Carlexica

2011 Dodge Charger: problems, recalls and reliability

11 recalls and 694 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (42% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Jan 2019

11
recalls
694
owner complaints
64
fire reports
60,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Charger years (#2 of 20, age-adjusted)Weak spot: electrical system (42%)64 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 694 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)42% · 288 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)17% · 117 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)10% · 70 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)6% · 43 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6% · 39 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)3% · 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS alarm activated, and there was a short circuit in the front passenger's side air bag. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V018000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a short circuit in the front passenger's side air bag. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2026
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 report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 2026
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.Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
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 report · Lane Departure · Apr 2025
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.Owner report · Engine · Nov 2022
Both low headlights went out while driving at night. I have changed the bulbs out multiple times and the continue to blow out.Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Oct 2022
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.Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2022
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 report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2022
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 6-21-2022Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2022
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 monthOwner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2022

When filing, owners marked a crash in 25 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 11 campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR14V634000 · Oct 2014

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.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE16V352000 · May 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE12V197000 · May 2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS14V101000 · Mar 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps. In the affected vehicles, a sub-harness for the headlights may overheat and cause the low beam headlights to go out.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR17V435000 · Jul 2017

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.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW15V467000 · Jul 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE19V018000 · Jan 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE18V021000 · Jan 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

STRUCTURE16V043000 · Jan 2016

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE12V042000 · Feb 2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 and 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS OF SOME VEHICLES COULD FAIL DUE TO AN OVERHEATED BULB HARNESS CONNECTOR. OTHER VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP JUMPER HARNESSES AND RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE WITHIN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

AIR BAGS13V118000 · Apr 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive typeAWD/All-Wheel Drive

How other years compare

Check your exact Charger by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Charger reliable?

NHTSA has 694 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Dodge Charger. The most complained-about area is electrical system (42% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Charger problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.

Does the 2011 Dodge Charger have open recalls?

11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.