Is low-beam headlight failure while driving a known issue with the 2011 Dodge Charger?

38 NHTSA complaints have been filed about low-beam headlight failure while driving on the 2011 Dodge Charger (2016-10 → 2023-04). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10915873): "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED" Source: NHTSA.

Is alternator failure causing stall or fire a known issue with the 2011 Dodge Charger?

45 NHTSA complaints have been filed about alternator failure causing stall or fire on the 2011 Dodge Charger (2016-09 → 2026-05). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10905745): "CAR DIED AT INTERSECTION WITH ALMOST NO WARNING. LOST ALL POWER WITH IN 1 MIN OF STALL. ALTERNATOR IS FRIED. CAME TO A STOP AND WITHIN 30 SECONDS A BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID "BATTERY SAVER MODE". BELLS STARTED TO DING AND THE WIPERS TURNED ON" Source: NHTSA.

Is fuel pump leak under rear seat a known issue with the 2011 Dodge Charger?

41 NHTSA complaints have been filed about fuel pump leak under rear seat on the 2011 Dodge Charger (2016-09 → 2023-01). Reported component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10908558): "AS I APPROACHED MY CAR THERE WAS A HEAVY ODOR OF FUEL. THE NEXT MORNING UNDER THE BACK RIGHT TIRE THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL. I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT AND UNDER THE COVER THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON TOP OF THE PLASTIC OF THE GAS TANK" Source: NHTSA.

Is camshaft and lifter failure causing power loss a known issue with the 2011 Dodge Charger?

16 NHTSA complaints have been filed about camshaft and lifter failure causing power loss on the 2011 Dodge Charger (2017-10 → 2023-02). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11151859): "THE CAR BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE, MISFIRE, AND LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 75000 MILES HAS FAILED LIFTERS AND A BAD CAMSHAFT" Source: NHTSA.

2011 Dodge Charger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is airbag warning light and recall repair delays a known issue with the 2011 Dodge Charger?

17 NHTSA complaints have been filed about airbag warning light and recall repair delays on the 2011 Dodge Charger (2016-11 → 2026-07). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10923764): "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR" Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Dodge Charger carries 11 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and alternator/generator/regulator. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Low-beam headlight failure while driving.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

11 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V018000 · Jan 15, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #17V435000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V021000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #15V467000 · Jul 27, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #14V101000 · Apr 3, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V352000 · May 24, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #16V043000 · Jan 28, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #13V118000 · Mar 4, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #12V042000 · Jul 2, 2012

Issue: 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.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V634000 · Aug 10, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #12V197000 · Feb 5, 2012

Issue: 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.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Dodge Charger.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Low-beam headlight failure while driving

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

38 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2023-04

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915873

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM WILL COME ON THEN GO OFF. AFTER AWHILE IT COMES BACK ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN GOES OUT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE CAN BE SITTING RUNNING OR GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND WILL DO THE SAME THING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307085

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515162

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alternator failure causing stall or fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

45 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2026-05

“CAR DIED AT INTERSECTION WITH ALMOST NO WARNING. LOST ALL POWER WITH IN 1 MIN OF STALL. ALTERNATOR IS FRIED. CAME TO A STOP AND WITHIN 30 SECONDS A BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID "BATTERY SAVER MODE". BELLS STARTED TO DING AND THE WIPERS TURNED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905745

“ALTERNATOR FAILED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WITH A CHILD AS PASSENGER, APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES AND 1 MILE FROM HOME, RESULTING IN A FIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER PULLING OVER. FIRE OCCURRED AFTER VEHICLE STOPPED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924386

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V435000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072670

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump leak under rear seat

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

41 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2023-01

“AS I APPROACHED MY CAR THERE WAS A HEAVY ODOR OF FUEL. THE NEXT MORNING UNDER THE BACK RIGHT TIRE THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL. I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT AND UNDER THE COVER THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON TOP OF THE PLASTIC OF THE GAS TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908558

“STRONG FUEL ORDER WHEN FILL GAS TANK. I LOOKED ONLINE IT LOOKS LIKE A COMMON ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SOMEONE'S GOING TO GET KILLED IF IT HASN'T HAPPENED ALREADY. THE GAS LEAKS OUT AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT LOCATED UNDER REAR SEAT ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142103

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502934

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and recall repair delays

AIR BAGS

17 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2026-07

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10923764

“TAKATA RECALL ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBACK HAS BEEN OPEN FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW, VIN LOOKUP SHOWS SINCE MAY 2016. NO PARTS AND NO REMEDY AVAILABLE, HAVE CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949833

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750879

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Camshaft and lifter failure causing power loss

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2023-02

“THE CAR BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE, MISFIRE, AND LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 75000 MILES HAS FAILED LIFTERS AND A BAD CAMSHAFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151859

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507788

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS IM DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 70MPH AND MY CAR GOES INTO "LIMP" MODE WHICH COULD OF CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CYLINDER 5 MISFIRE IS THE DIAGNOSIS AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

67 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Dodge Charger reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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