2012 Dodge Charger
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 648 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 20 Charger model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 20 involved a crash and 49 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 15, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V018000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 9, 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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 18V021000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorJul 10, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 24, 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Apr 25, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Campaign 16V240000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureJan 28, 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.
A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V043000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 27, 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.
Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 15V467000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorOct 8, 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.
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V634000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 4, 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.
Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 3, 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.
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 13V118000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, air, antilock, control unit/moduleMay 2, 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.
THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 12V197000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 7, 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.
THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 12V042000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsJan 6, 2012
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 AND THE CHRYSLER 300 SRT8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). AS BUILT, THE TPMS DOES NOT WARN THE DRIVER WHEN A TIRE IS 25 PERCENT BELOW THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE. THE RECALLED VEHICLES NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE REACHES 22 PSI RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED 24 PSI.
UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLES TPMS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 12V004000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingSep 29, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 11V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 7, 2017
I BOUGHT MY DODGE CHARGER IN 2 YEARS AGO FOR A RECALL ON THE ALTERNATOR P60. MY CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WOW. LITTLE THINGS HERE AND THERE. THEN A FEW MONTHS AGO THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED ITSELF BACK ON. WHICH IS PART OF THE RECALL FOR THE P60. IT'S BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW BUT I FINALLY CALLED DODGE BECAUSE A FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME THAT ALTERNATOR IN MY CAR IS A P60 SO MAYBE THEY FORGOT TO DO THE RECALL THEY BROUGHT THE CAR IN AND THERE WAS A MIX-UP. SO I WENT OVER THE DODGE AND I GOT PAPERWORK FOR THE DAY AND THEY SHOW THAT THEY SWAPPED MY ALTERNATOR OUT WITH A P 60. SO WHY WOULD THEY SWAP MY ALTERNATOR OUT WITH A DEFECTIVE ONE? BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THEY TOLD ME THAT'S NOT THE RECALLED ONE BUT IT IS I HAVE A P602AA ALTERNATOR IN MY CAR. MY ABS BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT AND A BUNCH OF STUFF THAT IT SAID HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T CHANGE THAT ALTERNATOR. I THINK THERE WAS A MIX-UP SOMEWHERE A FRIEND OF MINE WORKS FOR DODGE AND HE TOLD ME THAT'S A RECALLED ALTERNATOR. MAYBE HE SAID THERE WAS A MIX-UP ON THE SHELF AND SOMEBODY GRABBED THE WRONG ALTERNATOR BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT HE SAYS MISTAKES LIKE THAT HAPPEN BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEY WANT ME TO BRING THE CAR IN AND CHARGE ME $300 TO LOOK AT IT
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO RESTART WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (CHRYSLER, JEEP DODGE, 9207 ADAMO DRIVE EAST, TAMPA, FLORIDA, 813-620-4300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V435000 (STEERING). VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME UNSTABLE AND THE ABS, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND ESC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EFIRD CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (LOCATED AT 1711 W LUCAS ST FLORENCE, SC 29501) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL AND POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,340...UPDATED10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER HEAT, SMOKED, AND THE AIR BLOWS EXTREMEMLY WARM. WATER POURS FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/17/2017*JS
Steering, Engine, Jul 26, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED SCOTT ROBINSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 20900 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRENCE, CA 90503 AT PHONE NUMBER: (424) 299-8800 WHERE THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2017
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE COURSE OF MAYBE A WEEK, WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FROM EITHER A DEAD STOP OR SLOW ROLL THE CAR WOULD EITHER STALL OR HAVE A POWER SURGE CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. ONE EVENING AFTER STARTING THE CAR YOU COULD SMELL SMOKE AND THE INFORMATION LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEM. I RESEARCHED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE 3.6 L DODGE ALTERNATORS SO I CALLED DODGE. THEY BRUSHED IT OFF SO PURCHASED A NEW ALTERNATOR THE NEXT DAY AND INSTALLED IT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR STALLING AND LOOSING STEERING.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2017
