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 Charger electrical problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 40 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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 ↗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 ↗Drivers And/Or Passenger Front Power Door Locks And Windows Inoperative U0200 Lost Communication With Passengers Door Module U0199 Lost Communication With Drivers Door Module This bulletin involves Inspecting the Drivers Door Module (DDM) and/or Passenger Door Module (PDM) and replacing one of both if necessary. The customer may experience any or all of the following conditions: The drivers and/or passenger front power locks and windows are inoperative. will work properly. The Technician may find Diagnostic trouble code (DTC), U0200 Lost communication with Passenger Door Module. The Technician may find Diagnostic trouble code (DTC), U0199 Lost of communication with Drivers Door Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of catastrophic electrical failures in the 2009 Charger. Multiple customers describe the vehicle shutting off abruptly while driving—losing engine power, power steering, and all electrical systems simultaneously—with no warning lights and dealers unable to locate error codes. The Integrated Power Module (IPM) is cited as the culprit in some cases, but failures recur even after replacement.
Ignition system failures are widespread: vehicles stall without warning, fail to start after multiple attempts, or the key gets stuck in the ignition. Wireless ignition modules and key fob systems malfunction frequently. Repair costs are steep—$960–$1,000 for ignition module and key replacement—but the problem often returns.
Steering column electrical components fail in cascades: turn signals, wipers, horn, and brake lights stop working. One owner spent months with the car undrivable and suspects a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fault but was never officially diagnosed.
Two catastrophic fires were reported: one from a battery that caught fire in the engine compartment; another caused by unspecified electrical wiring failure in the engine compartment that spread to the garage and house. Temperature gauge failures and coolant leaks occurred simultaneously in one case, with the gauge refusing to show overheating. Headlight and dashboard light flickering is also common. Dealers frequently cannot find root causes or error codes, leaving owners with expensive repairs that don't stick.
Same Dodge Charger electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Oxygen sensor diagnostic and replacement failures
Check engine light triggered by oxygen sensor codes. Multiple repairs required; dealers and independent mechanics disagree on which sensor is faulty. Repeated failures after replacement.
When: ~36,000–40,000 miles (purchased used at 36,252 miles, issues began October 2010)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Code reads oxygen sensor failure
Codes mentioned: Oxygen sensor fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $300 ($63 parts, $237 labor). Independent mechanic charged $100 total. Customer reports confusion over which sensor required replacement.
Integrated Power Module (IPM) failure causing complete electrical shutdown
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving—engine dies, power steering disabled, radio and lights shut off. IPM controls fuse box signal distribution. Some failures recur even after dealer replacement. Dealers unable to find error codes on subsequent occurrences.
When: Early to mid-2010; recurring failures reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off abruptly while driving; Power steering disabled; Radio and all lights die; All message board lights flash; Loss of steering control; Vehicle decelerates quickly
Codes mentioned: No error codes found on recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: IPM replacement; cost not cited in narratives
Ignition switch/ignition module failure causing stalling and no-start
Vehicle stalls without warning during driving or idle. Ignition module prevents starting; key gets stuck in ignition or becomes difficult to turn. Multiple repairs required; some customers report replacing module multiple times without permanent resolution.
When: Varies; 30,000–182,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Difficult or impossible to start; Multiple start attempts required; Key stuck in ignition; Key will not turn; Key haphazardly releases from ignition during driving
Codes mentioned: No codes on some occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition module and key replacement cost $960–$1,000. Some customers report replacing module only to have stalling recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on similar part for May 2007–May 2008 manufacture dates (not covering all affected 2009 models). Customer notes lawsuit against Chrysler for this problem on some models.
Wireless Ignition Module (WIN) failure and key fob malfunction
Wireless ignition module fails; key fob does not unlock vehicle or communicate with ignition. Alarm will not disarm. Vehicle fails to start or starts intermittently. Key fob replacement sometimes necessary but does not always resolve issue.
When: ~45,000–68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start or starts only after multiple attempts; Key fob will not unlock vehicle; Alarm will not disarm; Vehicle shuts off while driving; All power to dash lost during shutdown; Key fob detected but will not crank car
Codes mentioned: No codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: WIN module and key reprogramming required. Key fob replacement quoted at $300.
Steering column electrical component failures (turn signals, wipers, horn, cruise control, power mirrors, tail lights)
Multiple steering column components fail simultaneously or progressively: turn signals, windshield wipers, brake lights, tail lights, cruise control, horn, power mirrors. Customer reports spending money replacing parts with no permanent fix. Safety issue due to lack of turn signals and wipers.
When: Long-term; owner unable to drive properly for months
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals inoperative; Windshield wipers inoperative; Horn inoperative; Cruise control inoperative; Power mirrors inoperative; Tail lights illuminate only intermittently; Brake lights function normally; Running lights not working unless brake light switch unhooked; Airbag light comes on intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) as cause but has not been officially diagnosed. Multiple part replacements attempted without resolution.
