2013 Dodge Charger Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Charger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical16736.5%
- Engine5211.4%
- Powertrain (other)4610.1%
- Driver assistance419.0%
- Airbags408.8%
- Steering306.6%
- Brakes163.5%
- Seat belts143.1%
- Fuel system102.2%
- Body & structure102.2%
- Suspension92.0%
- Other / unspecified71.5%
- Interior & seats61.3%
- Visibility51.1%
- Transmission20.4%
- Exterior lighting20.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which are the ABS, Break, and FCW. Went to Advance Auto Parts to check code, and it was C2200-49. Took to dealership and paid $200+ to learn the same. They quoted $1955 alone for the ABS Control Module because the part was discontinued by Mopar in 2025. Took to an independent shop for a recheck, and they confirmed they could not fix it because they couldn’t guarantee an added part would work since they were discontinued. I haven’t driven the vehicle for a month, and I’m wary of buying a remanufactured part on eBay. I researched and found the code is a processor failure pandemic on 2011-2014 models, and there was a massive national level backorder even before the part was discontinued. Mopar & Dodge need to make this right with a safety recall. My research shows it is unsafe to drive! Please help!! A recall was issued for Dodge Ram Trucks! 2013 Dodge Charger SXT with adaptive cruise control should be added. Thank you for your time!
The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my wheel is locked up causing my car to not move at all and brake pedal has no pressure.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents and injuries. It's a standard safety feature in most modern vehicles, including the Dodge Charger. Here's what it's intended to do: When the vehicle is shifted out of Park (P) and the transmission is not fully engaged, the system will display a "Vehicle Not in Park" warning message on the dashboard. This message is triggered by the vehicle's Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which monitors the vehicle's gear position and transmission status. The purpose of this warning is to alert the driver that the vehicle is not properly secured and may roll or move unexpectedly, potentially causing an accident or injury. This can happen when: The parking brake is not engaged: If the parking brake is not fully engaged or is released before shifting into gear, the system will detect this and display the warning message. The transmission is not fully engaged: If the transmission is not fully engaged in gear, such as when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive, the system will detect this and display the warning message. The vehicle is not properly positioned: If the vehicle is not properly positioned on a level surface or on a slope, the system may detect this and display the warning message. To resolve the "Vehicle Not in Park" issue on your Dodge Charger: Ensure the parking brake is fully engaged. Check that the transmission is fully engaged in gear (e.g., Park, Reverse, Drive). Make sure the vehicle is properly positioned on a level surface or adjust it to a flat surface. The car is in park but will not turn off instead it runs until it decides it wants to turn off which can take several hours. This is a safety concern and issue that needs to resolved we pay to much money on these vehicles to deal with crappy problems due to bad mechanical issues and features
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that the vehicle was driven to his place of business; however, upon arrival the vehicle was smoking with an abnormally strong fuel odor. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the fuel pump was dry, and fuel was leaking onto the ground from the side of the fuel tank. The contact stated that upon removal of the exhaust, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that when the muffler was removed, there was fuel pouring out of the muffler. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a hole in the heat shield and the fuel tank. The contact stated that the vehicle had two mufflers and no resonators installed. The contact stated that the fuel tank, muffler, exhaust pipe, and heat shield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,237.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power train, transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in park. The vehicle has been inspected. There are warning lights. They appeared 02/29/2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop light, the brake pedal was released and the accelerator pedal was depressed to make a left turn however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the output shaft had failed, and the transmission and transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V610000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which are the ABS, Break, and FCW. Went to Advance Auto Parts to check code, and it was C2200-49. Took to dealership and paid $200+ to learn the same. They quoted $1955 alone for the ABS Control Module because the part was discontinued by Mopar in 2025. Took to an independent shop for a recheck, and they confirmed they could not fix it because they couldn’t guarantee an added part would work since they were discontinued. I haven’t driven the vehicle for a month, and I’m wary of buying a remanufactured part on eBay. I researched and found the code is a processor failure pandemic on 2011-2014 models, and there was a massive national level backorder even before the part was discontinued. Mopar & Dodge need to make this right with a safety recall. My research shows it is unsafe to drive! Please help!! A recall was issued for Dodge Ram Trucks! 2013 Dodge Charger SXT with adaptive cruise control should be added. Thank you for your time!
