What 122 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Charger

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NHTSA ODI 11734829

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, there was an abnormal, repetitive thud sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wheel bearings were replaced; however, after the repair, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the driveshaft and had the part replaced by the mechanic. Despite the repair, the failure returned after exiting the highway. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V281000 (Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11717796

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the steering wheel turned independently in the unintended direction, and the contact had to pull the steering wheel back into the intended direction. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that sparks of fire were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while his family was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed drive shaft and hairline cracks in the transmission. The contact was informed that the drive shaft had detached and caused a hairline crack in the transmission. In addition, the contact was informed that the transfer case was leaking. The contact was informed that the transfer case and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under a recall. The contact referenced two unknown recalls, which had similar failures; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had previously been performed, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the recall repairs had been performed in 2018. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11709218

Back up camera not working. screen turns blue. tried resetting and had serviced. camera will not work. According to the Forum many others have the same issue

NHTSA ODI 11691946

The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.

NHTSA ODI 11690205

I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their systems giving issues programming since I still have not been able to have an operating key fob.

NHTSA ODI 11664835

The unconnected touch screen spazzes out and I am unable to use it. I can’t even turn it off and the light flashing from it affects my eyes while driving at night.

NHTSA ODI 11645097

The UConnect functions will not work and randomly initiates functions so it changes stations, adjusts heating/cooling, asks if I want to contact 911, etc. This is very distracting and unsafe. Most of these functions on the Uconnect inaccessible. The car began having intermittent problems in 2021 just after the "Warranty" expired. The dealer said it would cost about $2,200 to replace and Chrysler will not take responsibility. I see this issue is very common amongst other dodge owners. I am surprised there has not been a recall since it appears to be a common problem and it is unsafe. Been driving it over the past 2-3 years and it is totally non operable. I was hoping it would eventually be recalled. I keep same radio station on every tab so when it skips around, it at least stays on the same station. Only thing that works. If not recalled, Stellantis should at least bear some of the cost (not to make a profit) to assist in the replacement

NHTSA ODI 11643662

Center touchscreen delamination. This has caused the screen to function without intention by randomly changing settings which causes undesired use of the screen, distracted driving and an unsafe environment due to glue adhesive separation within the screen.

NHTSA ODI 11639028

Unknown . Nothing appeared and there was no warning. Should I have been warned? There was no warnings or anything to prevent me from crashing except to make the best decision possible and crash into a less dangerous position.

NHTSA ODI 11617422

My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a “Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel”

NHTSA ODI 11615856

The Uconnect screen in my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus began to delaminate, leading to unresponsiveness and phantom touches on the screen. This created a distraction while driving and impacted the use of essential vehicle controls, such as navigation, climate settings, and the backup camera was completely non-functioning. At the dealer I was initially quoted a price over $2,000 and I know from researching the internet many many many others have had this issue. I contacted both Chrysler and a local dealership. The dealership at my 2nd visit replaced the screen for free under a goodwill repair, and Chrysler also contacted me later promised to get the issue resolved if the dealership could not help me. I am reporting this issue because it is a significant defect that could affect the safety and functionality of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11614479

I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driver’s knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repair Details: Date of Repair: January 17, 2023 Description of repair from dealership: Trunk lights and dashboard indicator were non-functional, and no alert was provided when the trunk was left open. The latch was internally shorted, causing the malfunction. After the latch was replaced, the lights and notifications worked correctly, and the vehicle's safety functions returned to normal.

NHTSA ODI 11614487

uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as it’ll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldn’t call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving. It turns my heat up on high as well as my heated seat in the 100 degree weather. Changes my radio stations at a rapid rate and removes my backup camera and other features while I am driving.

NHTSA ODI 11607949

The transmission is completely out but the vehicle is fairly new. I saw that there is a recall on the transmission on some vehicles but I’m not sure if mine is on that list.

NHTSA ODI 11599215

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front driver and front passenger side door panels had started to detach from the door frames. The dealer was contacted about the failure and acknowledged that the door panel failure was a known issue; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the replacement of each door panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.

NHTSA ODI 11593912

uConnect system (stereo/radio) is ghost touching and is impairing my driving as it’ll automatically blast my A/C or heat , or worse calls people in my contacts list who I wouldn’t call.. causing me to worry more about my stereo/phone more than driving.

