Alternator Failure

2011 Dodge Charger (Page 1 of 3)

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
53,850 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace alternator (38 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
  3. replace alternater (1 reports)
2011 Dodge Charger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2011 Dodge Charger Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #43

May 222017

Charger Mopar 11 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

Car gave me a "Safe Battery Mode" alert. Next I started to hear a whining sound, and then a hot rubber smell. I pulled over to investigate the issue - strong smell coming from under the hood. Let it rest for a few minutes, no issue getting home, then took it to the dealer the following day. Bad alternator was replaced.

- Scott S., Fayetteville, GA, US

problem #42

Apr 292017

Charger RT 3.7L Hemi V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,030 miles

Get in car to go to Wal-Mart one Saturday morning the low battery light comes on and get a message that car was going to battery saving mode. Drove to store got my items got back into car and all electronics just started shutting off then car started to idle and cut out made a u shape in parking lot as was afraid to get on the road for fear of it quitting in the middle of the highway. Turn car off wouldn't start backup you could smell something hot under the hood. The alternator was so hot burnt hand. Had to call tow truck to take to dealership for them to fix. I was lucky this happened in a parking lot and not on a road could have caused a serious accident.

- Patricia H., Harrison, AR, US

problem #41

Nov 212016

Charger RS 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

First, since we have owned this car, we have had electrical problems. It has been in the shop multiple times due to "no power" or miscellaneous operational malfunctions.

On November 21, 2016, as my wife was driving, the car began to shake as it shut-off. She nearly crashed trying to get the car off of the road. After that, she noticed smoke coming from the hood of the car. She opened the hood and the alternator caught on fire. She was stranded and ultimately had to be towed to the dealership. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES!

While attempting to learn more about the situation, I learned there was a recall (P60) on several Chrysler vehicles for Alternator Failures in which some have caused vehicle fires. However, the recalls are only for the 6 cylinders NOT the 8 cylinders.

I called the Chrysler Customer Service/Recall number in which a CAIR: 30545604 was assigned. Ultimately, a letter was sent by "Special Investigations" on December 12th and received on December 19th that the car wasn't under warranty and wasn't covered under the recall. I have to admit, I was impressed that it actually took 4 weeks for a team to come-up with those results...

I'm shocked that Chrysler feels it is acceptable for one their customers to nearly crash due to conditions they are very aware of with the alternators. Not only is Chrysler avoiding the Recall that includes all of the vehicles that it should, it wasn't honorable enough to at least cover the cost of the repair.

I have had a Chevy Impala that was extremely reliable for nearly 300,000 miles and the only thing that was replaced was a water pump. I'm driving a Chevy Cruise with over 130,000 miles and has never had the first issue with the vehicle. It has become very clear to me which automotive company has the highest integrity, quality and customer service. I will not buy from Chrysler again!

- kentongpattillo, Paragould, AR, US

problem #40

Aug 152015

Charger R/T Mopar 11 5.7L Hemi V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

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

Battery save mode light came on. Chrysler said my car was not on the recall list since it is only for the V6 engines. Makes no sense. Car uses same 160V alternator. I wanted to share to everyone to go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the following website.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

- Jairo D., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #39

Jul 112015

Charger SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

This is the second time that my car has died due to the alternator… The first time was last year May and I had it fixed and spent over $200. Now it died yesterday and I'm having to wait tomorrow so I can try to get the car fixed. This is a huge inconvenience to me as I am a single mother with two children and having to miss work tomorrow just so I can get my car fixed. It's not like it's an old car, it's a 2011. I shouldn't have as many problems as I've had with it being things other than just the alternator as well.

- bmixon05, Houston, TX, US

problem #38

May 172014

Charger SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

It was Mother's Day and my car died as I was turning. I had my children in the car and almost hit a parked car. They said it was under warranty and I still had to pay over $200.

