Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Challenger electrical problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 17 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: SRT Subwoofer Thump Noise After Vehicle Is Turned Off This bulletin involves re-flashing the Amplifier with updated software. The customer may experience after the vehicle is turned off a slow thumping noise coming from the subwoofer. This may happen only a few times or last until the next key cycle. This is caused by the amplifier waking up and then going back to sleep.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHRYSLER/DODGE: PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY BE NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS CAN BE CORRECTED WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the engine stalling unpredictably while driving at all speeds—highway, city streets, turns, and even in driveways. When it happens, all dash warning lights come on and the vehicle loses power steering and braking, creating a serious safety hazard. Some vehicles die on steep merges or in intersections. Multiple dealership visits sometimes fail to pinpoint the problem; one owner finally had a WIN (wireless integrated network) module replaced and computer software reflashed, which fixed the stalls—but had to pay out-of-pocket.
Key fob and push-button start systems frequently fail, with "No Fob Detected" messages stranding owners who cannot start the car or unlock doors. The wireless module requires replacement and reprogramming to restore function.
Alternators are failing prematurely even on low-mileage, well-maintained vehicles—under 50,000 miles in multiple cases—with battery warning lights and whining noises. Owners note that 2011-2012 Challengers received recalls for the same 160-amp alternator design but the 2009 model has not been recalled.
Several fires have occurred: one six days after dealership service, another at just 1,000 miles while parked (investigator ruled it electrical), and another during a low-speed drive with complete destruction. Battery drain overnight after dealership work, throttle sticking wide open, and instrument cluster failures rounding out the electrical gremlins.
Same Dodge Challenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalls/shuts off while driving
Engine stalls or shuts down unexpectedly during operation—on highways, during turns, at stop signs, or while merging—sometimes with all dash warning lights illuminating. Loss of power steering and braking accompanies stalling in some cases. Owners report the vehicle becoming completely unresponsive.
When: 80,000+ miles reported, but also occurs at low mileage; timing varies from startup to highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning at various speeds (15 mph, 80 mph, highway); All warning lights illuminate on instrument panel; Loss of power steering and power braking when stall occurs; Vehicle becomes unresponsive after shutdown; Stalling occurs during turns, merges, or straight driving
Codes mentioned: NO FOB DETECTED
Repairs/costs cited: WIN module replacement and computer reflash resolved the issue in at least one case. Another owner paid out-of-pocket for diagnosis and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery and cable recall performed; Chrysler personnel reportedly inspected one vehicle at dealership during service.
No key fob detection / push-button start failure
Wireless module failure prevents key fob communication with the vehicle. Owners cannot start the car via push button, lock/unlock doors, or use remote start. Intermittent 'No Fob Detected' warning messages appear, and the vehicle may become completely stranded.
When: Occurs at low mileage (3,000 miles, 500 miles at failure); recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: No Fob Detected warning message on display; Push-button start does not respond to fob or button press; Doors lock/unlock intermittently or fail to respond; Remote start malfunction; Vehicle becomes unable to start; owner is stranded
Codes mentioned: NO FOB DETECTED
Repairs/costs cited: New key fobs programmed; wireless module replacement and reprogramming required in some cases. One owner reported multiple service visits with unsuccessful diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Wireless module service bulletins or repairs; battery and cable recall performed prior to some failures.
Alternator failure
Alternator fails prematurely, even in low-mileage vehicles that are well-maintained. Battery warning light illuminates and alternator produces whining noise. Headlights dim when warning light activates. Owners note that 2011-2012 models received recalls for 160-amp alternator on 3.5L engines; the 2009 model appears to use the same part.
When: Under 50,000 miles in at least one case; less than 40,000 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise from alternator area; Battery warning light illuminates; Light turns off after restart but returns after a few miles; Headlights dim when warning light activates
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced. Owners note the 160-amp alternator in their 2009 models matches the design of recalled 2011-2012 alternators.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall issued for 2011-2012 3.5L engines; no mention of recall extension to 2009 models.
Battery drain / discharge overnight
Battery discharges completely overnight even when fully charged, requiring repeated replacement and recharging. Defect appears to develop after dealership service (Takata airbag inflator repairs noted). Owner reports ongoing concern for electrical fire risk.
When: Begins immediately following Takata inflator repair; occurs over 6-month period with two battery replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Fully charged battery discharges overnight; Requires repeated recharging and replacement; Dealership diagnostic finds no problems with vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced twice; full diagnostic evaluation performed with no failure identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata inflator recall repair performed; no warranty or fix offered despite ongoing drain.
Throttle control failure / unintended acceleration
Throttle sticks wide open for approximately 5 seconds without driver input, causing sudden unintended acceleration that startles the driver. Occurs multiple times in the same vehicle.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle goes to wide open and sticks for about 5 seconds; No driver input triggers the event; Sudden acceleration occurs
Engine fire while driving or parked
Vehicle catches fire while driving or while parked. One fire started in the right front engine compartment six days after dealership service. Another parked vehicle caught fire at low mileage (1,000 miles) with investigator determining electrical failure as cause. No warning lights preceded the fires in most cases.
When: One fire occurred at 135,000 miles during 15 mph drive; another at 1,000 miles while parked; one six days after dealership service
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire in right front compartment; Fire spreads rapidly and consumes vehicle; Vehicle stalls immediately before fire; No warning lights or prior problems reported in some cases; Difficult to exit vehicle due to fire spread
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed in fires; one occurred six days after 20-point inspection and fluid service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned; one manufacturer reportedly did not receive notification.
Instrument cluster malfunction
Instrument cluster displays incorrect gauge readings and warning indicators malfunction. Dashboard lights fail to illuminate properly, and in one case the cluster failure caused the vehicle to fail an emissions test.
When: Timing not specified; one vehicle at low mileage during testing
Symptoms owners cite: Warning indicators illuminate all at once or fail to display; Gauges display incorrect readings; Dashboard lights malfunction; Radio fails to function; Emissions test failure
Repairs/costs cited: New instrument cluster replacement required.
Wireless module communication failure
Wireless module stops communicating with vehicle systems after dealership work. Owner reports message indicating 'wireless module is bad' on radio display, preventing all remote and keyless entry functions.
When: After dealership service
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot unlock or lock vehicle; Cannot open trunk; Cannot use remote start; Warning message on radio display about bad wireless module
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I took car into dealership because it didn't sound right. It was determined that is was the alternator and therefore the battery. This car had less than 40,000 on it and the alternator should not have gone out. After some research I found that later model Dodge vehicles had recalls because of the alternator and I feel the recall should go back to my model. *tr
The vehicle caught on fire while driving. The fire started in the right front side of the engine compartment and quickly consumed the vehicle completely. The vehicle was not presenting any problems before the incident and no warning lights came on. The vehicle stalled and caught on fire. It was extremely difficult to come out of the vehicle. The estimated travel time before the accident was…
I have had this car for 7 years and have only just turned it over 50k miles. Just recently the car started to make a whining noise the the battery warning light came on. After turning the car off and then back on the light turned off but would come back on after a few miles. Checked out where the noise was coming from and it was the alternator. I have noticed that the 160 amp alternator has been…
The car will sometimes shut off and disable all power assists. This has happened to me on the expressway on occasion.
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Dodge Challenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 39,573 and 80,250 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,573; a quarter make it past 80,250. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Challenger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.