incident

May 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected, and then the vehicle lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuse box was burned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse panel was burned, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V103000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,904.

NHTSA ID

11504062

Incident

Jan 18, 2023

Mileage

105,904 mi

When starting my vehicle, I would push the push start button and it will continue to turn over and over and over but not start, it will do it for a minute or more and there is not way to turn it off.

NHTSA ID

11493981

Incident

Aug 12, 2022

NHTSA Recall Number17V-435 Suffered failure of alternator as described in recall. Purchased part and fixed myself. Filed reimbursement request, file number 83533254 for part only. Claim denied alleging vehicle not fixed at dealership.

NHTSA ID

11476155

Incident

Jul 27, 2022

ABS light is on airbag light is on traction control won't come back on

NHTSA ID

11434737

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

I am having the same issue with the “Smart Glass” in my 2013 Challenger SXT. There is already an active recall for the 2011 Dodge Challenger

NHTSA ID

11419444

Incident

Jun 2, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE RUNNING LIGHTS LOCATED ON THE FRONT VENDER AND QUARTER PANEL HAD MALFUNCTIONED. WHILE CHANGING THE LIGHT BULBS IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BULB SOCKETS HAD BURNED AND MELTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. ALSO WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY INCREASE SPEED AND DECREASE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RANDY MARION CHRYSLER LOCATED AT 601 GAITHER RD, STATESVILLE, NC 28625 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ALSO AFTER SHIFTING TO THE PARK POSITION AND PRESSING THE STOP BUTTON THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11364117

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

130,000 mi

WINDOW STARTED ROLLING DOWN ABOUT 1/4 INCH (DRAINING BATTERY SO I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY) AND THEN OTHER ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON(WHILE STARTING THE CAR) THEN WENT OFF, (I HAD JUST PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF), 5 MINS LATER I TURNED IT BACK ON AND WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN AT ALL NOW. AS SOON AS THE WENT STOPPED COMPLETELY OTHER THINGS SUCH AS PERFORMANCE AND BRAKES SEEMED TO BE HESITANT.

NHTSA ID

11362604

Incident

Jul 16, 2020

Mileage

82,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AUTOMATICALLY ROLLED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11329192

Incident

Sep 16, 2019

Mileage

82,000 mi

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR 11,000 IN SEPTEMBER OF 2019, SINCE HAVING THIS VEHICLE I HAD AND HAVE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. OCTOBER MY STERO TOUCH SCREEN STOP WORKING AND MY GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I GOT IT FIX FOR OVER 500.00 THE FOLLOWING MONTH MY KEY FOB SENSOR WENT OUT AND THIS WAS THE IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. THE VEHICLE IS A DODGE CHALLENGER SUPPOSED TO BE AN SXT ON THE CAR FAX BUT IN PERSON THE MOTOR IS NOT A SXT THIS VEHICLE HAS NO ORIGINAL PARTS OF DODGE. THE CHALLENGER HAS AFTERMARKET WIRES, HEADLIGHTS FROM ASIA, AND WIRES EVERY BY THE MOTOR WHERE OPEN WIRES SHOULD NOT SUPPOSED TO BE WITCH IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OFF THE LOT. THE CHALLENGER AIRBAGS PLUS OTHER MECHANICAL MECHANICS ISSUES WAS REPORTED FROM BRANDON DODGE DEALERSHIP WITCH QLD WAS AWARE OF AND DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE BEFORE SELLING ME THE DODGE CHARGER EVEN MY SEATBELTS IS UNSAFE. THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2020 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF I HAD TO DRIVE TO AUTOZONE I GOT A NEW BATTERY THAT SAME MONTH I APPROACHED THE MANAGER OF QLD AND INFORMED HIM WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON WITH THE VEHICLE THE MANAGER RESPONDED THAT'S A PERSONAL MATTER AND I WAS LEFT ON MY ON TO CARE OF THIS CAR THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX A AND PAY FOR MONTHLY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT RELIABLE. MARCH 27, 2020 I WAS DRIVING FROM MY APARTMENT COMPLEX AND MY POWER STEERING PUMP FELL OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY VEHICLE I LATER ON THAT DAY GOT THE CAR LIFTED AND TO FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS ZIPPED TIED AND NOT SECURED TO A BRACKET. I FEEL THAT THIS COMPANY IS JUST LOOKING FOR A DOLLAR AND DO NOT CARE ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF DANGEROUS UNSAFE HAZARDOUS VEHICLES THEY ARE SELLING TO CUSTOMERS WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THESE ISSUES.

