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
648 reports, newest first.
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
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2014, fire
I LEFT OUT THE HOUSE TO GO PICK UP A FRIEND WHEN STARTED UP MY CAR I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD THEN IT WENT AWAY AS I DROVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT BATTERY SAVING MODE POPPED UP ON THE DASH BOARD SO I DRIVE IT TO MY FRIEND HOUSE WHO LIVES 5 MINUTES DOWN THE STREET FROM WHERE I STAY AS I WAS TURNING TO HIS HOME THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WOULD KEEP POPPING UP ON DASH BOARD SO I PARKED MY CAR AT MY FRIEND HOUSE THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS BURNING WIRES AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR THEN I TRIED TO START UP MY CAR AND IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD NO POWER AT ALL I CALLED MY INSURANCE TO GET A JUMP START THEY TRIED BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK SO I CALLED TO GET IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE I HAD A MECHANIC COME OUT TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT IT WAS WRONG HE DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2014
I TURNED THE CAR ON THE TRACTION LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, A WEIRD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD AND CAR DIED, I WASN'T ABLE TO UNLOCK MY CAR... EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. *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
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 17, 2014
I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM FIXED IN AUGUST 2014 AT DUTCH MILLER IN SOUTH CHARLESTON,WV, AND TODAY THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN ,ABS AND ESC WARNING LIGHTS IN THE DASH. *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
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ANTI-LOCK AND SKID WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
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
Engine, Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE AND THE BATTERY SAFE MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 25, 2014
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AROUND 10 P.M. ON THE HIGHWAY 101 GOING SOUTH. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR ( DODGE CHARGER) STARTS MAKING A PECULIAR NOISE, SHORTLY MY CAR GAVE ME A MESSAGE SAYING " BATTERY SAVE MODE" MY CAR WAS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND VERY HARD TO WORK THE STEERING WHEEL, LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO EXIT ON THE NEAREST EXIT. MY I WAS DRIVING 35MPH ON THE ROAD SUDDENLY IT WENT FROM 30, 20, 10 MPH AND THAN STOPPED, MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN IT BACK ON. I WAS VERY SCARED JUST THINKING WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPEN IT MY CAR WOULD OF SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY. I'VE BEEN READING ALLOT OF COMPLAINS ONLINE AND THIS IS NOT A RARE CASE. A LOT OF DODGE CUSTOMERS ARE COMPLAINING OF BAD ALTERNATORS COMING FROM DODGE, CHRYSLER, AND JEEP. I HOPE THIS GETS INVESTIGATED AND RECALL THIS CAR IT IS VERY UNSAFE! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 25, 2014
BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON, THEN THE ELECTRICAL LIGHT WENT ON THEN ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO MOVE, CAR GAVE ME JUST ENOUGH POWER TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO THE BIKE LANE. THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T GO IN TO ANY POSITION EXCEPT DRIVE, THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN OFF, ALL ELECTRIC WENT OUT. AFTER ABOUT 25 MINUTES OF THE CAR TRYING TO DRIVE BY ITSELF AND HEATING UP WITH SMOKE, THE CAR FINALLY LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF ALLOWING ME TO PUT IT IN DRIVE AND TURN ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THEN THE SCREEN AND LIGHTS CONTINUED TO GO OF AND ON AND CONTINUED UNTIL A SERVICE TRUCK WAS ABLE TO TOW ME. HE CHARGED THE BATTERY TO ALLOW ME TO ROLL WINDOWS UP AND STATED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR NOT HOLDING POWER TO THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2014