- bmixon05, Houston, TX, US

problem #37

Aug 142015

Charger R/T AWD 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,750 miles

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

I have a 2011 Charger R/T AWD and had the battery saver mode come on yesterday, along with a winding noise and electrical burning odor and took it into the dealership where they told me they were unable to replicate the issue and sent me on my way. Today the message came on and and overwhelming burning odor was coming from the engine compartment. Quickly made my way back to the dealership, grabbed a service tech and brought him out so he could see what I was talking about. We popped the hood and the alternator was black and extremely hot. We left the vehicle run while he contacted my warranty company (who is sending out an inspector) to see if I could get a rental. They asked me to pull my car into their gated area and when I returned to my car the ABS, traction control, and emergency brake (was not applied) lights were on. I shifted into drive and the windshield wipers made it up halfway, then the car stalled out. I find out Monday if Zurich will cover the alternator since my Charger wasn't part of the recall (even though it was made in June of 2011).

- silverbullet0240, Carnegie, PA, US

problem #36

Mar 212015

Charger R/T 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

I'm currently deployed and away from my vehicle, but my wife is there and she drives it once a week to keep it up and going for me.

I get a text from her telling me my car won't start and it's stuck in the garage. I have to take time out of my sleeping hours before shift to handle this matter so she won't stress out. State Farm towed it to the nearest dealership and to find out it needed an alternator replaced.

Luckily I bought the extended warranty when the factory was about to expire and only had to pay a $100 deductible. Since they said my model wasn't recalled for the alternator problem..so they say.

Still, was a headache. My car was there 4 days trying to fix this matter, luckily I'm not home and didn't need it and she has her own car to get around in.

Oh yeah, and the battery was totally dead..so had to pay $175 for a new one + 75 in "labor" fees for this to be done. Didn't know much labor went into unplugging a battery and plugging in a new one.

O well, gotta pay to play right? Will be my last Dodge anything once this vehicle is paid off.

- miked55, Fairfield, CA, US

problem #35

Sep 202014

Charger SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

3 yr old car and have to replace alternator. This item is not available at parts store.

- mcarrasquillo, Elkton, FL, US

problem #34

Aug 232014

Charger SE 3.6L Vvt V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Loved this car because it was my first, but this car stayed in and out of the shop, recalls, cylinder misfires, and now the alternator.

I went for a nice drive and went up a small hill to enjoy the view...when I got there, I cut off my car and suddenly I smelled something like an electrical burn smell, but I didn't pay it any mind because there were other cars next to mine...I get back in the car and cut on accessories to listen to some music, when suddenly the radio cuts off but the dash was still lit and the little screen display in the dash was still on. I see this and immediately try to turn the car back on only to hear a Clicking sound and the smell got stronger, so I popped the hood and what do you know,the alternator was fried and it was dripping fluid.

I only had the car a year used and at 56000 the alternator fries... I had to pay $60 to tow it to a dealership and they said it's going to take $700 including the labor to fix this...either I picked the wrong car specifically or the wrong company. I don't know but this is the straw that broke the camel's back, I want out of this car and probably even Dodge

- Kiarus W., El Paso, TX, US

problem #33

Aug 072014

Charger LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

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

The 2001 Dodge Charger was purchased brand new. I have never had so many recalls on a car that I purchased brand new. The car only has 37,000 miles and I must have the alternator replaced at a cost of $800. My car payment is $450. I am very disappointed in the 2011 Dodge Charger and no longer have any faith in American cars. The last two vehicles I purchased were Toyotas which have never given me any problems . My Toyota Camry is almost 10 years old and I never had a alternator replaced. The malfunction of the alternator on the 2011 Dodge Charger occurred while my Diabetic son was driving on a very busy highway. It completely stalled out and put my sons life in danger. He was stuck on the side a a very busy intersection/exit for over an hour,

I purchased the car new because my son has Type 1 Diabetes and he needed a very reliable and dependable car. Now I am afraid for my son when he is driving this lemon. I feel I have been cheated and Chrysler/Dodge has not been honest about the several malfunctions in the 2011 Dodge4 Charger. I am a disabled vet and I can not afford to keep paying for repairs on a car of such poor quality. I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!

