10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,520 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Dodge Challenger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2011 Dodge Challenger Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Jan 222015

Challenger

  • 52,707 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My wife an I were on the interstate when the first incident happened, running 70mph, the instrument panel blinked and all instruments went down the car shut down, there wasn't any electrical to anything. I guess being a manual, it started back up automatically. The second incident was when we were on our way home we decided to take a different way home because this had happened, it therefore happened again same problem but we were running 57. We stopped at a sonic shut the car off, when we started it back up it sound like it was starting out of time, the same thing happened to us again the closer we got home. The car is parked and has not been moved.

- Oak Grove, LA, USA

problem #31

Feb 042015

Challenger

  • 66,800 miles
When I was driving my music cut off and then my brake light and other lights such as the ones that come on when you initially start the car. They stayed on for about 2 minutes or so then the whole dashboard went off and then the whole vehicle shutdown.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #30

Jan 152015

Challenger

  • 55,000 miles
Just got through an intersection instrument panel all lights started flashing then car shut down could not steer had no hazard lights nothing it is part of a Chrysler recall was a very dangerous situation it was dark my car is black and I had no way of letting traffic know I was there if I had a flare in the trunk I couldn't get to it as latch is electrical and so it didn't work. I had it towed to the dealer who said he couldn't help me for weeks and no courtesy car was available to me and if it was a recall it cold not be fixed because there is no fix for the recall yet they are supposed to give me priority service after speaking with the recall center but I am to pay all charges and then try to get reimbursed from Chrysler. The Chrysler care center said they would pay for the new alternator but not the rental or diagnostic charge and that the shutdown could happen again, until they can come up with a fix for the alternator issue recall P60 this was a very dangerous situation because of a faulty manufactured part I don't feel I should have to incur any expense or be forced to drive an unsafe car I bought the car in good faith and I expected it to be safe. My car was not looked at today as promised hopefully tomorrow I did not receive any call back from the dealer. I think its criminal that owners of these vehicles are expected to drive them until they can get to fixing the part had I been on the freeway in 70 mph traffic I doubt I would be here to write this complaint. Several cars and semi trucks came very clos to hitting my car until a state trooper could get there to provide flashing lights while waiting for the tow truck. I had no warning the car just completely shut down.

- Cardington, OH, USA

problem #29

Nov 152014

Challenger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a couple of weeks after the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system). The dealer informed that the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Seven Valleys, PA, USA

problem #28

Aug 272013

Challenger

  • 42,000 miles
I was driving down the highway going back home when I suddenly saw the battery light come on. After a few seconds all lights in dash board came on. Then the steering wheel got stuck/locked and couldnt steer left or right. Thats when I was afraid I would get into an accident. But im glad I got off the highway safely and got my car towed back home. A bad smell was coming from the engine bay and saw the alt. Was pretty burnt. I took it to the nearest shop and got my alt. Replaced. Now its Jan. 5 2015 and the battery light still comes on occasionally, I just hope the car doesnt shut down on me again on the highway where I know that next time I might not be as lucky and get into a really bad accident. I just want this problem fixed and wish Dodge can take care of their issues before it gets worse.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #27

Jul 032014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 47,074 miles
Driving at approximately 60mph, the ABS and traction lights came on at first. Attempting to get home with the vehicle when all the sudden everything started shutting down; first the radio then the different systems all the lights in the dash began to blink and then went out. The vehicle then completely died; when I noticed the issues I switched the transmission into neutral so I could get to the side of the road. I then had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. The dealer ship then took 5 days to repair said vehicle as the alternator needed was on "backorder". due to the fact it is "a 3 hour repair" per the warranty a rental car was not covered and I was without a vehicle for 5 days. And though the vehicle had less than 50,000 miles on it, it was not covered by the manufacturer warranty; thank god I purchased the extended warranty.

- Eden, ID, USA

problem #26

Jul 092014

Challenger

  • 21,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehical shut down in stages, windows-air conditioner-radio-transmission, then power steering. No warning.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #25

Dec 022014

Challenger

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle and no warning lights illuminated. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #24

Nov 142014

Challenger

  • 63,700 miles
While driving home with my 2011 Dodge Challenger V6, the dashboard lights (ABS, traction control, airbags, etc) came on. I was driving around 60 mph and shortly thereafter the car lost power. Steering locked, I somehow stayed on the road and slowed down with the brake power I had left and the emergency brake. Since I was on a turn I kept going to the shoulder. Finally stopped and the whole car just died. I read about alternator failure in this particular model. This sounds exactly like that but, the recall is still 2 weeks away. I had the car towed to a local Chrysler/ Dodge dealership. Now saddled with a bill for repairs that I hope I can get reimbursed for.

