What 692 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Charger

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 ODI 11737718

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 ODI 11711543

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 ODI 11671553

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 ODI 11656966

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 ODI 11572348

Car stalled and was hot and battery light turned on.

NHTSA ODI 11533841

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front headlamps failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front headlamp bulbs and ballasts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515162

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507788

Tensioner guide for timing

NHTSA ODI 11507711

Dealer or independent service center unable to repair mandatory national recall.

NHTSA ODI 11506492

I just bought the car, a 2011 Charger R/T AWD, and drove it home approx.400 km. I filled the fueltank full when coming home, and left the car still for 2 days now. I have been smelling a strong gas odor on the especially when the tank is full. Today while parked in my driveway I noticed a puddle of gas under the car too. The puddle was under the right rear seat. I haven't been able to take a look, as it is minus 20 degree here now and for the next week. Even if I noticed this just reasontly, this problem has been a while Hopefully this will be a matter the dealership can handle, as I can tell it is a worldwide issue I hope that the car being in Norway doesn't make it an issue, as it is just as dangerous problem here. Hopefully this can be dealth with befora any accidents happen.

NHTSA ODI 11502934

Both low headlights went out while driving at night. I have changed the bulbs out multiple times and the continue to blow out.

NHTSA ODI 11490706

In 2015 I had issues with the seat belt alarm on the vehicle going off, stating that passenger and driver seatbelts weren’t buckled. I would get a airbag flashing light stating per manual that the airbags were not activated. Fast forward to July 2015, I had gotten a recall letter for a orc (occupant Restraint module) which affects airbags and seatbelts. I brought in the car to get it fixed per recall. Fast forward to about 2 years later, the same issue had occurred. Airbag light would still pop up and stating that seats belt in the car wasn’t engaged. Brought it in to get it checked out at a local mechanic shop, they couldn’t fix it and stated I need to go to the dealership. They noted that it was affected by the recall of the orc module. Brought in the car to Cutter dodge In pearl city Oahu and they fixed it, at this time I was still covered by warranty. Fast forward to around 2019 I moved to Maui, the same exact issue occurred. Brought it into my friends mechanic shop and he had said the same thing that it’s an ORC module and to bring it to Jim falk dodge in Kahului. Explained to them the issue and they said that they need to replace the OrC module for over $700. I explained to them that this is the same issue occurring with the recall. Why would I need to pay for a faulty recall fix which is affecting me and my families safety where the airbags won’t deploy in an accident which could cause death because the module in the recall wasn’t fixed properly the first time.

NHTSA ODI 11487369

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving, the driver-side headlight failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the headlight was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic but the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11478682

The low beam left front headlight keeps going out every few months. It burns out and when I replace the bulb the harness looks hot and frayed. I keep loosing visibility while driving at night. Dodge stated I need a new headlamp harness. There are no warning lights present.

NHTSA ODI 11475931

ABS Wiring had a recall and replaced but the ABS Module is now out Air Bag had a recall but now the air bag clock spring is out Fuel Pump had an extended warranty but is now out and fuel pump needs replaced Crank shaft main bearing seal needs rplaced for an oil leak but other parts have been replaced for an oil leak within the past month

NHTSA ODI 11473765

Was driving 60mph when car shut off driving down the highway. Alternator failed, had to have it towed. There are recalls already for this issue, but not on my model for some reason. My friend who owns is own shop looked at it today and will fix it on 6-21-2022

NHTSA ODI 11469974

The headlights, one or both, arbitrarily go out while driving at night.

NHTSA ODI 11452936

My son was coming home from BMW in Greer to gaffney .So he was driving down interstate that morning and it was very busy the car started to act up wouldn't go in gear he said it got worst couldn't get over and started praying cause the car started to slow down wouldn't go in gear.This is my Sun shine that was shot in Oct 102019 and graduate this year.My boy was so scare he call home to tell me hw love me.Now it's gonna cost $3.000 to fix that i don't have and he's gonna lose his job .im a so how mom I went to dodge place in Spartanburg I asked recalls i keep getting in mail and the gentlemen was rude..My son called home to ask me what does he do so here we are both scare I had to calm him down and talk him through just hearing my voice he said got him off interstate 85.Car is in shop now

NHTSA ODI 11429135

Front headlights go out randomly as the vehicle warms up. Appears to be related to the 2011/2012 headlamp recall 12V-042 but my vehicle is not coming up on the notification list. Loss of headlights decreases ability to see and increases the risk of an accident. No dash messages, no computer messages. Lamps work when initially turned on so vehicle hasn't failed any safety inspections. All obvious checks provide no possible reason for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11428208

I was involved in a fender bender on the highway and my airbag was deployed but the one at my feet came out so hard I think it that it projected something into my leg I assumed it was part of the takata airbag recall but now I've gone online and seen that my vehicle is not included in that recall and I'd like to know why because I really feel like these airbags injured me.

NHTSA ODI 11427318

The radiator fan blade broke off and hit the alternator creating a hole in it. The alternator lost all fluid and the car overheated. This happened on 2 different occasions before it became obvious that the radiator fan was the culprit and not the radiator itself. This is a safety issue because no dash lights were illuminated and the car could have severely overheated on the highway if it wasn't noticed. Mechanic inspected it and saw the fan blade caught in the hood.

NHTSA ODI 11425297

My vehicle has the symptoms listed in NHSTA 12V-042. The dealership would not complete the recall due to my VIN number not being included or my manufacture date not matching the dates. They directed me to email the NHSTA to get this resolved

NHTSA ODI 11420706

MY CAR FRONT HALOGEN LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT IN MOTION OR SITTING STILL ON ANY TYPE OF STREET. I HAVE TO TURN THEM OFF WAIT A MINUTE AND THEN TURN THEM BACK ON. WE HAVE SPENT THOUSAND OF DOLLARS AT THE DODGE HOUSE TO GET THIS FIXED AND THEY HAVE STATED THERE IS NOT RECALL IN PLACE AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE TO RUN THE FOG LIGHTS AT NIGHT JUST TO KEEP FROM WRECKING. THEY ASK ON ONE OF THE QUESTION, WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN. ITS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THE BLIND SPOT WARNING IS WORKING EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ALSO.

NHTSA ODI 11416519

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND FORWARD CRASH WARNING AND ABS BRAKING ALONG WITH ADAPTIVE ELECTRIC EYE FAILURE. IN MOTION FAILURE. ADAPTIVE EYE REPLACED A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO FAILED AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI 11390235