The abs module lights came on and is not functioning properly. I contacted the dealership and the part has been on back order for years. The abs light, traction, and brake light is on simultaneously. Subsequently my wheel is locked up causing my car to not move at all and brake pedal has no pressure.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
There’s a recall on 11 part on my vehicle
Power train, transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in park. The vehicle has been inspected. There are warning lights. They appeared 02/29/2024
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'm driving mi dogde hard steering
While driving the vehicle the steering became very difficult, to the point I could not control my car and had to pull over. The steering seem to have locked up while driving. I had it towed to auto repair shop which I was advised I had to change the power steering pump. That's not in my budget.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which are the ABS, Break, and FCW. Went to Advance Auto Parts to check code, and it was C2200-49. Took to dealership and paid $200+ to learn the same. They quoted $1955 alone for the ABS Control Module because the part was discontinued by Mopar in 2025. Took to an independent shop for a recheck, and they confirmed they could not fix it because they couldn’t guarantee an added part would work since they were discontinued. I haven’t driven the vehicle for a month, and I’m wary of buying a remanufactured part on eBay. I researched and found the code is a processor failure pandemic on 2011-2014 models, and there was a massive national level backorder even before the part was discontinued. Mopar & Dodge need to make this right with a safety recall. My research shows it is unsafe to drive! Please help!! A recall was issued for Dodge Ram Trucks! 2013 Dodge Charger SXT with adaptive cruise control should be added. Thank you for your time!
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While attempting to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal became firm. To avoid crashing with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered out of the lane and the parking brake independently activated and the vehicle jerked to a stop with the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder and was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with brake booster failure and informed the contact that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drivers Seat Belt will not latch. ASME certified mechanic cannot repair it. Dangerous for drivers, Illegal in the USA to drive without a seatbelt and not covered by any Dodge/Chrysler/Mopar Warranties or recalls. The cost for the part alone is $364. Manufacturer Customer Service was not helpful. Parts are not readily available. Please help!
DRIVER SEAT BELT LATCH DIFFICULT TO DISENGAGE COMPLETELY. ONLY WAY TO DISENGAGE IS BY JAMMING THE LATCH IN, WITH FORCE, WHILE HOLDING THE PUSH BUTTON DOWN. THIS ALLOWS LATCH TO FULLY ENGAGE, AND RETRY THE PUSH BUTTON. THREE TO FIVE ATTEMPTS WILL RELEASE LATCH MECHANISM. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY PROBLEM FIRST STARTED DECEMBER 2016. STILL AWAITING RESPONSE.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle: 2013 Dodge Charger R/T I’m reaching out because my car has been showing signs that seem to match the symptoms of the V62 recall that FCA issued for the fuel pump relay issue. I have a 2013 Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7L HEMI engine. Lately, the car has been having trouble starting, especially after it’s been driven and sits in the heat. Sometimes it cranks but won’t turn over, and other times it randomly dies or stalls when I’m coming to a stop. It recently sat for a couple of days and then started again like nothing happened. This keeps happening on and off, and I’ve noticed it’s worse when it’s really hot outside or after it’s been driving a lot I took it to the dealership and they said my specific VIN isn’t part of the recall, but I wanted to report this because it really seems like the same issue. From what I’ve read, the V62 recall had to do with a faulty fuel pump relay that’s built into the TIPM and causes exactly these kinds of problems. I understand not all vehicles were included, but since I’m having the same symptoms and my car matches the year, make, and engine that recall applied to, I think it’s something that should be looked into. I’d really appreciate it if this could be reviewed. I just want to make sure my vehicle is safe and functioning properly, especially since the stalling can be risky depending on where and when it happens.
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that the vehicle was driven to his place of business; however, upon arrival the vehicle was smoking with an abnormally strong fuel odor. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the fuel pump was dry, and fuel was leaking onto the ground from the side of the fuel tank. The contact stated that upon removal of the exhaust, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that when the muffler was removed, there was fuel pouring out of the muffler. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a hole in the heat shield and the fuel tank. The contact stated that the vehicle had two mufflers and no resonators installed. The contact stated that the fuel tank, muffler, exhaust pipe, and heat shield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,237.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
BODY TRUNK LATCHING OPERATION FAILURE VEHICLE STATIONARY TRUNK RELEASE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. MOTOR IS STILL MAKING OPERATIONAL SOUNDS, WITHOUT ANY ACTION TO OPEN/RELEASE TRUNK. 2013 DODGE CHARGER
THE TRUNK KEPT OPENING ON IT'S OWN, WITHOUT THE KEY FOB ANYWHERE NEAR IT. I GOOGLED THE ISSUE AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE CHARGER AND CHALLENGER MODELS YET THE DEALERSHIP HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. IT WAS 199.00 BEFORE TAX FOR PARTS AND LABOR FOR A NEW TRUNK SENSOR. THE SCARY PART IS THAT IT OPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION BACKING UP AS WELL.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAMBER SETTINGS ARE NOT CORRECT AND THEY ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE YOU HAVE TO BUY A REPLACEMENT CAMBER KIT TO ADJUST CAMBER TO PREVENT TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE THIS IS NOT NOTICEABLE TO SOMEONE JUST LOOKING AT THE TIRE WITHOUT GETTING UNDERNEATH THE CAR THIS CAUSES YOU TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES WAY BEFORE YOU NEED TO.
