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 ↗2011 Dodge Challenger electrical problems
severe 93 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
93
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
4fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 93 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 93 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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 ↗Fuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. This bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Dodge Challengers describe a consistent electrical failure pattern centered on alternator diode fatigue. The Denso-manufactured alternator begins to fail—sometimes with a whining noise in advance, sometimes without warning—leaving drivers stranded when the battery can no longer charge. The failure is severe: power steering locks up, brakes lose assist, and the engine dies while the vehicle is in motion. Dashboard lights either go completely dark or flash rapidly in what owners call a "casino" display of all warning lights at once.
The timing is brutal. Failures happen at highway speeds (60–80 mph), in heavy traffic, and at intersections. Several owners report nearly causing accidents because oncoming traffic couldn't see their disabled vehicle or couldn't react in time. One owner stalled on a state trooper had to provide flashing lights while waiting for a tow truck.
Parts availability is a separate catastrophe. OEM alternators are scarce, on backorder for months, priced $500–$900, and aftermarket units don't exist. Owners report buying new batteries that fail within days, suggesting the original defect drains replacements faster than they can be charged. Chrysler issued recalls (14V634000 and 17V435000), but dealers often cannot source the repair parts and initially excluded V8 models despite using identical hardware. Owners are told to wait for a fix that doesn't exist yet. Many dealers and Chrysler initially refused to acknowledge the problem or honor warranty claims, forcing owners to pay for repairs and seek reimbursement after the fact—reimbursement often denied.
Same Dodge Challenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator Failure (Diode / Stator)
The alternator develops internal faults—commonly diode failure causing inability to charge the battery. Many owners report the part burning out or overheating, leading to complete electrical shutdown while driving. Some report smoke or burning odor from the engine bay. Owners cite that the Denso-manufactured alternators appear to have a chronic weakness.
When: Ranges from 300 to 168,000 miles; many failures occur in the first 4–5 years of ownership despite low mileage (typically under 70,000 miles at time of failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; All dashboard lights flash rapidly or illuminate simultaneously (often described as a 'casino' light show); ABS, traction control, brake assist, airbag warning lights come on; Power steering fails or locks; Braking power is lost or severely reduced; Engine stalls without warning, often at highway speeds; Windows stop operating; Radio cuts out; Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Burning smell or smoke from engine compartment or alternator; Vehicle will not restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: P60 (Alternator Diode Thermal Fatigue / Recall), 14V634000 (NHTSA Electrical System Recall), 17V435000 (NHTSA Electrical System Recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement costs typically $500–$900 including labor. Owners report severe parts shortages; aftermarket alternators unavailable; only OEM (Denso) units available, often on backorder for weeks to months. Some dealers and Chrysler refused to cover repairs under recall if VIN did not match recall scope (e.g., V8 models excluded when V6 recalled). Rebuilt alternators available but come with only 3-year warranty and contain the same weak clutch/pulley design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Dodge issued recalls 14V634000 and 17V435000 for alternator diode failure on select 2011 Challenger models. However, scope is limited: V6 models covered under P60 recall, but V8 models initially excluded despite identical part. Manufacturer stated no permanent fix was available at time of recall—owners told parts would eventually arrive. Some recall letters to owners; others received no notification. Dealers unable to honor recalls due to parts unavailability. Owners reported Chrysler Care Center offering partial reimbursement (alternator only, not rental or diagnostic fees). Dealer goodwill warranties offered in some cases but not consistently.
Battery Failure / Discharge
Batteries fail prematurely or drain repeatedly, either as a secondary effect of alternator failure or as an independent defect. Owners report batteries cannot hold charge, requiring disconnection at night or daily jump-starting. Some report new batteries dying within days of installation.
When: Failures occur within 1–4 years of ownership; some reported as early as first few months
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle fails to start or starts slowly; Battery dies overnight despite being fully charged; New battery becomes discharged after short driving period
Codes mentioned: Battery system failure (diagnostic codes not consistently reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement costs $300–$400. Multiple owners report having to replace batteries 2–3 times in rapid succession, suggesting either alternator charging faults or parasitic drain. Smart glass window switch identified in at least one case as cause of battery drain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall issued for battery defects. Some dealers replaced batteries under warranty early in ownership; others required out-of-pocket payment. Chrysler indicated some cases may be covered under electrical system recall if underlying cause (alternator) is proven.
Smart Glass Window Switch Failure
Power window switch (smart glass function) fails, causing intermittent or continuous operation of the driver's window and/or door latch, draining the battery over time. Owners report window rolling up and down on its own, potentially trapping occupants or causing injury. One owner noted the switch caused an extended battery drain leading to starting failure.
When: Reported from under 3,000 miles to 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's window rolls up and down intermittently or continuously without input; Window may move during night or when vehicle is parked; Door latch fails to unlock via keyless entry; Battery drains due to continuous switch operation; Door cannot be opened manually; Trunk cannot be opened (electrically locked)
Codes mentioned: Smart glass window / door latch fault (diagnostic codes not reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair costs described as 'crazy amount of money' but no specific figure cited. At least one owner replaced the switch himself (part number 68064403AF from Chrysler dealer) without success. Repair appears difficult; some owners unable to locate proper fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall M24 exists for smart glass switch failures on certain Chrysler vehicles, but manufacturers stated that some 2011 Challengers were not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same failures. No warranty coverage or recall reimbursement offered for non-recalled VINs.