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 CHARGER SXT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO BATTERY SAVER MODE. I HAD PULLED OVER TO GOOGLE IT ON MY PHONE, AND MY CAR WAS STARTING TO DISPLAY THE SYMPTOMS IN THE P60 RECALL. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, THEY ALL CAME ON. THEN AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT DODGE THE CENTER SCREEN SHUT OFF, I LOST POWER STEERING, THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF. SOMEHOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS RAN A FEW CYCLES. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAD A 180 AMPS ALTERNATOR, THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE P60. MY CAR HAD JUST REACHED 119000KM (74000MI), AND THE AVERAGE MILEAGE OF CHARGERS WITH 180 AMPS ALTERNATORS APPEARS TO BE AROUND 106000KM (66000MI). THE ROAD THAT I WAS ON, IT FOLLOWED THE A WINDING CLIFF. IF THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN MORE SEVERE I WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE DIED, EITHER GONE INTO THE ROCK FACE, OFF THE CLIFF, OR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE REPLACEMENT ALTERNATOR WAS OVER $800 CND, THAT'S BEFORE THE INSPECTION, BEFORE LABOR, AND IF THE BATTERY FRIED IN THIS ORDEAL, IT DOESN'T INCLUDE THAT EITHER. IT DOESN'T COVER THE RENTAL CAR I HAD TO GET. OBVIOUSLY, CHRYSLER-DODGE-FIAT HAD TO DO A MASSIVE RECALL WITH ONE ALTERNATOR, IS IT REALLY A STRETCH TO THINK THAT THE OTHER ALTERNATOR THAT THEY INSTALLED IN OTHER VEHICLES WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL? I LOOKED UP THE COST OF A REPLACEMENT ONLINE ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL DODGE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CHRYSLER 300 / CHARGER - THEY'RE LISTED AT ABOUT $200-250 CND, WHY IS THE ONE DODGE SELLING ME OVER $800? IS IT BECAUSE THEY REALIZED THEY HAVE TO PUT IN SOMETHING OF MUCH HIGHER QUALITY AND OUTPUT SO THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN? THERE HAD BETTER BE A RECALL ABOUT THIS - PEOPLE WILL GET SEVERELY HURT BECAUSE OF THIS.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Structure, Jun 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND DIMMED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ED VOYLES CHRYSLER DEALER (LOCATED ON 789 COBB PARKWAY SE, MARIETTA GA, 30060, (770)429-1100), BUT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V634000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 15V467000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS), 16V043000 (STRUCTURE), AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 20, 2016
MY DODGE CHARGER WENT DEAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY. THE BATTERY INDICATOR CAME ON AND CHARGING SYSTEM ON MY MONITOR, I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO TURN ON A SIDE STREET AS THE WIPERS CAME ON AND SUDDENLY I HAD NO MORE POWER TO STEER THE CAR. I HAD MY HAZARDOUS LIGHTS ON TOO AND EVERYTHING THEN WENT DEAD. I WAS LUCKY THAT DAY AND GOD WATCHED OVER ME AND MY WIFE. WHEN MY ROADSIDE SERVICE GOT THERE AND HE TRIED TO GIVE ME A JUMP IT WOULD NOT START AND HE TESTED THE BATTERY AND IT HAD A FULL CHARGE ON IT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DODGE DEALER THAT NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO FIND OUT THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS FRIED. I LOOKED UP AT THE TIME MY VEHICLE WAS DOWN BEFORE MY ROADSIDE SERVICE GOT THERE THAT NIGHT. I FOUNDED OUT THERE WAS A P60 RECALL ALTERNATOR (AMP 160) FOR DODGE CHARGER YEAR 2011-2014. I CALLED CHRYSLER CORPORATION THE NIGHT I WENT DOWN, AND THEY LOOKED UP AND SAID IT WAS NOT ON MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID I HAD A AMP 180, BUT AFTER GETTING A NEW ALTERNATOR IN MY DODGE CHARGER I'M STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A BATTERY SAVE MODE THAT KEEPS POPPING UP ON MY MONITOR SCREEN. I PLEADED WITH THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ALTERNATOR AND THAT NIGHT I COULD HAVE DIED. IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I DON'T FEEL SAFE EVERYDAY DRIVING, BECAUSE I HAVE TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY TO GO TO WORK. I'M GOING BACK TO THE DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS BATTERY SAVE MODE CHECKED OUT, BECAUSE THEY USED ONE OF THE P60 RECALL ALTERNATOR TO FIX MY VEHICLE. I THINK THEY DON'T HAVE A STABLE ALTERNATOR, BECAUSE IT IS PROBABLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2016
THE RADIO TURNED OFF, EVERY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIT UP, WIPERS TURNED ON AUTOMATICALLY, LOST BOTH POWER BREAK AND POWER STEERING. ALL THIS AT OVER 50 MPH WITH OUR YOUNG SON IN THE BACK SEAT....EVENTUALLY MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED, BUT EVEN AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. EVENTUALLY THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY DIED. SHE WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURNING LANE AND WASN'T EVEN ABLE TO TURN ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THE CAR ENDED UP BEING TOWED TO THE NEAREST CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY ALTERNATOR TO THE TUNE OF ALMOST $900. FINANCIAL BURDEN ASIDE, THIS WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE FOR MY WIFE AND SON, AND ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I FEEL ENTIRELY COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR BY OURSELVES MUCH LESS HAVING OUR YOUNG SON IN THE BACK SEAT.