ON JULY 21, 2014 WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO- WAY STREET, SEVERAL OF MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED AND WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH. I KEPT DRIVING WHEN GRADUALLY MY CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THE DASH BOARD NOTIFIED ME THAT IT WAS GOING INTO POWER SAVER MODE. LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE. THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AS I WAS MAKING A TURN HOPING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'??T START AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO JUMP IT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO A TOW TRUCK COMPANY. ON JULY 22, A SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD AND I ALSO NEEDED A NEW BATTERY DUE TO THE BAD ALTERNATOR. I TOLD HIM I HAD WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. HE TOLD ME I HAD 5 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY FOR 5YRS/100,000MILES AND ELECTRICAL IS 3YRS/36,000MILES. AT THIS TIME I HAD 54,139MILES. IT COST ME $1,056.15 TO HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL A NEW ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, AND TOWING FEES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED VIA RECALL. THE VEHICLE ISN'T OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE ALTERNATOR ISSUES. ONLY 2 YEARS THIS DEFINITELY REQUIRES A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Aug 20, 2014
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2014
SUNDAY I WAS RIDING HOME FROM GETTING SOMETHING TO EAT I WAS GOING ABOUT 47 MPH WHENMY BATTERY POWER SAVER INDICATOR LIT UP. SO I WAS A LITTLE CONFUSED OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER AND EVERYTHING ON MY DASHBOARD STARTED GOING CRAZY, AND THEN IT WENT OUT. SO I THOUGHT IT BEST FOR ME TO PULL OVER INTO A GAS STATION, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO PULL OVER IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHEN I PRESS THE GAS THE CAR WASN'T MOVING IT WAS JUST MOVING WITH THE SPEED IT WAS ALREADY GOING. THANKFULLY I WAS BY HEEL AND I RODE DOWN INTO THE GAS STATION. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR OFF BUT I COULDN'T BECAUSE ALL THE POWER IN THE DASHBOARD HAD GOING OUT ALL THE POWER WAS GONE. SO THE CAR LITERALLY DRAINED ITSELF OF POWER FOR THE NEXT TWO MINUTES AND THEN IT DRAINED OUT COMPLETELY OF POWER. SO I SET A FEW MINUTES AND THE BATTERY DID RECHARGE ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO ADVANCED AUTO MAYBE A QUARTER-MILE FROM MY HOUSE AND I HAD THEM DO A BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECK. WHAT CAME UP WAS THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD IT WAS NOT SENDING ENOUGH CURRENT TO THE BATTERY AND THAT THE BATTERY WAS BEING DRAINED. THIS IS A 2012 CAR WITH 61,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOT DONE ANY ALTERATIONS ON THIS CAR EVERYTHING IS FACTORY, AND I'VE GOT IT MAINTENANCE WHEN IT NEEDED MAINTENANCE LIKE MY OIL CHANGE AND CHANGING THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS NOTHING MAJOR THOUGH. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN IT BACK FOR ALL THE RECALLS AS WELL. THIS CARS ALTERNATOR SHOULD NOT GO OUT THIS EARLY IN THE CARS LIFE USE THEIR IS SOMETHING WRONG.THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE A CAR WAS COMING AS I WAS TRYING TO PULL IN THE GAS STATION AND I WAS HITTING THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WOULD NOT GO THANKFULLY THE CALL SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH FOR ME TO MAKE IT IN. PLEASE CHECK I SEE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS ALTERNATOR ISSUE EARLY IN THERE CARS LIFE THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2014