Engine compartment electrical fire
Two separate fire incidents reported. First: battery caught fire while vehicle was shut off. Second: extensive garage fire caused by electrical wiring/components failure in engine compartment on driver side. Fire inspector determined cause as electrical event igniting combustible wiring insulation.
When: Battery fire at 190,000 miles; garage fire timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke from engine compartment; Smoke from rear seats; Fire in engine compartment (driver side); All warning lights illuminated then stopped (just before first fire)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; vehicles destroyed by fire or towed home.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware in at least one case.
Instrument cluster and dashboard electrical malfunctions
Instrument cluster fails to display information or goes black. Temperature gauge reads incorrectly—fails to show engine running hot despite overheating. Fuel gauge reading incorrect. Speedometer reads zero while vehicle is running. Multiple warning lights illuminate at startup but do not indicate actual problems.
When: 30,000–179,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster screen goes black; Temperature gauge stuck on cold or fluctuates cold-to-hot; Fuel gauge reads incorrectly; Speedometer reads zero while driving; All check lights illuminate at cranking (engine, coolant, tire check, etc.) when no actual problem exists; Warning lights flash or illuminate on message board
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Headlight and dash light flickering
Headlights and dash lights flicker noticeably, causing oncoming drivers to respond. Some customers report complete headlight failure. Battery and electrical system checked but no root cause found.
When: Noted since December (year not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable flicker of headlights; Noticeable flicker of dash lights; Some headlight failures reported in forums
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced battery and checked electrical system; no resolution achieved.
Shift lever and transmission electrical control failure
Shift lever fails to engage into park position. Vehicle may enter limp mode. Column shifter assembly suspected. Related CAN bus communication codes present.
When: Early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever will not engage into park; Vehicle enters limp mode every 10–30 minutes of driving; Loss of communication with gear shift module
Codes mentioned: U0002 (CAN communication BUS performance), U0103 (Loss communication with gear shift module)
Repairs/costs cited: Column shifter assembly replacement suspected; customer notes recall exists for same part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Column shifter assembly recall noted by customer.
Battery and alternator electrical issues
Battery service light illuminates. Multiple battery replacements required ($215 replacement cost cited). Key gets stuck in ignition with accessories still working, draining battery. Alternator replacement mentioned as necessary by one dealer.
When: Various; battery replaced last month prior to complaint in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Battery service light illuminates; Key stuck in OFF position with accessories still operating; Battery drains while vehicle parked; Check engine light with battery code
Codes mentioned: Battery service warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement cost ~$215. Alternator replacement quoted as necessary (cost not provided).
Radiator fan electrical connector failure
Radiator fan connector burns out, preventing fan activation. Vehicle overheats and coolant boils.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator fan will not turn on; Vehicle overheats; Coolant boils; Burnt radiator fan connector
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Electronic throttle control light illumination
Electronic control throttle light comes on repeatedly. Customer reports this is a known issue in Dodge and Chrysler models 2000–2011.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic control throttle warning light comes on
Repairs/costs cited: Customer notes high cost to fix; no repair details provided.
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction
Low tire pressure warning light does not turn off after tire change.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure light remains on after tire replacement
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Trunk lock electrical failure
Trunk will not unlock from key fob or interior trunk release button.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk will not unlock from key fob; Trunk will not unlock from inside car
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Coolant leak and temperature sensor malfunction
Vehicle leaks coolant despite no visible problem prior. Temperature gauge fails to indicate overheating even as coolant becomes low and vehicle smokes.
When: ~1–1.5 months after initial service at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant level drops rapidly; Vehicle smokes from engine; Temperature gauge fails to register hot engine despite overheating; Coolant becomes bone dry then extremely low
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership added coolant and performed maintenance; leak recurred within 1.5 months. Customer believes faulty coolant container and non-functional sensors are root cause.
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure
PCM fails and requires replacement. Multiple other components listed as needing replacement alongside PCM: fuel pump assembly, battery, alternator, spark plugs, heating hoses, thermostat.
When: ~160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery service and check engine lights illuminate; Fuel gauge reading incorrect
Codes mentioned: Battery service warning, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement required; fuel pump assembly, alternator, spark plugs, fuel pump, heating hoses, and thermostat also listed as needing replacement. Vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Change tires and the low tire light doesn't come off. Trunk will not unlock from key fob or inside car. Key hole to open door easy to break into. Car keep cutting off while driving on several occasion. Cut off while in the middle of intersection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the shift lever failed to engage into the park position and the ignition key became stuck in the ignition switch. In addition, the contact mentioned that the horn failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the integrated power control module failed and needed to be replaced. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the battery service and check engine warning lights illuminated. The fuel gauge to reading was incorrect. The contact took the vehicle to rick hendrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram Fiat (8333 rivers ave, north charleston, sc 29406; (843) 639-5475) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PCM…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge charger. While parked, the contact attempted to turn the ignition on but the key would not turn. In addition, the contact noticed that the key fob, which was attached to the key, would not unlock the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the key fob would have to be replaced. The key fob was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Dodge Charger?
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 Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 60,000 and 112,426 miles, with the median around 95,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 112,426. 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/Charger.
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.