- mthorne, Fayetteville, NC, US

problem #32

Aug 062014

Charger SE 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,256 miles

Purchased brand new 2011 Dodge Charger SE that has less than 28k miles when the alternator failed. First the battery saving mode pops up on the dash, after about half an hour, power steering fails, dash information shuts down. I could also smell the smoke came out of the hood.

O'Reilly tested the battery and alternator, diagnosed that alternator needed to be replaced, which actually cost me 450 dollars to get the car fixed, and an extra night hotel 6 hours from home.

This incident costs me more than a grand in total including taxi, hotel, food and other inconvenience. Next time I would really doubt the quality of this automobile manufacturer when either me and my friend consider to switch/purchase a car.

- bhanggai, Fayetteville, AR, US

problem #31

Jul 312014

Charger SE 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,138 miles

Car goes out of warranty in May 2014 and July 31, 2014 car alternator fails in traffic on way home from hospital. After sitting on the side of the road for 2&1/2 hours it was finally towed to the house because tow company is not allowed to leave car outside gated dealership. Chrysler customer assistance center informs us that if we pay to have car towed to dealership that they will pay for "PART" (not sure how much) of the labor to fix the problem.

After calling around to several Dodge dealerships in the area, we were finally able to locate a new alternator at a dealership 115 miles away. 230 miles, $50 gas and 5 hours later , I replaced the alternator myself. Now I read that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating Dodge because of a high number of complaints of 2011-2012 Dodge Charger alternator failures. I now feel as though Dodge owes me for the cost of the new Alternator ($540.35) , Labor to install the new Alternator ($205.00 dealership quote to me) and transportation to get the new Alternator (.25 per mile x 230 miles =$57.50 , $50.00 gas and 5 hr labor @ 15.00 per hr. = $75.00) . This totals $927.85 but will probably never be seen because Dodge will say ''Tough Luck''.

This 2011 Dodge Charger has only 26,138 miles on it. Dodge needs to do the right thing.

- daisydog, Leesburg, GA, US

problem #30

Aug 012014

Charger SE 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Alternator was going on the Dodge Charger at 50000 miles. The alternator was making a loud noise from the bearing and the battery saver mode was coming on/off. Took it to the dealer and replace the alternator for 652 dollars. Be very careful as if the bearing locks up you are stuck. :(

- Matt M., Jenkinsburg, GA, US

problem #29

Oct 252014

Charger SE 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,982 miles

While leaving Walmart, the car started to make a whining loud noise that came from under the hood, at the same time my car made a sound and Battery Saver Mode came on. The lights flickered, ABS & Traction lit up on the dashboard. The radio stopped playing and wouldn't come back on. As I started to slow down the car stopped completely. I wasn't able to move the wheel and the brakes wouldn't work. I called my NCO for a jump but it didn't help. The car battery was completely dead.

I notified Chrysler and is waiting for a call back as it seems there will be a recall but it won't start until Nov 28. Being in the Army I need transportation. I hope Chrysler don't think I am suppose to go without a car until they start the recall... This is a Disgrace, I had a Chevy Malibu from 2007-2012 and it never once had a recall let alone 5, worked like a charm! Our next family car was going to be a 2014 Chrysler 300 but now we will be looking back into Chevy!!!

- Erika W., Clarksville, TN, US

problem #28

Oct 272014

Charger SE 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,633 miles

Well, I woke up like a few days ago and I found that the car had an unusual noise and I felt there was something weird. I drove the car and the "ABS and Stability control were off" and right away there is a message appeared on the dash, it says "battery saver mode". I drove the car for approximately 5 hours that day when I parked the car. I woke up the next day and the car did not work. So I took it to the dealership.

