10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,477 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 Charger engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Dodge Charger Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #36

Oct 242014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 51,000 miles

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

Bought 2011 Charger in July, 2014. On October 22nd, I noticed a funny smell, but could not locate. On October 24, my car started making a whining sound that got louder over next 3 miles. I pulled over to a parking lot, notice smoke coming from under hood. I lift hood and see oil leaking out of timing chain cover onto alternator. My car shut off, won't start, and battery saver mode light flashing, gauges acting weird, and lights dimming. After about 15 minutes, I started car to get home with it, drove maybe 2 miles and car started to melt down including wipers coming on, radio on and off, door buzzers coming on, instrument panel light on and off, lights flashing, air bag warnings, etc. This continued for next couple miles until a complete shut down right at the railroad tracks! I barely got out of lane. After about 10 minutes, I got car to start and made it over the tracks to a parking lot. My husband came, called Dodge dealership, they sent tow truck that took it to dealership. Service manager called us 5 days later, said it was alternator and they would fix for $850. My husband said no, we're not paying because of recall issued on October 8th, that they needed to repair for free with better quality parts, and that I needed a rental until my car was fixed, or they could by my car back because we don't feel safe in it. Service manager denied recall, said it was media hype, and that he would have sales manager call us. We did not hear back from Dodge service department until February 10, 2015, when they informed rental company they were not paying bill for my rental for last 4 months, even though my car still not fixed and in same parking space at dealership it's been in since Oct. 24. I called and made report to Chrysler Corp. And now is a case under special investigations, which was supposed to be settled in 2 business days. Still waiting! shameful!

- Talking Rock, GA, USA

problem #35

Jan 092015

Charger

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the battery power save mode warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the battery and alternator would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that fuel fumes were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that a seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced the fuel pump and fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

- Encino , CA, USA

problem #34

Apr 042014

Charger 8-cyl

  • 66,462 miles
On April 4th approximately 11 pm, my 2011 Dodge Charger shut down while driving I had no electrical power what so ever, no warning prior to issues, replaced the battery along with the alternator assembly, was told by Dodge no longer under warranty and there were no recalls ton my vehicle, the according to my mechanic, the alternator caused an overcharge on the battery. Luckily at this time of night there was not a lot of traffic and I was near a fire station they came out and helped me get it off the road to a safe place behind the station.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #33

Sep 272013

Charger

  • 8,000 miles

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

Hi we need your help to warn and let the public know what Dodge is doing to there customers. About 3 months ago my 4 month pregnant girl was driving our 2011 dodger to work, she was on the high way on the center lane when the car with a warning just completely shut down. She had no control of the car, luckily the traffic was not bad that she mange to walk a cross the highway and call her father. He went to get her and pushed the car to the breakdown lane. We had the car towed to a mechanic and he said our alternator was completely burned and he said he never seen one that bad. We contacted Dodge and they told us they was not aware of any problems, but on the Dodge forum online hundreds of Dodge Charger owners was having the same problem. We been contacting Dodge for 3 months now while spending money on rental and they finally told us its been recalled, but they don't have a preminent fix for it all they can do is a temporary fix and it can burn out again.

- New Bedford, MA, USA

problem #32

Nov 182013

Charger

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owned a 2011 Dodge Charger. Immediately after starting the vehicle, the engine caught fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 68,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Laurel , MD, USA

problem #31

Dec 042014

Charger

  • 29,600 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 25 mph or lower and made a loud noise when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact indicated that the ABS sensor, traction control sensor, the gauges illuminated before the instrument cluster shorted without warning. The contact indicated that as the vehicle reduced speed it stalled and was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The contact was included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 14V634000 (electrical system). However, the parts needed were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact was waiting on a remedy from the manufacturer to determine when the dealer would repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 29,600.