NHTSA ODI 11588506

The Uconnect system in my vehicle has been delaminating and has been causing several issues in my vehicle where the Blindspot detectors are not working properly and the back up camera is not working properly to notify me and alert me with whistles and chimes if a vehicle is driving behind me while I’m backing up or if a pedestrian is on my Blindspot crossing near my car. The Uconnect system in my vehicle is also causing issues where it is ghost touching and glitching my screen and clicking buttons I’m not clicking. Example trying to change the clock when I’m not clicking anything and when navigation is in, use the system clicks out of maps and starts clicking FM radio. It starts to change stations and put people on hold when I’m on voice connect over the vehicle. It will put someone on mute by itself mostly the fact that the camera is not functioning due to the Uconnect being connected with the vehicle and causing it to malfunction. I’m worried it will start to click on other settings in the vehicle. There are many reports with Dodge Jeep, Chrysler, and ram on all forums about this issue. I’ve notified the Dodge dealership and Uconnect and all the want to do is have me pay out of pocket for a new system that is $2000 not including labor . The uconnect system should be recalled from all vehicles from 2018-2023 .

NHTSA ODI 11583231

Rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11574340

Air bag service light came on without any incident or accident being involved.

NHTSA ODI 11562506

Head lights become inoperable. Dealer says its a common problem. $1,500 fix. Well known power issue. Heavily discuss on the internet. Temp fix is to replace fuses that ARE NOT BLOWN. They are melting in place causing non contact. I have never seen a fuse melt and not blow. Potential dangerous situation especially if you have the owners replacing with a higher rated fuse then what is called for. The manufacturer has 20 amp mini fuses in position 15 & 16 to protect the two circuits. One for each headlamp.

NHTSA ODI 11557901

My screen is delaminating and posing a risk for backing up and using the rear view camera. I am unable to use navigation which causes me to make wrong turns and struggle to get where I’m going as I have to hold my phone for navigation. This is very stressful as the screen touches things by itself. It makes calls during my drive so I struggle to end them before going through.

NHTSA ODI 11547850

Engine: Timing chain, valve rocker arms and valve lifters. All in sequence once the rocker arms went out with the lifters which is a common problem with dodge 3.6L PenStar engine it made my timing chain go off timing causing my engine to shut off while driving. Lighting: When vehicle was purchased i noticed condensation in both head lights got 1 replaced per warranty, they would not do both at same time and within 1 month moisture was in replaced headlight again. Dodge would not replace headlights even though the malfunction was not due to any wear and tear of mine. This is extremely unsafe for drivers if both headlights go out due to extreme amounts of condensation/moisture.

NHTSA ODI 11546279

Nothing on the computer screen works or if it works....there's no controlling it. It blows out cold air and then blows out hot air and it changes the radio stations on it's own. There is no controlling the radio or the a/c and heat. I really scared that this is just the tip of the iceberg. I have only had this vehicle about a year and I haven't been able to drive it hardly at all. Thankfully I have a Hyundai Genesis Coupe that I can depend on but it only goes in the summer time because it is a rear wheel drive car. My 2018 Dodge Charger GT AWD is at the garage at 1251 Good Hope Pike Clarksburg, WV 26301 I took the above car to them on [XXX] and it's still at their garage. Nice people that work there but I would like to have my AWD car before the snow starts flying. Country Club Chrysler Howard Moore is the Service Manager. Main Line 304-624-7611 Service Line 304-624-6082 hmoore@countryclubchrysler.com INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11537492

The electric steering rack failed. I was turning into a parking lot and suddenly there was no power steering. Luckily I had both hands on the wheel and was able to avoid an accident. A dash light came on at that time related to steering. My mechanic was able to pull the code. I was able to drive home. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have the EPS unit right now - but it is a Core and I have 14 days to return. Please let me know ASAP if you want me to keep it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of power steering without advanced notice. Old cars with power steering often make a "noise" prior to failure. Electric Power Steering like on my car doesn't provide advanced notice of issues. Also, failures of power steering at 57K miles are rare. But Dodge (Chrysler) have had prior NHTSA issues and recalls prior with EPS. Also, it seems like this may be a common issue - as there are almost no new parts available, no reman/aftermarket parts, and very difficult to find used. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No - out of warranty Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Nothing prior - but warning light after EPS failure.

NHTSA ODI 11532078