I HAVE A 2012 DODGE CHARGER SXT 3.6 LITRE, ON THE 13 OF AUG 2014 I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON I WAS ONLY 5 MILES FROM MY HOUSE RIGHT AFTER LIGHT CAME ON CAR SAID IT WENT INTO BATTERY SAVER MODE RADIO SHUT OFF I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE OK TO DRIVE IT HOME SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO MY HOUSE AND IT WAS IN BATTERY SAVER MODE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS IN VEHICLE WENT OFF TRIP INFO SCREEN WENT BLANK AND WIPERS CAME ON AND MY POWER STEERING SHUT OFF THEN CAME BACK ON THEN OFF AGAIN I ALMOST CRASHED I WAS GOING AROUND A CORNER AT THE TIME NOW MIND YOU I WAS ON A ROAD WHERE THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL ONTO CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BUT IF YOU TRIED TO ACCELERATE IT WOULDN'T GO, I ALSO TRIED TO SHUT CAR OFF AT ONE POINT AND IT WOULD NOT EVEN SHUT OFF I KEPT HITTING OFF BUTTON AT THIS POINT SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING I WAS FREAKING OUT BECAUSE CAR WOULDN'T SHUT OFF SMOKE COMING OUT AND I COULDN'T EVEN UNROLL WINDOW OR OPEN DOOR WHILE IT WAS RUNNING BECAUSE DOOR LOCK ENGAGED CAR WAS MAKING SOME WEIRD NOISES FINALLY SHUT OFF GOT OUT OF CAR OPENED HOOD ALTERNATOR WAS SMOKING HOT. CURRENTLY HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS LATER I'M STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THIS WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I WILL TELL YOU THIS THE SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS A HUGE ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER 300'S DODGE CHARGERS AND JEEP CHEROKEE'S AND NORMALLY IT'S NOT COVERED RIGHT NOW AT MY DEALERSHIP THEY HAVE 2 CHRYSLER 300 1 CHARGER AND 1 JEEP CHEROKEE PLUS MY CHARGER MAKES 5 CARS IN THERE DEALERSHIP WITH SAME ISSUE. I SMELL LAWSUIT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Aug 12, 2014
FIRST OF ALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP! SUCKS! WHEN YOU CALLED THEY (IT'S A CALL CENTER), AND THEY TRANSFER WHERE NO ONE EVER PICKS UP. MY PROBLEM OCCURED ON 8/6/2014. MY CAR WAS DRIVING IN BATTERY MODE (WHICH IS NOT LISTED IN THE MANUAL BY THE WAY). SO, I CALLED THE DODGE CHYRSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON 1-800-423-6343. ONLY THING THEY ADVISE WAS TAKE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (WHICH YOU THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY FOR). NOW REMIND YOU I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR ONE YEAR AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I HAVE KEPT UP ALL MY OIL CHANGES AND REGUALR MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FOR MILEAGE, BUT ALL ALL OF SUDDEN THE FREAKING ALTERNATOR GOES OUT ON A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. OF COURSE THIS DOES NOT SOUND RIGHT. SO, I GET A CALL BACK FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISE ME THAT IT WILL BE $655 PLUS DIAGNOSTIC. I HAVE BEED ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS THE CHYSLER GROUP LLC CUSTOMER CENTER THEY CAN NOT ASSIST WITH COST DUE TO DECLINE MATRIX AND THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT BS FROM EVERYONE IN REGARDS TO THE SO CALLED CASE NO. THEY GAVE ME. THE CUTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY RUDE. I ASK FOR A MANAGER WHICH THEY ADVISED ME THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME. (REMIND YOU AGAIN I USE TO WORK FOR A CALL CENTER) I HAVE NOT NEVER HEARD A REP TELLING A CUSTOMER YOU CAN NOT SPEAK TO A MANAGER. BULL CRAP! ALSO, I WAS TOLD THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE OUT HEADQUARTERS NUMBERS OR INFORMATION OF ADDRESS (WHICH I ENDED UP GOOGLE THE INFORMATION). I PLANNED ON TAKING THIS MATTER UP. I HAVE ELECTRIC ISSUES, AIRBAG ISSUES, AND MORE SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE. EVERYONE TRIED TO WARN ME ABOUT BUYING A DODGE, BUT I GUESS THEY WERE RIGHT ANG I WAS WRONG. THANKS, A CONCERN OWNER OF A DODGE CHARGER. