RoadVitals

2011 Dodge Charger

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 19V018000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
694
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest Jan 15, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
89
16 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 694 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Dodge Charger, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and fuel system categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 152 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V018000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2019
1,413,222 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number V01View on NHTSA.gov
18V021000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 9, 2018
328,177 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number U03View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Jul 10, 2017
442,214 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number T36View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
PE14022ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Alternator failure

Opened Jul 22, 2014
Closed Nov 6, 2014

On July 22, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-022 to investigate 14 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of alternator failure resulting in engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles.The MY 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles were sold with three different engine options:1) 3.6L V6 (VIN8 = G), 88,766 vehicles; 2) 5.7L V8 (VIN8 = T), 38,615 vehicles; and 3) 6.4L V8 (VIN8 = J), 2,406 MY 2012 vehicles.The 14 VOQs identified in the PE14-022 opening resume involve 13 vehicles with 3.6L V6 engines and 1 vehicle with unknown engine (no VIN provided).In an October 7, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler described a safety defect condition that could result in rapid alternator failure having limited or no detection in approximately 434,581 MY 2011 through 2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines and 160 amp alternators (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-634, Chrysler P60).The subject alternators are used in vehicles equipped with 3.6L V6 engines and without towing packages.According to Chrysler, the silicone diodes in the alternator rectifier bridge may experience thermal fatigue due to cyclic loading from the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) system, eventually resulting in no output, reduced output, or a fully shorted to ground condition.These failure modes vary in their time to failure and warning to the driver.Depending on the failure mode and timing, system voltage may drop to critically low levels, disabling systems such as the Anti-lock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control, Engine Control Module/Central Body Controller, or a total vehicle electrical system shut down (in the event of a short to ground failure mode).Analysis of complaints to ODI and Chrysler identified a total of 146 incidents of alternator failure resulting in engine stall while driving in MY 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles, including 142 involving vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 engines (1.6 IPTV) that were included in 14V-634 and 4 involving vehicles with 5.7L V8 engines (0.1 IPTV), which are equipped with different alternators.Analysis of all alternator failure complaints found that approximately 48 percent of VOQs and 21 percent of Chrysler complaints involved allegations of engine stall.Many (98) complaints reported fire and/or smoke, but analysis of these determined that they involved thermal damage to the alternator diode and did not identify any incidents involving damage beyond the alternator assembly.One VOQ identified in the opening resume for PE14-022 alleged a crash, but further evaluation determined that this involved a minor rear-end impact with slight bumper damage.This investigation is closed based on Chrysler's decision to conduct a safety recall.The VOQs associated with this investigation are:10641479,10641366,10641349,10642017,10640770,10640687,10640553,10639692,10638810,10638356,10638175,10638143,10637460,10633806,10633304,10632943,10632006,10631704,10631613,10631420,10631088,10630991,10630854,10630844,10630108,10629623,10629603,10628228,10628150,10627941,10627342,10626452,10626254,10625962,10622385,10622340,10621603,10620961,10619481,10618950,10618948,10618539,10618476,10618334,10618081,10618107,10616834,10616461,10616456,10615754,10615719,10606580,10605090,10604958,10597295,10592085,10588675,10587141,10562463,10559730,10511407

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATORLed to recall 14V634000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsEngineVisibility
Filed Jul 17, 2026

There has been numerous issues that affected my safety while driving and had to make costly repairs and replacements while on going. Alternator and serpentine belt broke out and all my coolant leaked out. had to stop in the middle of the street several Times by force having the abs, check engine light turn on having to turn the car off. Transmission shifter was so faulty I couldn’t pull out of park needing to replace it. Air leaks in the engine, electrical surges effecting headlights low beams I can’t see anything at night, dashboard and radio. The windows are has so much glare from sun light to other cars at night I almost cannot see ahead of me almost blinding me. The car constantly over heated. I’ve changed the battery, exhaust pipes, put breaks on it, ignition coils upper and lower intakes manifold but still proceeds to present me with a check engine light needing to unplug my battery to recent the car which turns off my eco system. Gas consumption is little to much at times The air bags light in the dashboard usually turn on constantly when adjusting the driver and passenger seat.