Keyless Entry / Key Fob Failure
Keyless entry system fails intermittently, preventing vehicle unlock. Key fob is not detected by the vehicle even after battery replacement. Door latch electronic failure prevents both keyless and manual unlock in some cases. Computer resets repeatedly.
When: Reported from 2–3 months of ownership onward; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Door latches fail to unlock via keyless entry; Key fob not detected by vehicle; Multiple attempts required to unlock doors; Computer resets spontaneously while driving or parked; Tire pressure monitoring and airbag warning lights illuminate after computer reset; Key becomes difficult to turn in ignition lock; Vehicle fails to recognize key in proximity
Codes mentioned: Keyless entry door sensor fault (NHTSA recall 14V634000 component)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced key fob batteries multiple times without resolution. Dealers unable to replicate failure. Computer reset attempted by dealer but did not resolve issue. Specific repair costs not provided by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V634000 includes outside door sensor/keyless entry repair. Dealers have performed recalls for this component, but some dealers refused to document other concurrent failures (e.g., stalling while driving) despite owner reports of safety hazards.
Power Steering Failure
Power steering system loses function when electrical system fails (typically coinciding with alternator or battery shutdown). Steering wheel locks or becomes impossible to turn, creating immediate safety hazard at highway speeds.
When: Occurs during electrical shutdown events; not reported as standalone failure
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assistance lost suddenly; Steering wheel locks or locks up; Unable to turn steering wheel left or right
Codes mentioned: Power steering system loss (secondary to alternator/electrical failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately repaired; resolves when alternator and electrical system are restored.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No separate recall; addressed as consequence of electrical system recall.
Brake System / Brake Assist Failure
Brake assistance lost during electrical shutdown, requiring owner to rely on mechanical braking force alone. Owners report losing all braking ability or having severely degraded braking response.
When: Occurs during alternator/electrical system failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Brake assist light illuminates; Electronic brake assist system fails; Loss of power-assisted braking; Brake pedal becomes very stiff or non-responsive; ABS light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Brake assist / ABS system shutdown (secondary to electrical failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately repaired; resolves when electrical system restored.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No separate recall; addressed as part of electrical system recall.
Engine Stalling / Complete Power Loss While Driving
Most critical failure: vehicle shuts down completely while in motion, leaving driver without steering, braking, or warning lights. Occurs at highway speeds (40–80 mph) without warning. Multiple owners report nearly causing accidents or being in extreme danger from oncoming traffic.
When: Can occur at any mileage within first 5 years; many incidents under 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly without warning; All electrical power cuts out (lights, radio, steering, brakes all fail); Dashboard lights go black; No hazard lights or warning lights available to alert other drivers; Vehicle coasts to a stop if on downhill grade
Codes mentioned: Complete electrical shutdown (associated with 14V634000 and 17V435000 recalls)
Repairs/costs cited: Caused by alternator failure; repair is alternator and battery replacement as above.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V634000 and 17V435000 address this failure. However, at time of recall issuance, no permanent fix was available—manufacturer advised owners to wait for parts that were on indefinite backorder. Owners forced to drive vehicles known to shut down unexpectedly pending recall completion.
Synthesized from 93 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
My 2011 Dodge charger v8 has less than 45k miles and my alternator went out this week, I did research to find out there is a recall but only on the v6 engine, not the v8. The v6 and the v8 models have the same 160amp alternator,both the models need to be added to the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the key was becoming increasingly difficult to turn over and start the vehicle. The contact had to make several attempts to start the vehicle. The door latches also failed to unlock with the key-less entry each time the contact was near the vehicle. As a result, the contact manually opened the doors. The contact later received…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that due to the continuous operation of the smart glass switch, the battery was discharged which caused the failure of the vehicle to crank. The vehicle was repaired. The…
Car is making a winding noise under hood, smell strange odor. Car stall when I stop beed jump
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the driver side window was functioning independently and caused the battery to drain. The window had to be cracked in order for the vehicle to be energized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor in the window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The…
Since we bought the car during moist weather moisture gets in window mechanism causing windows to malfunction by continuously going up and down about a half an inch. This keeps happening until the battery drains. This only happens when car is parked. Putting windows down does not help and dealers are wanting to charge $500 for a "brand new" already defunct system.
Electrical failure. Identical to the description of p60 / NHTSA 14v-634
I was driving down the freeway and my drivers side window started going up & down. I took it into the dealership they ran a diagnostic & said it was the door module & switch they both got replaced & I still have the problem plus if connected it kills the battery.
Strange noise coming from engine , resulting in power failure. I was able to pull over to a gas station and call aaa. Aaa gave my battery a jump but they told me that the alternator is dying and unable to recharge battery. Looks like there's a recall for 3.6l engine for alternators, but I have a r/t v8 and I'm having the same issue. This should also be included in the recall as this is…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times. The failure progressed to the point that the vehicle would not restart. Smoke appeared near the front end and the battery had an electrical short associated with the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the alternator assembly and the battery. The contact later received…
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 93 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 67 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 39,077 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,077; a quarter make it past 72,000. 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/2011/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.