- Gallatin, TN, USA

problem #23

Nov 062014

Challenger

  • 48,000 miles
I was driving at approximately 40 mph and had to slow down for traffic. As I did, many of the dash lights came on include electronic stability and brake. They went on and off as a I slowed and then speeded up so that I could pull of the road. As I tried to pull off the car just died and I lost steering control. I coasted into a side parking lot and couldn't go any further. Towed to dealership and was told it's the alternator. So there is a recall on the alternator coming in three weeks. But in the meantime I have to shell out $1,200 for an alternator and new battery and hope that Chrysler fixes this [xxx] up and decides to bother issuing me a refund. And then once the recall - that everyone has known is coming for two months - finally does come out, I have to have the [xxx] thing replaced again. And hope that in the meantime, Chrysler actually figures out how to fix the problem - which it says it doesn't currently know how to do. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Salisbury, MD, USA

problem #22

Oct 182014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 2011 Dodge Challenger that was purchased brand new off the show room floor in the latter part of 2011. I was leaving work on this Sunday and pulled out of the parking lot to merge into traffic. Within five or ten minutes of having pulled off my car began a complete shut down. The windows wouldn't go up or down. The power steering went out. The radio and lights all went black. Also the car cut off completely while I was driving!!!! I nearly caused a major accident in the middle of a busy intersection. Luckily the surrounding drivers were paying attention and did not hit me. Im mortified with this experience. My car is only three years old and I'm currently paying a nearly $600 note on it. It's so unacceptable and to make matters worse, when I contacted Dodge, the only recourse they advised was to contact the dealer and have the repairs done and apply for reimbursement whenever the recall is announced. When I asked if they would be willing to have a dealer come pick up the car as it is currently inoperable, they said that the towing fees would be my responsibility as well & probably would not be reimbursed. The customer service reps both times I called were of little or no help at all and seemed genuinely unconcerned that my vehicle cut off while I was driving!!! my call to the dealership was the same. I have had all maintenance for my vehicle performed at the Dodge dealership from oil changes to tire replacement. I've been a loyal customer & even done referrals for the dealership. This is by far the worst experience I've had with any car company and I am so disappointed. I will never purchase anything else from the Chrysler brand. I noticed the recall even includes the cars they are currently selling on the lots (2014 models) so please beware and warn anyone you know to stay away from Chrysler & its products. They don't care about you or your safety.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #21

Oct 192014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 34,522 miles
Driving at 40mph and ABS, esp, and brake assist lights were illuminated. Then the emergency brake and seat belt lights started flashing. The entire instrument panel started flickering then everything blacked out and the car lost power and I had to swerve off the road to avoid collision.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #20

Sep 302014

Challenger

  • 100,000 miles
2011 Dodge Challenger - I was driving and then all these diffrent lights started to flah ABS, esp, and brake assist. Then the emergency brake and seat belt lights started flashing. My locked up I wasnt even abale to turn the wheel!! then the car just shut done, I had the car towed to my house.(more money spent) this was two days ago, the same thing happend 03/2013 I had the alternator fixed $800 this should not go out after 1 year in a 2011! this has to be a deffect! I will never purchase another Dodge! I should not have to repay to get this alternator fixed again this will be the 3rd alternator in 3 years.. very unhappy with Dodge> so then I towed my care 25miles to the dealer ship( $160) to advised me its my alternator and my warranty expired 03/2014 very upset at this point and $200 to tell what I already new!!! I called Dodge customer service was not offer any assistant's with paying for this I was advised to wait for a recall! what the hell very poor customer service!! I will now write to there corporate office at Chrysler group customer care po. Box 21-8004 auburn Michigan 48321-8004! this type of business practice is unacceptable.

- Sacramento , CA, USA

problem #19

Sep 252014

Challenger 4-cyl

  • 49,394 miles
2011 Dodge Challenger - driving at 40mph and ABS, esp, and brake assist lights were illuminated. Then the emergency brake and seat belt lights started flashing. The entire instrument panel started flickering then everything blacked out and the car lost power; had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. I had the car towed to the dealership where I purchased the car. Diagnostics showed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced...an $1,100 repair job. After-market parts are not available for this make/model so it is very expensive! (luckily the dealership was willing to work with me and offered a "goodwill warranty.") ultimately, it's a repair that shouldn't be needed on a car that's 3 years old with less than 50K miles. This is definitely a defect that needs to be addressed by Chrysler; this malfunction puts drivers in serious danger.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #18

Sep 082014

Challenger

  • 32,000 miles
I was driving my 2011 Dodge Challenger and the anti skid lights and ABS lights came on and I smelled smoke inside the car.the car almost quit running and windows would not roll up, I had no control of anything in the car.read online the alternator in the culprit my car whines really bad and any day im assuming it will quit because of this problem.not covered on any insurance and mopar will not do anything about it, how many complaints or death do they need to have a recall?Chrysler Corp should be ashamed of themselves letting this go on like it has.unhappy with my purchase.