NHTSA ID
11750982
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Airbags
Filed Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS alarm activated, and there was a short circuit in the front passenger’s side air bag. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V018000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a short circuit in the front passenger’s side air bag. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11750879
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Mileage
77,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 13, 2026

Manufacturer failed to provide an adequate remedy for Safety Recall 17V-435 (T36). On 09/12/2018, the dealer "inspected" the 180-AMP alternator (Part 4801833AB) and cleared it as safe. On 09/25/2019, this exact component suffered a total fatigue failure, causing a "no-start" condition and electrical collapse. Safety Risk: This vehicle is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). The alternator failure poses a risk of sudden loss of power steering assist and engine stall, which are the primary safety hazards identified in 17V-435. Regulatory Issue: FCA (Stellantis) has denied reimbursement for the repair by incorrectly citing "Basic Warranty Expiration," which is a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety recalls do not expire). Furthermore, FCA claims the part is "not covered," despite the dealer invoice identifying it as the 180-AMP unit central to the T36 recall. I am requesting an ODI review of the adequacy of the "inspection-only" remedy for this VIN.

NHTSA ID
11737718
Incident
Sep 12, 2018
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 16, 2026

The Anti-Lock Brake module has prematurely failed in the vehicle. The dealership can and will inspect the fault but they will say they are not trained or authorizes to fix the module. I was directed to an ABS module rebuilder and was simply told by the rebuilder that they could not fix it due to a computer chip shortage. The problem has been reproduced many times as seen with the RAM truck recalls on their anti-lock brake modules. The component has not been inspected. There is active warning lights as shown in the picture below. Ive spun out in the rain multiple times at less than 30mph due to the ABS module not activating traction control. It is extremely dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11711543
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the transmission fluid and the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11671553
Incident
May 9, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 26, 2025

My display screen went completely black. The blind spot warning system does not work at all as well when the display screen went black. It's completely unresponsive, no navigation, radio, entertainment anything. The a/c is on full blast as if it's on defrost as well. And the language for the car went into German for some reason I have no idea why. It was working completely fine this morning when it happened and when I went to turn on the car it stopped working completely.

NHTSA ID
11656966
Incident
Apr 26, 2025
Airbags
Filed Feb 16, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was traveling at 35 MPH when a bright light blinded me in drivers window, assuming I was about to get T-boned, I pulled hard to the right, went over a curb, and hit an electrical pole. The front air bags all deployed, including the one by my knees. Getting out of the vehicle, I could see approximately 2" of bone exposed on both shins. It looked like my shins got hit with grenades. I located my phone on the drivers side floor, underneath the remains of the knee airbag. I was taken to the closest trauma hospital and spent 5 days there. I have undergone 5 surgeries on both legs, received multiple blood transfusions in order to have surgery (due to blood loss at the scene), surgery involved removing debris multiple times, and have had artificial skin graphs as well as skin graphs taken from two sites on my right thigh (during the 5th surgery). I have been unable to drive and must have a responsible adult living with me during my recovery. I have been unable to work. I had no broken bones or internal injuries, but extensive damage to my lower legs, nonetheless. Police reports were taken at the scene by Debary, Florida/Volusia county officers. Photographs of my shins were take by the plastic surgeon called while I was in the ER. Full body xrays/scans were also taken.

NHTSA ID
11572348
Incident
Oct 20, 2023
ElectricalSteeringVisibility
Filed Jul 22, 2023

Car stalled and was hot and battery light turned on.

NHTSA ID
11533841
Incident
Jul 18, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

108463

SERVICE BRAKES

PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE

108464

SERVICE BRAKES

PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

9100196

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

0815223

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Fuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. This bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Charger by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000
2026100
2025000
2024100
2023262059.4
2022133065.0
2021322051.5
2020573063.8
20191205161.6
20181226155.1
20171274155.1
20161826158.7
20151358259.6
201434310263.9
20133598262.4
201264814364.1
2011Viewing69411263.6
20102326158.2
20091746257.2
20086095258.8
20075545458.6
20061,2935455.9
2005002
2001300
1987021
1986031
1985230
1984120
1983010
1978010
1977020
1976020
1975020
1974010
1973070
1972020
1971050
1970110
1968050
1967030
1966020

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.