2013 Dodge Charger

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 360 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 20 Charger model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 360

Of the 2013 reports, 25 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.

Primary concernElectrical system167 reports · 46% of complaints
Owner complaints360Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system167
  2. Engine50
  3. Power train48
  4. Air bags41
  5. Steering30
  6. Other or unspecified28
  7. Vehicle speed control24
  8. Electronic stability control (ESC)18

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Power train, automatic transmissionDec 6, 2013

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.

    The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.

    Campaign 13V610000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified

28 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2015

    AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BEGAN SMELLING LIKE MOLD/MILDEW AFTER LESS THAN ONE (1) YEAR OF USE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THERE IS NOT ANY WATER COMING INTO THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD THAT WOULD INDICATE A SIMPLE CONDENSATE DRAIN CLOG. FIRST RECOMMENDATION WAS TO RUN THE A/C ON RECIRCULATE FOR 10 MINUTES, THEN FRESH AIR FOR 10 MINUTES AND REPEAT 4-5 TIMES, THEN RUN THE VENT WITHOUT A/C FOR 10 MINUTES. SECOND RECOMMENDATION WAS TO CHANGE THE CABIN AIR FILTER (WHICH HAS A RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT THE 2 YEAR MARK). THIRD RECOMMENDATION WAS TO SPRAY AN ANTI-MICROBIAL/FRAGRANCE SOLUTION MADE BY BG INTO THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING. NONE OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE RESULTED IN A RESOLUTION OF THE ISSUE. MY $40,000 CAR STILL SMELLS LIKE A BARN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO ME CONSIDERING I ALSO HAVE AN 18 YEAR OLD HONDA CIVIC THAT HAS NEVER, EVER HAD THIS ISSUE BEFORE, BUT MY PREVIOUS 2008 CHARGER HAD THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM AFTER 3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP (ALSO PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER). I AM STARTING TO THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS WHERE THEY ARE FAILING TO ADEQUATELY SPRAY THE EVAPORATOR COMPONENTS WITH AN ANTI-FUNGAL AGENT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION INTO THE VEHICLE WHICH WOULD PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM OCCURRING.

  2. Other or unspecified, May 29, 2015

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT ABOUT MY AGENCY FAILING TO SET AN APPOINTMENT AND FOLLOWING BACK IN ORDER TO GET A RECALL APPOINTMENT SET. I'M IN DESPERATE NEED OF ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE AS TO WHAT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE NEXT FOR THE RECALL ON MY CAR TO GET FIXED. I CALLED MAY 4TH 2015 TO SOUTH POINT AGENCY 5210 IH-35 SOUTH AUSTIN TEXAS 78745 [XXX] AND GOT IN CONTACT WITH THE SO THEY SAY PERSON IN CHARGE OF RECALL APPOINTMENTS. HER NAME IS [XXX], SHE WAS NOT VERY POLITE AND COMMUNICATED WITH ME THAT THERE WAS A VERY LONG LINE AND SHE WOULD CALL ME WHEN THE PART WAS IN. NO NAME, RECALL NUMBER, CAR VIN , NO INFORMATION WAS TAKEN DOWN. I CALLED ONE WEEK LATER DUE TO NOT RECEIVING A FOLLOW BACK LIKE PROMISED ABOUT MY STATUS AND SHE YET AGAIN MENTIONED SHE WOULD CALL ME BACK. IT'S BEEN A MONTH NOW. SHE HAS NOT FOLLOWED BACK, NO APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN SET, I'M CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN ACTING DIFFERENTLY. PLEASE GUIDE ME TO WHAT STEP I SHOULD TAKE NEXT. I WILL SEND THIS COMPLAINT AND CALL THE MANAGER OF THE AGENCY AT THIS TIME AS WELL. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  3. Structure, Other or unspecified, May 11, 2015, crash

    04/15/2015 THERE WAS A MUTUAL ACCIDENT OR FAULTY DUE TO SECOND DRIVER BEING BLINDED BY A TRUCK ON A MERGE INTO A DRIVE THRU BANKING AT PNC BANK N 87TH AND COTTAGE GROVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. I WAS SITTING IN THE TURN AND THE OTHER CAR HIT THE VEHICLE AT 45 MPH ON A 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT. THERE WAS MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE OTHER DRIVERS FRONT BUMPER, ALSO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO MINE. HOWEVER, THE ENTIRE BUMPER FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, THERE IS APPROXIMATELY 4500 DOLLARS WORTH OF REPAIRS TO BE DONE. AT ANY RATE THE BUMPER SHOULD HAVE SUSTAINED A DENT OR CRACK NOT THE ENTIRE BUMPER FALL OFF AND ALL PLASTIC PIECES HOLDING IT TOGETHER EITHER. WHAT IT IS WITH A 20K + CAR THAT A HIT EVEN AT THAT SPEED WOULD TAKE THE ENTIRE BUMPER OFF A CAR AND ALL PIECES HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE CONDENSER. THAT'S A REALLY BUM DEAL FOR A CAR THAT SUPPOSED TO BE SAFE. IT CAN'T HANDLE NOTHING. BUT AN OLDER CAR CAN PLEASE INVESTIGATE CAR STRUCTURE FOR DEFECTS. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS AND NOT FAIR AT ALL PLEASE ALLOW MANUFACTURE TO DO REPAIRS NOT FAIR AT ALL. WHO MAKES A BUMPER ON ANY CAR PLASTIC AND THE SCREWS TOO. PLEASE HELP NOT FAIR