Steering, Jul 11, 2016
TAKATA RECALL I WAS LEAVING CHURCH AND WAS ABOUT TO STOP AT A GAS STATION TO GET COFFEE AND A DOUGHNUT LIKE I USUALLY DO EVERY SUNDAY. I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN INTO THE GAS STATION, MY STEERING ALL OF A SUDDEN GOT STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND IT SCARED THE DAY LIGHTS OUT OF ME. I HAD TO GO ON THE CURB A LITTLE JUST TO MAKE THE TURN.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 7, 2015, fire
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND PULLED OUT OF MY GARAGE AS I DO EACH MORNING. AS I WENT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AT ALMOST IDLE SPEED, I COULD FEEL A STRONG RESISTANCE (AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON) AND THE POWER STEERING TIGHTENED UP. SUDDENLY A STRONG BURNING SMELL FILLED THE CAR, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE AC FAN BLEW ON HIGH SPEED. I IMMEDIATELY REVERSED BACK TO THE GARAGE (100 FEET OR LESS) AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO PARK. THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING BURNING UNDER THE HOOD AS THE SMELL FILLED THE GARAGE. I TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN AAA ARRIVED TO TOW IT, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. THE DRIVER CHOSE NOT TO JUMP IT FOR FEAR OF DOING MORE DAMAGE. MY LOCAL TRUSTED MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2012 DODGE CHARGER ALTERNATORS AND HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR THAT HAD FAILED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ARRIGO SAWGRASS DODGE WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAD IN FACT FAILED AND WAS BURNING. HE SAID THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN AND THAT CHRYSLER WOULD NOT COVER MY EXPENSES. MY 16 YEAR OLD SON AND I WERE LUCKY WE WERE IN THE DRIVEWAY, LUCKY THE FIRE DIDN'T IGNITE WHILE WE WERE SLEEPING AND LUCKY MY SON (A NEW DRIVER) WAS NOT FACED WITH A TOTALLY DISABLED VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THIS FAILURE CREATED A HIGH RISK OF CRASH. HAD WE BEEN ON ANY ROAD INSTEAD OF MY DRIVEWAY, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
Steering, Dec 1, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PARKED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHILE PARKED, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THEN DISAPPEARED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Steering, Air bags, Sep 22, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 20, 2015
NIGHT TIME @ 8:30PM, I WAS TRAVELING 20W/59S TOWARDS THE FOSTER EXIT. BEFORE I CAME UPON THE BLACK WARRIOR RIVER BRIDGE, I HIT AN UNEXPECTED POTHOLE IN THE LEFT LANE AND IT BEND AND CRACKED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE RIM AND THREW OFF THE FRONT ALIGNMENT OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jan 22, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WIND SHIELD WIPER ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V634000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,800.