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY SEVERAL OF MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKERED WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MILES AN HOUR (NOTE: ALTHOUGH I SELECTED 50 MPH, I DROVE AT VARYING SPEEDS DUE TO START/STOP TRAFFIC - THE INITIAL ISSUES HAPPENED AT ABOVE 50 MPH), I STARTED SMELLING BURNING SMELL - LIKELY WIRES AND BECAME CONCERNED, I ALSO HEARD A STRANGE WHIZZING SOUND. I KEPT DRIVING WHEN GRADUALLY MY CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THE DASHBOARD NOTIFIED ME THAT IT WAS GOING INTO BATTERY SAVING MODE AND THEN LESS THAN A MINUTE OR TWO LATER, MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE INSTANTLY, THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AS I WAS COMING AROUND A TURN, HOPING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE HILL AHEAD AND LET GRAVITY PULL ME INTO A SAFER PLACE. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK AND HAD NO POWER LEFT, NOT EVEN ENOUGH TO TURN ON THE FLASHERS. THE CAR DID NOT RESTART. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SEARS FOR A CHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC AND TURNED OUT THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD. THE BATTERY WAS ALSO DEAD. I PAID FOR A NEW BATTERY AND CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS NOT CHARGING THE NEW DIE-HARD ADVANCED GOLD BATTERY I JUST PURCHASED. I HAD IT TOWED A SECOND TIME TO TAKE IT TO THE DODGE DEALER BECAUSE I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IT, EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER WAS ONLY 16 MINS AWAY THAT SAME DAY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD. WE WILL CONFIRM MAIN CAUSE TODAY. THIS CAR IS A 2012 AND I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A CAR THAT NEW EVEN WITH 101,000 (A LARGE % ARE HIGHWAY MILES) COULD HAVE A BAD ALTERNATOR GO THAT SOON. SO FAR, MY BILL WILL BE OVER $1000 JUST TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR IN ADDITION TO THE $233 I HAD TO PAY FOR THE BATTERY AT SEARS. MORE DIAGNOSTICS ARE BEING DONE AT THIS TIME. THEY MENTIONED THAT IT WAS UNRELATED TO ANY PRIOR RECALLS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2014
MY 2012 DODGE CHARGER WAS DOING JUST FINE, THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATION THAT WOULD HAVE LED ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS GOING TO DIE ON ME SOON. I BOUGHT IT IN MAY (USED), AND IT IS NOW AUGUST. IT HAS JUST OVER 41K MILES. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH AND THIS MESSAGE CAME ON "BATTERY SAVING MODE", I GOT TO THE STORE AND PUMPED GAS, TURNED IT BACK ON JUST FINE AND THE MESSAGE WAS STILL SHOWING, THEN DROVE IT LESS THAN A MILE WHILE HEARING THIS SLIGHT HIGH PITCH NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I REACHED MY DESTINATION AND WHEN I TURNED OFF THERE WAS THIS BURNING SMELL AND SOME CLEAR SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WE OPENED IT AND SAW AND SMELLED MORE SMOKE ALONG WITH A BURNED RUBBER SMELL COMING FROM UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PANEL COVERING THE ENGINE. NOW MY CAR WON'T START AT ALL AND I KEEP HEARING THAT IT COULD BE THE ALTERNATOR, AND THAT IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL. I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAY FOR IT TO GET FIXED IF THERE'S NO OFFICIAL RECALL ON IT YET OR WHAT. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT IT HAS ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN THE FORUMS I'VE READ, SO NOW I HAVE TO ALSO HAVE IT TOWED. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2014
ALTERNATOR GOING OUT!!!!! CHARGER JUST GAVE ME THE "BATTERY SAVER MODE". ABS LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STEREO SHUT OFF. 2 HOURS AFTER ITS BACK TO NORMAL. CALLED DEALERSHIP, THEY WILL CHARGE ME $95 JUST TO TEST IT, NOT ACKNOWLEDGING ANY ISSUES WITH CAR, AND WILL LIKELY COST ME $500 PLUS TO FIX. TAKING IT TO AUTOPARTS STORE TO HAVE ALTERNATOR TESTED FOR FREE, THEN HAVING IT TOWED HOME. "BATTERY SAVER MODE" IS A SIGN THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS DEFECTIVE WHICH IN TURN DAMAGES THE BATTERY, IF YOU SEARCH THE DODGE/CHRYSLER FORUMS YOU WILL FIND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE WHICH RESULTS IN CAR BECOMING COMPLETELY UNDRIVABLE. IT STARTS WITH THE ERROR , THEN THE CAR SHUTS DOWN THE STEREO AND OTHER ELECTRONICS SO IT CAN HAVE ENOUGH VOLTAGE TO RUN THE ENGINE AND THEN THE ENGINE DIES. *TR