NHTSA ID

11319731

Incident

Mar 27, 2020

DRIVERSIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS GO UP AND DOWN CONSTANTLY BY ITSELF...AROUND A QUARTER INCH UP AND DOWN...EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY... IT ALREADY KILLED THE BATTERY BECAUSE OF THIS

NHTSA ID

11311580

Incident

Feb 22, 2020

Mileage

35,100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SMART WINDOW FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW ROLLED DOWN INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, AND RAM DEALER LOCATED AT (2200 PINE ISLAND ROAD CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA, 33909, (239)-308-4731) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ASSEMBLY SMART MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11310117

Incident

Feb 16, 2020

Mileage

50,000 mi

UNFAIR MONETARY HARM TO CUSTOMERS DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART. SAME ISSUE AS MANY HAVE MENTIONED ON HERE WITH DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REPEATEDLY GOING UP AND DOWN WITHOUT STOPPING WHILE STATIONARY WITH CAR OFF, WHICH DRAINS THE BATTERY AND YOU CAN'T STOP IT. MY 2013 CHALLENGER HAD A BAD WINDOW LATCH, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE (LEFT STRANDED). HAD TO PAY $300 OUT OF POCKET FOR DEALER TO REPLACE LATCH FOR 'SMART GLASS' THAT ISN'T NECESSARY. RECALL ALREADY ISSUED ON THE 2011S, YET RECALLS HAVEN'T BEEN ISSUED FOR NEWER MODELS DESPITE SAME PROBLEMS. I'M THANKFUL FOR NHTSA AND HOPING DODGE IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA ID

11306514

Incident

Nov 21, 2019

Mileage

83,815 mi

THE SMART GLASS WILL CYCLE UP AND DOWN 1/4 INCH, WHILE THE IGNITION IS OFF. THIS IS HAPPENING ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO GO UP AND DOWN WHICH THEN CAUSES THE BATTERY TO DRAIN WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT. THERE WAS A 2011-12 DODGE CHALLENGER SMART GLASS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT FOR OLDER MODELS, WHICH REPLACED THE DOOR LATCHES CAUSING THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, IT IS STILL AN ISSUE IN MY 2013 CHALLENGER. DODGE KNEW OF THIS ISSUE AND STILL INSTALLED THE SAME PARTS IN LATER MODELS. THEY SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING, AND ISSUE A RECALL OR TSB, AND TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS!

NHTSA ID

11301806

Incident

Jan 25, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WAS FUNCTIONING INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER (KEARNY MESA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 8010 BALBOA AVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92111 PHONE NUMBER: 858-560-7100) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE ALTERNATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 716-289-82. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,095. *LN CONTACT STATED REPAIR SOLVED THE ISSUE AND THE BATTERY IS NO LONGER IS DRAINING/DISCHARGING TO THE POINT OF JUMP START. *JB

NHTSA ID

11292306

Incident

Feb 9, 2019

Mileage

76,095 mi

SAFETY POWER WINDOWS (ANTI-PINCH) STANDARD IT'S KEEPS GOING UP AND DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF

NHTSA ID

11290339

Incident

Dec 14, 2019

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LIKE NORMAL FOR THE PAST 2/12 YEARS. IT'S A 2013 CHALLENGER 5.70. MY CAR WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING. I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR, BUT, THANK GOD I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE. I RAN TESTS ON MY CAR BATTERY, IT'S GOOD. INTERESTING NOTE: I HAD THE ALTERNATOR REPLACE SIX MONTHS AGO ON A FACTORY RECALL. THE DODGE DEALER TOLD ME IT'S NOT THE ALTERNATOR, THOUGH REPLACED IT ANYWAY. THEY SAID IT'S THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND ELECTRIC PROBLEM DUE TO A WIRE NOT COMMUNICATING TO THE BUS OR COMPUTER. (DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS I'M NOT A CAR GUY) HOWEVER, I ALSO OWN A 2006 CHRYSLER 300 THAT DID THE SAME THING TO ME ON THE FREEWAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH. COULD HAVE DIED BOTH TIMES.AT THIS POINT, I DON'T KNOW IT DODGE IS SIMPLY MAKING CHEAP PARTS OR DODGE SERVICE IS TRYING TO TURN A 2ND ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT INTO A PROFIT. I SAY THIS BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTER, THEN RECONNECT IT TO PULL FORWARD ON THE TOW TRUCK NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THE CAR DIES WHEN THEY REASSEMBLE IT. I ALSO SAY THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE TELLING ME THE PUMP IS DAMAGED YET I'V HAD WORK DONE THERE BEFORE WITH NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. I'VE HAD WORK AND REPAIRS DONE INCLUDING SMOG CHECKS WITHIN THE LAST YEAR WITH NO NEGATIVE READINGS INDICATING A PROBLEM OR MISCOMMUNICATION. I SEE RECALLS ON THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM, POWER STEERING PUMP AND ALTERNATOR YET NONE BASED ON MY VIN. MEANWHILE BROWNING DODGE WANTS TO CHARGE ME $1800 BUCKS.

NHTSA ID

11289724

Incident

Dec 12, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE SMART WINDOW OPENS AND CLOSES EVERY 30 SEC. RUNS BATTERY DOWN OVERNIGHT

NHTSA ID

11256339

Incident

Sep 18, 2019

Mileage

78,000 mi

MY KEY FROB IS LOCKED INSIDE THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT COME OUT... THE CAR WILL NOT START OR EVEN RECOGNIZE THAT THE KEY FROB IS I. THE IGNITION.... STUCK IN PARK !!

NHTSA ID

11254884

Incident

Sep 10, 2019