This is what they replied " Scan for fault codes. Found multiple ABS and faults for low voltage. Check all fuses, OK, check the wiring at the ABS control module. Found wiring OK at the module. After car being in run without running found battery weak and would not start the car. Perform battery test, found battery failed and needed recharge. Boost vehicle and test charging system, found charging system only charging at 12 volts and alternator is faulty and needs to be replaced. Battery also may be bad, will have to recharge and see if battery holds charge. Found oil leaking from timing cover onto alternator causing the alternator to fail. Timing cover will need to be resealed to ensure proper repair".

CORRECTION: replaced alternator and found charging system charging at a proper 14 volts. charge battery.

Overall, the car is working fine, but I think they did not fix the leaking because when I took the car there is a message, it says "change oil due", also, they did not treat me nicely, I don't know why.

- Adel A., Whitby, Ontario, canada

problem #27

Jun 082014

Charger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

At 27000 miles alternator fails and car nearly starts on fire. Car must be towed and repaired. The replacement part was difficult to locate and could only be found at a dealer.

- C T., Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #26

Oct 062014

Charger V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

2011 Dodge Charger, my 17 yr old daughter was driving the car on the way to school, called to tell me that the lights on the dash had lit up and radio shut off. Car totally died as she pulled over. Jump started the car and it worked enough to get a new battery that was thought was the problem..

I drive the car a few days later.. While on a highway the car again has issues with dash lights. Within 20 miles the car makes horrible noises, I pull over shut the car off. Car will not restart.. Had car towed to local mechanic.. Alterantor had gone.

Car is 3 years old, how could this go already. There is already enough recalls on this car.

- Stacey R., Toms River, NJ, US

problem #25

Sep 122014

Charger Rallye 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,550 miles

I was on my way to work when the "BATTERY POWER SAVER" popped up on my message center. What is that? was my thought. In the next 10 minutes the following happened very quickly. It was 5:45 am so it was dark and I was well lit.

First the radio turned off, and then the "ABS" light came on, followed by "Traction Control" light. Then it all went downhill from here pretty fast. Seatbelt light came on, A/C off, headlights dimming, then the dash went completely blank, wipers made a swipe (?) then the car shut down completely, no power steering or brakes. It was obvious it was trying to save the battery this whole time that I understand.

I barely made it to the side of the highway. I did not have emergency flashers; I was dead on the road with my left side tires just off the highway. My driver’s side window was down, when the AC went off it felt like the heater came on so I opened the window and could not get it back up after I stopped, SCARY.

My complaint is that the alternator should not fail in 65k on a 3 year old car. PERIOD, it’s a defect, PERIOD.

I bought a protection plan from the dealer at the point of sale that "should" cover me with a $100 deductible. I am still waiting on the call from the dealership. Keeping my fingers crossed. $800 was the price I was given.

This is totally unacceptable and this needs to be addressed by Chrysler / Dodge. I have never had this occur in any car in the last 30 years. This is my 3rd Dodge and the first issue I have ever had so I am not bashing Dodge, just stand behind what you sell, because I love my Charger!

- Roger H., Grand Prairie, TX, US

problem #24

Sep 122014

Charger SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,465 miles

This has to be crazy; unheard of replacing an alternator on a car 3 yrs old and mind you it's a known issue and Dodge is not covering it. I purchased the first Dodge Charger in 2006 and then new model in 2011. I will never own a Dodge again because, as a company, they don't stand behind the product and resolve the issues.

I had another issue last year with the head lights going out. I knew it wasn't just an isolated issue because even the police charger head light was out. I took it to Dodge with a recall letter for airbag harness and headlamp recall, they told me it was only for the airbag and tried to tell me the wires we're burnt and post corroded and then proceeded to tell me $297.00 to fix. My car was involved in small incident and had to be fixed, Wilburn Auto gave me a list of recalls on the car when they repaired my car and whaloa, head light recall listed. I had already had this repaired and a month later here comes the recall letter in the mail for this. They call me for servicing but no one ever called me in reference to the recall issues. Chevy Camaro here I come.

- Judy A., Gastonia, NC, US

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