- Quincy, MA, USA

problem #30

Oct 112014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles

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

Driving from philly to NJ at 2am on Sunday right before I entered the bridge lost power steering, ABS, radio and battery saver light came on I had my wife and 3 kids with me after a minute or so started losing the headlights. I just wanted to get to jersey side and stop somewhere and call for help. I was very lucky because got to rt.73 highway and mt.laurel police spotted me and helped me a lot by taking us home safe. I had my car towed to the nearest garage and they told me the alternator died so I called the Dodge dealership they said that no Dodge Chargers had that problem reported before I was "first". they were so rude on the phone and said just suck it up and pay $790. Well I got it fixed not at the dealership but at the gas station mechanic. I also paid $150 for towing and now I'm afraid that its going to fail again soon. I called the corporate right after I heard about the recall and they told me that my VIN it is not recalled. They still investigating for more VIN numbers.

- Mt.Laurel , NJ, USA

problem #29

Nov 122014

Charger

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled as the battery saving mode warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #28

Sep 222014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
While I was driving on a main street my car stalled and I smelled smoke, my doors automatically locked and I had smelled smoke, I freaked out and took my keyless remote battery out and put back in any my doors unlocked, so I got myself and kids out asap, I had to call a tow truck and they towed my car to the dealership, there they diagnosed that it was the alternator, I had to buy one which was $500 or a little more.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #27

Oct 112014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
Driving car and it started smoking. Had to pull off the side of the road it started losing power. Had to call a toll truck to take it to the dealership and they said I needed a new alternator. The car is a 2011 and only has 45,000 miles on it. This should not happen.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #26

Oct 072014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 54,000 miles

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

While driving, "battery saver mode" message came up. From here, I could smell something coming from under the hood. Then the ABS light and traction control light came on. Was able to get it home, before trying to drive it again later after jumping it and it was completely dead. Was able to finally jump it long enough to get out of my driveway and into the street so it could be towed. Brought it to my dealership and they said it was a bad alternator. It is only a 2011 and has over 50K miles.

- Round Lake Beach, IL, USA

problem #25

Oct 062014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Driving with my daughter in the car in heavy morning traffic and ivic message came on stating car was in battery saver mode. Second time in 4 months this has happened (got alternator and battery tested and replaced the first time) so I immediately turned around to head back home. By the time I got near my neighborhood about 5 minutes later everything was shutting off and I could only go 25 mph with no power steering. About a minute or so before the ivic message I noticed a slight whining coming from my engine compartment. If I jump the battery, car starts but still in battery saver mode.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #24

Aug 202014

Charger

  • 70,049 miles
Driving home at approximately 45mph, the message screen indicated "battery saver mode". at this time, the radio shut itself off, the air conditioning switched to full-blast heat, the speedometer stopped working, all lights shut off, the windshield wipers came on for a few swipes and then stopped, and the throttle response to the accelerator pedal would only allow me to reach around 30mph (on a 50mph highway). I managed to get the car into my neighborhood, but it died before I could park it. I had to put it in neutral and push it into a parking space.

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #23

Sep 212014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 26,000 miles
Driving on the road at about 75 mph (the speed limit at the time) in the middle of nowhere Texas, my electrical systems started to shut down. The first thing we noticed turn off was the audio system and it wouldn't turn back on, then the climate control system. I checked the messages on my dashes message center and it told me the vehicle was in battery saver mode. Shortly thereafter (maybe another minute or two) the ABS and traction control indicators came on and all my gauges (speedometer and whatnot) all dropped to zero. The car was still in motion and we were lucky enough to find a road to pull off at (though we were no where near anything at the time). At that point I noticed the power steering, locks, windows, and anything electric went on the car too. After we turned off the car, it would not restart. After dealing with Chrysler and getting myself, my family, and my car back from midland to austin, it turns out the alternator went on it. This should not be an issue this early (approximately 26,000 miles) in the life of my car. Hopefully this gets added to the ongoing investigation (NHTSA action number: PE14022) for this issue.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #22

Sep 202014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Was driving and the power saver mode came on the car. Saw smoke, checked the engine and the alternator was smoking. Something needs to be done. This car is 3 years old with 60,000 miles on it. That is ridiculous. The car has not went through anything stenos. We are at a lost for words and then when called and asked about it there is nothing that can be done without further investigation. Please investigate, there are too many complaints about this. This is costing over 800 dollars, this is ridiculous on a low mile low year car, right after the warranty goes out. Please investigate and do something, thanks.