- Dallas, OR, USA

problem #17

Sep 132014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • miles
Over the past year, I have had major power/battery issues with my car not starting after sitting over night. The first time, I was told by the dealership that it was my 2 year old alternator which cost me nearly $700 to replace. Less than 4 months later, mysteriously my battery also had to be replaced, which was another $300 plus. A few weeks ago, while I was driving, my window starting going up and down intermittently. I mentioned this to my son, who had the car with him during the time of all the issues, he stated that he told the dealership about it, and they said it was the "smart window" and offered to repair it for some crazy amount of money. But never did they allude to the fact that the smart window was the cause to my alternator and battery failure. My new battery will no longer hold a charge, and I am having to either disconnect it every night, or jump start it every morning. When I called Chrysler about this issue, after learning that there are many Chrysler vehicles that have been recalled for this issue, I was told that mine is not on the list, but that I could take it to a dealership spend more money on diagnostics and they could repair it for me! I am a single mom who got stuck with this car in a divorce. I should not have to deal with all of these expensive issues with such a young car.this is poor business by Chrysler, and I will surely not buy from them again!

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #16

Jul 192014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 44,000 miles
I was driving my car on 7/19/2014 as normal and I noticed several drivers from other cars pointing at my hood. There were no dash indicator lights on. I pulled over and the car powered down and smoke started billowing through the vents and from under the hood. I released the hood and noticed the alternator smoking heavily and melting, I thought it was about to catch fire. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told 4 days later the alternator had to be replaced, not covered under warranty; due to it being considered an accessory; would cost $723 to repair. Being that the car only has 44,000 miles on it, I was very disturbed. My car was ready in about 4 days which I went ahead and paid for repairs as I need the car for transportation and even after I saw the countless reports of similar incidents on the internet and was appalled this part had not been recalled. I figured most cars have to have at least one major repair so I'm good for awhile. Wrong! the same week the car got out of the shop, I started hearing a clicking under the gear shift and the ABS, esp and traction came on the dash. I contacted the dealership to make an appointment to bring it in but it isn't until a week later. I was told as long as the light doesn't steadily remain on, I should be fine until my appointment driving it. Today I was riding along on a highway and the car begin to lose power not allowing me to accelerate or steer, now the malfunction light is on. Dodge really needs to consider recalling this model as problems start to occur at 40,000 miles from what I have read and can cause serious safety issues because it stalls with the indicator lights following leaving consumers with the inability to steer or get out of the dangers of incoming traffic.

- Hattiesburg, MS, USA

problem #15

Jul 152014

Challenger

  • 67,000 miles
Alternator started whining and got extremely hot and started smoking and failed while driving.

- Brea, CA, USA

problem #14

May 302014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
On May 30th I was heading home after a log days work when I noticed that the battery light had turned on, thinking it was just the battery needing to be recharged I kept driving. Minutes after the check engine(mil), brake (parking brake?), ABS, esp bas, traction control lights came on and guess what happens next!" I lose my ability to steer and brake my vehicle going 60 on the highway! luckily I lived 8min away from my place at the time and managed to get to my home with no power steering on braking ability! so I went to autozone and bought myself a battery because it was tested as a bad battery it was installed on my car & it turned on as normal, until I actually drove my car to school the following morning, set it on park & smoke started coming out of my alternator. Knowing how much a alternator for my car costs I saved enough money to buy a aftermarket alternator so I went to autozone to buy one and the gentlemen told me that it gives him the option to order one but when he does they don't have any because since the car is new the only I could get is the manufactured alternator which they sell for $545 and are on back order!? really Dodge really" it took me a month to set aside money for what I thought I could buy a alternator and come to find out you're the only ones that sell it, shame on you guys! I'm father a hard worker and a student at uti and you guys don't allow anyone to sell your alternators. Doesn't make any sense being that you're on back order. This could've ended way worse when I was on the highway. If you're reading this and have the same problem, please submit a complaint as they will eventually see a trend about this and hopefully recall these bad alternators that denso manufactures.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #13

Jul 042014

Challenger

  • 62,000 miles
Problem identical to prior customer complaint with all internal lights and gauges blinking. Driving down the road and the lights started flashing, engine started racing, smelled rubber, speedometer racing. Pulled over to the side of the road. Put the car in park, and the light show continued. All of a sudden the car cut off and never started again. Had to call a tow truck to pick it up and take to repair shop. Repairman exact words were "the alternator is fried and it destroyed your battery". after a new battery was put in the car, the alternator started smoking. Battery/installation $250, alternater/installation $750. Could only get alternator from Dodge dealership because they claim the car was too new for an aftermarket alternator.... and was on back order. I may not be the smartest sperson in the world, but doesn't it seem that there are some major issues going on if the supposedly new alternator is on backorder. Had my son and I been on the highway driving and the car cut off, this story may have had a different ending. I'm very concerned that there has not been a recall. I hope and pray that Dodge is not waiting for someone or some family to lose their life before making this a safer vehicle. This not only puts Dodge Challenger owners at risk, but the other drivers on the road as well.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

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