THE STEERING STARTED GRABBING AND SQEALING AROUND 81K MILES WHEN I TURN. SOMETIMES IT WOULD BECOME VERY HARD TO CONTROL WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN SUCH AS AT RED LIGHTS OR IN A DRIVE THRU. NO LIGHTS OR SENSORS EVER CAME ON. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE THERE ARE SEVERAL 2013 DODGE CHARGERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE TO HAVE REPAIRED. I OPTED TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT I FEEL THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. I HAD THE GEAR RACK AND PINION AND POWER PUMP REPLACED.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light illuminated, and the speed decelerated to approximately 5-15 MPH. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would operate normally however, the failure would recur. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.
THE CAMBER SETTINGS ARE NOT CORRECT AND THEY ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE YOU HAVE TO BUY A REPLACEMENT CAMBER KIT TO ADJUST CAMBER TO PREVENT TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE THIS IS NOT NOTICEABLE TO SOMEONE JUST LOOKING AT THE TIRE WITHOUT GETTING UNDERNEATH THE CAR THIS CAUSES YOU TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES WAY BEFORE YOU NEED TO.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, CRUISE CONTROL TURNED OFF, ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THEN CHECK ENGINE CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE. I AM THINKING A FAULTY ALTERNATOR. NEEDS TO BE ON RECALL FOR ALTERNATORS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS UNLOCKED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BACK UP CAMERA IS INTERMITTENT
WIPERS CAME ON BY IT'S SELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND WILL NOT GO OFF I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE FUSE OUT JUS TO GET THEM OFF AND PLACE IT BACK IN WHEN IT'S RAIN IT HAS ALSO HAPPEN TO A DODGE JOURNEY THAT SOME ONE OWNS IN MY FAMILY ALSO PLEASE FIX THE PROBLEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The shifter module that was replaced under recall S27/NHTSA 16V-240 in August of 2016 started shifting itself into sport mode automatically and without warning in November of 2022. I took my car to James River Chrysler Dodge in Ozark, Mo in November to have the shifter module replaced. The dealership could not find a new Mopar shifter module because Chrysler stopped making them. There is no after market shifter modules available for this specific shifter module so James River Chrysler placed a used shifter module in my car. The used shifter module is automatically shifting the car into a lower sports mode gear without warning also which is a safety hazard for me, my family, and other individuals who are traveling in a proximity around me. I cannot purchase a new Mopar or after market shifter module for my car because no one is manufacturing this part. I want to report this safety hazard because there are numerous Dodge Chargers on the road that will potentially have the same situation as me in the very near future. Can Chrysler be held accountable to manufacture the shifter module to keep everyone safe on the roads? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION CHRYSLER (LOCATED AT 23820 CREEKSIDE RD, VALENCIA, CA 91355) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM WAS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCANNER. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY NEEDED MORE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE SERVICE ADVISER DEPARTMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,540.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED CONDENSATION AND WATER BUILT UP AROUND THE HEADLIGHT LENS WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAN THE LENS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO LEAVE THE HIGH BEAMS ON FOR THIRTY MINUTES IN ORDER TO CLEAR THE CONDENSATION . THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT UNIT BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500. UPDATED 05/12/2014*LJ
HEADLIGHT DEFECT. BRAND NEW VEHICLE. DRIVERS SIDE HIGH BEAM MUCH TOO HIGH. HIGH BEAM ONLY SERVES TO LIGHT TREES IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN USED. REPORTED TO SELLING DEALER, AND LEFT CAR FOR SERVICE. SERVICE WRITER STATED THAT THEY HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. BY "ADJUSTING THE HIGH BEAM". AFTER PICKING VEHICLE UP, AND TESTING THE HEADLIGHTS, I FOUND THAT WHAT HAD BEEN DONE IS ADJUSTING THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT DOWN SUCH THAT THE LOW BEAM WAS UNUSABLE. IN EFFECT, WHAT THEY HAD DONE WAS ADJUSTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT SO THAT THE HEIGHT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BEAM MATCHED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HIGH BEAM. I RETURNED TO THE SERVICING DEALER, AND SHOWED THEM PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LIGHT PATTERNS RESULTING FROM THEIR ADJUSTMENTS. THEY WERE AT A LOSS AS TO HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY STATE THAT THEY HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN AN EFFORT TO GET PERMISSION TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. UPON LAST CHECKING WITH DEALER, MANUFACTURER HAD NOT GIVEN PERMISSION TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET SHOW OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE TYPE. IT APPARENTLY CAN AFFECT EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .