Problems · by component

2011 Dodge Charger electrical system problems

395 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Charger cite electrical system, 57% of all 695 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
395
57% of all complaints
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
46
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2026Electrical systemODI 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11711543
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 26, 2025Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11656966
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2022Electrical system, Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11487369
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2022Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11475931
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2022Electrical systemODI 11469974

Showing 6 of 395 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Electrical system: alternator

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Jul 10, 2017NHTSA 17V435000

Electrical system: alternator

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Electrical systemReported Oct 8, 2014NHTSA 14V634000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.