Steering, Oct 28, 2014
I CAN BARLEY TURN AT ALL. IT IS HARD TO TURN AT ALL. I TOOK THE CAR IN OCT 4 AND THE SAID IT IS PAST WARRENTY AND IT WILL BE 1800 TO FIX IT. HOW CAN A CAR ONLY 2 YEARS OLD HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO FIX IT. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH A TON OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL? IS THIS FAIR? I AM A SINGLE MOM OF 3 KIDS AND I HAVE A NEWER CAR FOR RELIABILTY. AND CANNOT AFFORD THIS... *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 8, 2014
I'M A POLICE CHIEF HERE IN ALABAMA,MY DEPARTMENT HAS SIX CHARGERS AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS BEEN REPLACED IN EVERY ONE OF THEM,SOME TWO OR THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASED ALSO POWER STEERING PUMPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN SEVERAL. THIS IS RIDICULOUS...NO RECALL!!!!! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2014
DRIVING TO WORK, AT ABOUT 45 MPH, I SAW A MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD READ BATTERY SAVER MODE FOLLOWED BY A HUMMING NOISE THROUGHOUT THE CAR. I THEN STARTED TO PULL OUT OF THE FREEWAY AND MY ANTI-SKID LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF, ALONG WITH OTHER UNIDENTIFIABLE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. I MANAGED TO GET INTO A GAS STATION RIGHT BEFORE MY CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. PER THE DEALER, ALTERNATOR FAILURE CAUSED BATTERY TO SHUT DOWN. HOW DOES AN ALTERNATOR FAIL ON A CAR 2 1/2 YEARS OLD? I HAVE READ SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE YET NOT RECALLS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I AM STILL WAITING TO SEE IF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL COVER COSTS, AS I AM 1000 MILES OUT OF MY MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2014
I WAS HEADING TO WORK EARLY AM. HEADING DOWN THE FREEWAY, NOTICE THE BATTERY SAVE MODE ON THE DASH. BY THAT TIME THE RADIO SHUT OFF AND DIDN'T HAVE A/C, STARTED TO BLOW HOT AIR.I STARTED TO SMELL BURNING RUBBER. ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT OFF THE HIGH BEFORE THE CAR SHUT OFF. IT WAS HARD TO STEER, AND LOST BRAKES. ALMOST HITTING A COUPLE OF CARS. SO I LOOK UP WHAT BATTERY SAVE MODE WAS, THEN CHECK THE FORUMS. IT IS COMMON IN THE 2011-2012 CHARGERS. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2014, crash
COMPLAINT CONCERNING: NHTSA PRELIMINARY EVALUATION #PE14022 ON SATURDAY 9/13/14 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE STORE ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD GOING 35 MILES PER HOUR AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO FLASH THE ABS LIGHT. THEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THE TOUCH SCREEN WENT BLANK. MY RADIO AND A/C SHUT OFF, THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. THE MILEAGE METER READ 0, THAN STARTED TO READ MILES UP TO 80 MILES PER HOUR. I LOST POWER STEERING, AND THE POWER BRAKES!! MY CAR WAS 100% INOPERABLE!!! I TRIED TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ALMOST HITTING SEVERAL MOTORIST AND PEDESTRIANS AS I HAD NOT CONTROL OVER THE BREAKS!!! MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE ALMOST KILLED B/C I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER AND ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION!! I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHEN MY CAR COMPLETELY DIED!! WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY, COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK, ETC. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO MY DODGE DEALER, THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT, DRAIN THE BATTERY COMPLETELY! THE ALTERNATOR ON THIS CAR IS TOO WEAK FOR THE SIZE OF THE VEHICLE! REPAIRS COST ME $1,500 TOTAL, NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY! THIS CAR IS ONLY 2 YRS. OLD! THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH A NEW CAR! I CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. OFFICE AND THEY DID NOT OFFER ME ANY ASSISTANCE! SOME ONE WILL DIE DUE TO THIS TYPE OF VECHICLE FLAW! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 9, 2014
BATTERY SAVER MODE APPEARED ON MY DASH. WASN'T SURE WHAT IT MEANT SO I TOLD MY HUSBAND TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE. HE WENT TO AUTO ZONE TO GET IT CHECK AND UPON GETTING THIS DONE HE STATED "THE CAR IS GOING CRAZY" EVERY LIGHT IMAGINABLE WAS APPEARING. THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T GO DOWN, THE RADIO STOP PLAYING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE. IN SO MANY WORDS THE CAR JUST DIED.... I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER ONCE THERE I HAD TO PURCHASE A BATTERY BECAUSE THEY SAID THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. ONCE THE BATTERY WAS INSTALLED THE CAR STARTED AGAIN, BUT THEY COULDN'T TEST MY CAR BECAUSE THERE SYSTEM WASN'T UP TO DATE. SO I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR HOME. WHILE DRIVING HOME THE BATTERY SAVER MODE LIGHT APPEARED AGAIN THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT APPEARED. I CALLED THE DODGE DEALERSHIP NEAR ME AND SPOKE TO SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO TOLD ME THAT LIGHT INDICATES A BAD ALTERNATOR AND THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE MINE AND BEING THAT MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND OF COURSE IT IS PRICEY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2014
