2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV Engine Problems

I am filing this complaint due to repeated and dangerous electrical and hybrid system failures in my 2024 Dodge Hornet, which have resulted in sudden loss of acceleration, loss of braking performance, dashboard warning lights, and system malfunctions while driving. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times at Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram with the following documented incidents: • Check engine light and loss of acceleration on highway – Vehicle would not accelerate while driving on the highway. • Repeated highway loss of power – Vehicle drops speed while driving and will not accelerate, requiring me to pull over and shut the vehicle off to regain acceleration. • Battery/Hybrid system malfunction – Vehicle experienced abnormal battery percentage drops and required multiple software flashes and reprogramming of PCM, hybrid control processor, and transmission control modules. • Grinding noise from engine with complete loss of acceleration – Vehicle had to be towed. Dealer found active hybrid generator performance code (P0A92). The motor generator unit (MGU) was found to have failed and required replacement. • All dashboard warning lights illuminated / Drive mode unavailable message – Vehicle would not accelerate and multiple control modules required flashing and updates. • Brake pedal went soft – Loss of normal brake pedal feel was reported. • Electrical communication faults – Stored codes for lost communication with AC compressor control module and cabin air heater module. • Frozen backup camera (intermittent issue not always replicated at dealer) – Rearview camera screen has frozen while reversing, creating risk of collision. The most serious safety concern is the repeated loss of acceleration while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to pull over in active traffic. Additionally, the soft brake pedal and electronic failures raise concerns about braking reliability. These failures create a serious risk of crash or injury to myself and others.

NHTSA ID

11718854

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

I purchased a 2024 dodge hornet RT February of 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I now have had issues where my breaks are screeching so loud that it is heard from my camera inside my house and blocks over from my street. I tried to address this issue with the Sterling Kunes location and they said nothing is wrong and offered to put a desqeak on it and they never did when they fixed my recalled screen. I also contacted the Belvidere Kunes location to get my car in because my car would randomly shut off when parked when I pick up my child from school. I told them it was a severe safety concern and it has been 2 months with no call from the Belvidere, IL location to get my car seen! Now my fuel door is randomly opening on its own. The dealerships will not help me and I have the numbers saved to show how many times I have tried to call them! Receipts of taking it in! And no one is doing anything. When I try to break, sometimes my car speeds up rather than breaking like it should and I then have to put my car in sport mode to get my car to slow down faster before an accident is caused. I have children! And no dealership is willing to fix these issues!

NHTSA ID

11700625

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

Upon purchasing the vehicle on September 26th, 2024, my brand new Dodge hornet started experiencing critical failures between the gas engine, the hybrid electrical system, and various safety features in the vehicle. At just 1,800 miles, the vehicles auxiliary coolant pump needed to be replaced along with several other components within that system. The vehicle was at the dealership for 2 months for the repair. Shortly after that, there is electrical systems started to malfunction including the blind spot monitoring system and other safety features. A few months ago, the entire engine blew and needed to be replaced. It was in the shop for over a month for that and the day after I got the vehicle back, it experienced more electrical failures causing the car to brick. The car has been in the shop for a few weeks now with no root cause provided. This vehicle, meets all of the Lemon Law criteria. Also, just a few days before the electrical system failed, the headlights went out while I was driving at night. This was actually the second time this happened. The dealership said they couldn't find any issues the first time but I am waiting to hear what they discover with it now. With the headlights shutting off in the middle of the night, I was unable to see the road ahead of me and almost crashed into a car in front of me. All of these issues have put my son, my friends and myself in danger. Dodge has been having consistent problems with their electric vehicles including their plug-in hybrids over the past 2 years and many of them are still sitting in dealerships bricked. Various recalls have already been issued for the Hornet although none seem to pertain to the powertrain or the hybrid system

NHTSA ID

11690969

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Hello, I have had major electrical, battery & computer issues with my vehicle. I never know if my vehicle will turn on or not after I park it. The vehicle has been to the dealership three separate times. Each time the battery has been replaced. The computer has been re-flashed/programmed multiple times. The navigation screen has gone blank and shut off on me while driving locally and on the highways causing a safety issue when I am trying to navigate safely. The check engine light and “low power mode” comes on constantly causing the vehicle not to function properly. There are other issues as well. My vehicle is currently at the dealership after the battery had to be replaced a fourth time. I can forward and send all repair records. I have the last three records and am waiting for the most recent repair record, I have to pick up the vehicle again first. Can someone please contact me at [XXX]? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11664637

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

Back when I bought this vehicle in November, I noticed an excessively loud noise when breaking. This noise takes place when it’s cold and or wet (snow makes it worse). I have contacted 2 Dodge dealership and both claim nothing is wrong. After months of hearing this horrific sound when it’s cold and or wet, I contacted Dodge themselves to get this resolved. Dodge has the absolute worst customer service and finally after 3 weeks, have agreed to have my car looked at by a Dodge tech. Dropped my car off yesterday at the dealership and Dodge just reported to me today, they are unable to replicate the sound (it’s not cold or wet). I advised them multiple times via phone and at drop off yesterday that the sound cannot be replicated unless it’s cold and or wet out. Needless to say, they are trying to give me a vehicle back when the breaks sound like they are going out during those times and squealing extremely loud! For a brand new vehicle! This is a HUGE safety concern and I have 2 kids under 3 that ride in this car. The contact called to informed her front and rear brakes and rotors seized to function.

NHTSA ID

11646528

Incident

Mar 5, 2025

I leased a 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T from Island Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Staten Island on [XXX] The day after I leased it multiple lights including the check engine light came on and the vehicle has electrical malfunctions. After 16-17 service visits the vehicle still does not work to this day and I am still having drivability issues. I have been stranded on [XXX] multiple times as well as broken down in the middle of the road on separate occasions. It has been in service for over 140 days throughout the months on 2024 and I am still waiting for my next service visit a year later. Dodge corporate office has refused to repurchase the vehicle back from me more than 5 times already. They keep giving me broken vehicle back. I even tried to get a lemon law attorney but Dodge corporate office has also denied a repurchase of the vehicle to them as well. They only offered a small settlement to continue my lease even though the vehicle still has issues. This has effected my mental health from fear of driving and has put my life at risk many times during vehicle engine and electrical failures. This vehicle is not safe and they wont take it back. It has also effected my work life due to me not always being able to drive in to work. I am drowning in nerves, frustration and fear that one day this vehicle can cause me to lose my life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11636205

Incident

Jan 16, 2025

At 3,700 miles, check engine light came on; went to the dealership; diagnosed as Auxiliary Waterpump; Waterpump was leaking coolant. Vehicle sat at the dealership from Oct 1 until Nov 1 2024. Vehicle is still losing coolant. Taking to a different dealership tomorrow.

NHTSA ID

11627114

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

on 07/29/2024 while driving in heavy rain, the entire instrument panel went completely dark. Re-illuminated when car was started on 07/30/2024. On 07/31/2024 at moment car came to full stop in parking spot, the car SELF-ACCELERATED, while brake was still applied, and CRASHED into concrete block supporting a street lamp. 3 young children were in car with adult driver. No injuries to children. Driver suffered contusions not requiring medical attention. Air bag did not deploy because crash was low speed. Vehicle is being repaired by AVIS and SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED INTO AVIS INVENTORY OR SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED!!!

NHTSA ID

11611635

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

Battery died twice on 2 separate occasions since the day car was received on 1/17. Car was ‘serviced’ after the first time battery died, but this morning I could not get it to turn on again. This car has been giving me nothing but issues and I haven’t had it for a month yet.

NHTSA ID

11569610

Incident

Jan 19, 2024