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 ↗2010 Dodge Charger electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Dodge Charger have filed 66 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 101,300 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Charger | 100 |
| 2007 Charger | 38 |
| 2008 Charger | 367 |
| 2009 Charger | 40 |
| 2010 Charger (this page) | 66 |
| 2011 Charger | 345 |
| 2012 Charger | 312 |
| 2013 Charger | 153 |
| 2014 Charger | 78 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 66 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 66 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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 catastrophic electrical failures across 65 complaints. The most dangerous: sudden engine shutdown at highway speeds (70 mph, 65 mph, 55 mph) with loss of power steering and brakes, sometimes accompanied by a burning-wire smell and a red lightning bolt warning light. Vehicles won't restart or require multiple cranking attempts.
The second major issue: ignition control gone haywire. Keys get stuck in the ignition and won't release without jiggling or fuse removal. Keys fall out while driving, letting the engine die in traffic. Some vehicles keep running after the key is turned off or removed—owners have had to disconnect the battery to shut them down. A few vehicles even start without the key being inserted.
Alternators are failing and smoking, sometimes after being replaced. One owner replaced an alternator twice plus the battery. Another found five of six wires in the trunk lid harness broken in the same spot, causing the third brake light to fail. One vehicle caught fire in the passenger cabin after sitting parked.
Dealerships and Chrysler repeatedly refuse to help, claiming recalls don't apply to specific VINs despite matching symptoms, or citing parts shortages. Owners report repair quotes of $1,000 to $2,000 for out-of-warranty fixes. The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module appears tied to multiple failures but remains unavailable or uncovered under recalls for many vehicles. Several fleet operators face the same issue: same problem as official recalls, same VIN exclusion, same $1,000+ bill.
Same Dodge Charger electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and loss of power steering/braking
Engine dies suddenly while driving at highway speeds with loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle won't restart immediately or requires multiple attempts. Warning lights illuminate (battery, check engine, electronic throttle control, traction control, ABS).
When: Various speeds and conditions; reported at 6K miles, 70 mph interstate, 40-65 mph, at traffic lights
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Smell of burning wires in some cases; Red lightning bolt warning light on dash; Battery/check engine lights illuminate; Difficult or impossible restart attempts with starter cranking sound
Codes mentioned: Battery warning indicator, Check engine light, Electronic throttle control light, Traction control light, ABS warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement attempted multiple times by some owners without resolving issue; WIN Module replacement mentioned; Starter replacement did not resolve issue in one case; One owner replaced alternator twice and battery once with recurring failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to duplicate or diagnose problem; recall 10V200000 (Electrical System) exists but many VINs excluded from coverage; P60/NHTSA 14V-634 alternator recall mentioned by one owner
Ignition switch and key control failures
Ignition key fails to turn off, gets stuck in ignition, falls out during driving, or vehicle continues running after key is removed. Key may require jiggling to release or vehicle won't turn off unless battery is disconnected.
When: All mileages from 38,000 to 205,000 miles; some early (6K miles), mostly higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Key won't turn to off position; Key stuck in ignition and won't release; Key falls out of ignition while driving; Vehicle continues running after key is removed; Vehicle starts without key being inserted; Key requires multiple attempts or jiggling to release; Ignition key turns to accessory position on its own
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement; Ignition module replacement; Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) Module replacement ($1,000-$1,250 cost cited); battery disconnection required to shut off vehicle; fuse removal (#8) sometimes used as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall K08 and 10V200000 (Electrical System) exist but many VINs excluded based on build date or VIN number; owners report 10 days outside recall window; dealerships cite parts unavailability; some dealers charge $1,000+ for non-recalled VINs
Wireless ignition node (WIN) module failures
WIN module malfunctions preventing proper ignition control, causing stalling, inability to start, or loss of key control. Multiple complaints indicate this module is the root cause of several ignition-related failures.
When: 50,000 to 180,000 miles; some early failures around 6K-66K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start or requires multiple attempts; Vehicle stalls randomly at various speeds; Key falls out of ignition while driving; Vehicle continues running when key is turned off; Loss of wireless key fob function
Repairs/costs cited: WIN Module replacement required; costs reported $1,000+; one owner states parts unavailable; multiple owners report dealership inability or unwillingness to perform repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V200000 (Electrical System) exists for WIN module but excludes many VINs; recall K08 specifically addresses this but build date restrictions exclude some vehicles; parts availability issues delayed recalls
Alternator failure and electrical charging system collapse
Alternator fails causing battery drain, loss of electrical power, and engine stalling. Some alternators smoke or burn; repeated failures after replacement noted in several cases.