A MESSAGE APPEARED AND INDICATED BATTERY SAVER MODE. I DECIDED TO GO AND GET A PICTURE OF THE MESSAGE TO SHOW THE DEALERSHIP BUT WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ALSO TURNED ON. THE CAR WAS ALSO MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK AT WHICH TIME A BURNING SMELL STARTED. AS I CAME AROUND THE BLOCK NOT FASTER THAN 5-10 MPH THE BURNING SMELL GOT STRONGER AND THE CAR STARTED TREMBLING AND I COULDN'T TURN IT OFF OR PUT IT IN PARK. THE SHIFTER WOULD JUST SLIDE UP AND DOWN NEVER PARKING. I COULDN'T TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK BECAUSE IT WOULD KEEP MOVING ALMOST WREAKING INTO MY HUSBANDS TRUCK. FINALLY THE CAR STARTED TREMBLING AND OTHER PANEL LIGHTS APPEARED AND TURNED OFF.(TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE LIGHT) FINALLY THE WIPERS CAME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE CAR IN TWICE FOR THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL THEN BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE BRAKES COULD NOT BE APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 4, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED SHORTING OUT. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STOP MY CAR IT COMPLETELY DIED LEAVIN ME WITHOUT STEERING CAPABILITY. I COULDN'T EVEN OPEN THE TRUNK WHERE THE ACTUAL BATTERY IS. THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. THE PROBLEM TURNED OUT TO BE THE ALTERNATOR. I HAD TO REPAIR THE ALTERNATOR ROTOR AND GET A NEW RECTIFIER AND BEARINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS PART WAS FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. APPARENTLY THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS PART IT IS COMMONPLACE FOR THIS VEHICLE. I WASN'T GOING VERY FAST AND WAS ABLE TO BEGIN PULLING OVER AND SLOWING DOWN. AS IT WAS I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH INERTIA AND WAS STILL PARTIALLY IN THE ROAD WAY. HAD I BEEN ON THE FREEWAY, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I DID NOT EVEN RECEIVE A BATTERY LOW WARNING PREVIOUS TO THIS INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 3, 2014
DRIVING ON A TURNPIKE WITH THE CRUISE SET AT 75MPH AND THE "BATTERY SAFE MODE" INDICATOR CAME ON. FROM THEN IN A MATTER OF SECONDS MY RADIO FIRST SHUT OFF, THEN MY FORWARD COLLISION SENSOR, THEN MY BLIND SPOT SENSOR. THEN IN THE NEXT FOLLOWING MINUTE OR SO, EVERY ELECTRONIC DEVICE SHUT OFF AND MY CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". IT WAS RAINING AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND I HAD TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE TURNPIKE FAST. WITH RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ALL AROUND ME AND ME HAVING TO FIND MY WAY THROUGH THE TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY WITH NO BLINKERS, POWER STEERING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND MY CAR WOULD NOT RUN OVER 1200 OR SO RPM'S. MY CAR WAS SLOWING FAST. BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE SHOULDER MY CAR HAD DIED. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. TRIED TO JUMP IT WITH NO SUCCESS. I TOOK THE BATTERY TO GET IT CHECKED NOT THINKING ABOUT HOW I WOULD GET BACK INTO THE TRUNK. I HAD TO CRAWL THROUGH THE BACK SEAT ACCESS TO THE TRUNK AND PULL THE EMERGENCY TRUNK CABLE. BATTERY WAS FINE AFTER ALL, AND TURNS OUT IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH I FIGURED FROM THE START, I WAS JUST COVERING MY BASES. NEXT LOOKING FOR A NEW ALTERNATOR OR TO GET IT REPAIRED, I COULD NOT DO EITHER. ALL PLACES, PEP BOYS, O'REILY'S, AUTO ZONE, AND NAPA DID NOT HAVE THIS ALTERNATOR AVAILABLE. I WENT TO GET IT REPAIRED AND THEY SAID THE PART I NEEDED WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. MY ONLY WAY WAS TO GO TO A DEALERSHIP TO BUY A NEW ONE. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE TURNPIKE, BUT IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND COULD HAVE TURNED OUT VERY BAD FOR ME AND MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACKSEAT. THIS IS A PROBLEM DODGE NEEDS TO RECALL OR COVER THE COST FOR IT BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. THE MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IS HOW THE CAR DEALS WITH THIS FAILURE AND MAKES IT COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES FROM THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. *TR