- Orangeburg, SC, USA

problem #21

Sep 142014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
Was driving car when radio shut off, ABS brake warning came on and car lost steering and brake power. Got car home and it stopped running. Tried to jump and drive to dealer but could not keep engine running, power worked off and on. Too dangerous to drive on highway with possible loss of control. $800 to replace alternator.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #20

Sep 162014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
Driving at 25 mph, warning lights came on for different functions. Odd sound coming from motor. The information message alert lit up. Checked it, and the message alert was "battery saver mode". odd smell (electrical) coming from the engine. Parked, closed windows, shut the car off. Went to restart car and it wouldn't start. Had a friend try to jump with cables, and it didn't work. Called for tow truck to come and take to dealer. I have a bumper to bumper lifetime warranty. Dealer can't "look" at it until tomorrow. It has been almost 2 hours wait for tow truck, (promised to be here an hour ago.)

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #19

Sep 122014

Charger

  • 72,475 miles
I was driving noticed my car had a slight louder sound coming from the engine like it was rived up. As I was driving I noticed the ABS lights came on; traction light; and engine light all flashed across the screen and went off. Then I started smelling a strong burning smell I had mad it to my destination cut the car off. I went to crank the car back up ;nothing happened car had lost all prior my windows, doors all locked up would not roll up or down or doors unlock had to call a tow truck. Car had no power completely black screens everything shutdown.

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #18

Sep 032014

Charger 6-cyl

  • 45,670 miles
I have a 2011 Dodge Charger that I saved up a long time to buy. Last week on 9/3/14 on my to take my kids to school the audio in the car went out. The touch screen still had functionality just no audio, figured a fuse may have blown. Check the fuses and everything seemed ok. Later on the same day, on the way to pick the kids up from school the radio was working fine. I approached a intersection and started to slow down when the radio cut off. The car started puttering and the inside gauges began flashing and the wipers just turned on by themselves. Next thing I know everything in the car shut off. The radio, the engine, the lights, everything. I could not get it to go into neutral to push the car out of the road because nothing in the car would come on.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #17

Sep 042014

Charger

  • 38,600 miles
I got the "battery saver mode" warning on my car. I looked it up on the internet and a lot of people were complaining about Dodge Chargers and there alternators. The next morning I called the dealer ship to see what they think it is and if I can get in so they can look at the car, they also said it could be the alternator but could not get me in until the next morning but said it should be safe to drive. They look up my warranty and it was out of warranty for the alternator...I only have 38,600 miles on my car!! I should not be dealing with thing like this on a 3 year old car! luckily I bought a portfolio warranty that covers it but with $100 deductible but the catch is I have to go to the dealer where I bought it from! when there is a dealer 2 miles from where I am and the one I bought it from is about 25 minutes away. So I make the appointment and go to work, by the time I get to work my radio stopped working and ABS light turned on. I parked and smoke was coming from the alternator! I called the dealer back and told them what happen, they said I can bring it in now and leave it there and they will look at it the next day. So I have to leave work to take the car there and the car completely dies on the way there! I had to call a tow truck and get it towed all the way to the dealer. They were able to replace the alternator by the middle of the next day. But I have now had the car for 2 whole days and the battery saver mode just turned on again!!!!! so now in the morning I'm going to have to call the dealer again and see what to do now! replace another alternator!"!?!?!" this has to be a recall!! there should not be any of these problems on a car that is 3 years old and has less then 40,000 miles!!! this is ridiculous and I'm seriously looking at other cars to trade in for now! I am never buying Dodge again!! oh and the dealer wouldn't give me a loaner car for free!

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

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