When: 87,900 to 164,000 miles; one reported at 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illumination; Smoke from under hood and alternator area; Burning wire smell; Lights dimming or flickering; Whining noise from engine compartment; Repeated battery drain; Engine stalling after restart; Alternator smoking or burning out after replacement
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; one owner replaced alternator twice and battery once with recurring failures; battery testing showed battery in good condition but alternator failed; repair costs high; one owner states alternator diodes failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: P60/NHTSA 14V-634 alternator recall mentioned by one owner; recalls exist for some engine sizes and previous years but owner claims their vehicle was skipped; dealerships unable to resolve recurring issue
Key fob wireless remote failures
Key fob fails to unlock doors or start vehicle without multiple attempts. Batteries replaced and fobs reprogrammed without permanent fix. Vehicle becomes unusable when fob fails to work.
When: Various mileages; one owner reports issue ongoing for years since 2011 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Fob won't unlock doors; Fob won't start vehicle; Multiple attempts required to unlock or start; Fob stops working after battery replacement; Fob stops working after reprogramming; Vehicle stranding in remote locations
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement and key fob reprogramming attempted without permanent fix; owners cite $1,000-$2,000 repair costs from dealerships without permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships and Dodge corporate claim nothing is wrong despite thousands reporting same problem; no recalls mentioned for this issue in narratives
Trunk and body wiring harness failures
Wires in trunk lid harness break or corrode, causing third brake light failure and automatic trunk/door locking and unlocking. One case of interior fire caused by electrical short.
When: Various mileages; fire incident occurred after 4 hours parking on 70F day
Symptoms owners cite: Third brake light non-functional; Trunk unlocking and locking repeatedly; Door locking and unlocking repeatedly; Smoke pouring from cabin; Interior fire in front passenger seat area; Melted center armrest and burned headliner; Windows blackened by smoke; Burnt debris scattered throughout cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Broke wires in harness manually reconnected by owner matching color codes; trunk lid water harness wiring found broken at same location on multiple vehicles; fire incident not repaired by owner due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Dodge customer service denied responsibility for brake light wire harness issue; no recalls mentioned
Fuse box failures and power surges
Fuse box in trunk fails, causing blown fuses throughout electrical system. Multiple fuse replacements attempted without identifying root cause until power surge detected.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: All fuses blown in system; Multiple modules failing; Repeated blown fuses after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Trunk fuse box replacement attempted; later found all fuses blown; multiple modules replaced (key reader module); no resolution found by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership found recall for key reader module but vehicle excluded by 10-day build date difference; dealership unable to determine root cause despite multiple repair attempts
Shift interlock and key-off control failures
Vehicle able to be shifted out of park when engine is off or shifted while vehicle is off. Vehicle able to start without key inserted. Ignition safety features bypassed.
When: 66,000 to 119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves while vehicle is off; Vehicle starts without key in ignition; Key can be removed while in drive; Vehicle continues running without key engaged
Repairs/costs cited: WIN Module replacement recommended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V200000 (Electrical System) exists but VINs excluded from coverage
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to crank on several occasions and the battery was drained. The battery and check engine indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto center where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge charger. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer on numerous occasions where the technician stated that the ignition module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign…
I need assistance in having fca (Fiat Chrysler automotive) important safety recall p60/NHTSA 14v-634 alternator honored (vanished according to fca) to cover the cost of replacing my alternator and battery in my 2010/2011 Dodge charger (manufactured in late 2010) which according to the dealership, are now in need of replacement. I have experienced variable electrical/power failures with my…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the wireless ignition node would occasionally fail to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to garber automall (3360 u.s. 17, green cove springs, fl 32043, (904) 264-2442) and they acknowledged the failure, but there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
2010 police charger fobik started falling out of ignition.. problem continues dealership says no big deal eventually the day came when I tried to turn the car off and I couldn't switch will no longer turn to the off position... Every time I want to turn the car off I have to pop the hood pull a fuse then get in the trunk and disconnect the battery. I went online did a recall search and found that…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge charger. While driving various speeds, the key fell out of the ignition switch and caused the vehicle to shut off. Also, the vehicle would not immediately start when turning the ignition switch. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 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 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 66,000 and 145,000 miles, with the median around 101,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 66,000; a quarter make it past 145,000. 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/2010/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.