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 Charger electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Dodge Charger have filed 345 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 58,000 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
345
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Charger | 38 |
| 2008 Charger | 367 |
| 2009 Charger | 40 |
| 2010 Charger | 66 |
| 2011 Charger (this page) | 345 |
| 2012 Charger | 312 |
| 2013 Charger | 153 |
| 2014 Charger | 78 |
| 2015 Charger | 18 |
6crashes
41fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 345 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 345 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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
The 2011 Dodge Charger has a widespread alternator failure problem that strikes with little warning. Owners describe a progression: Battery Saver Mode warning appears on the dash, followed within minutes by a high-pitched whine or hiss from under the hood, a strong burning smell, and smoke. Power steering goes out, the engine stalls, and the vehicle becomes a dead battery in the middle of traffic. Cost to fix is $750–$1,600 with labor, and only OEM alternators are available—no aftermarket options exist.
The real problem: alternators fail as early as 20,000 miles, sometimes within three years on low-mileage vehicles. One owner's car quit at 38,600 miles; another at 26,000 miles. Multiple owners cite headlight connector melting, power distribution center failure, and melted wire harnesses as related electrical breakdown modes. Some owners report alternators failing *again* after dealer replacement, lasting only 1–2 years before needing a second or third replacement.
Recalls have been issued (14V634000 for V6 160-amp alternators; 17V435000 for certain electrical failures), but civilians driving V8 models with 180-amp alternators are excluded. Police vehicles got recall coverage on headlight issues that civilian owners still have to pay for. Repair parts for recalls have been unavailable for months—one owner waited until March 2018 for parts, leaving the car immobile. Dealers point out the problem is common but claim they cannot help without a matching recall number on your VIN.
Add in melted wiring harnesses, burned fuses, push-button start stuck in the run position, trunk locks jammed, and fuel leaks near the rear door, and you have a vehicle that electrolysis specialists warn belongs in the shop, not on the road.
Same Dodge Charger electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure with smoke, burning smell, and complete electrical shutdown
Alternators fail prematurely, often producing smoke, burning electrical odor, and loss of all electrical power including power steering, brakes, and engine shutdown. Battery Saver Mode warning precedes failure. Multiple owners report the part is undersized for electrical load.
When: Typically 20,000–95,500 miles; some as early as 3 years old or 38,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery Saver Mode warning light; Whining or hissing noise from engine; Burning electrical smell from hood and vents; Smoke coming from under hood/alternator; Dashboard lights flickering or dimming; Radio, climate control, and other electronics shutting off; Loss of power steering; Vehicle stalling without warning; ABS and traction control lights illuminating; Complete loss of electrical power
Codes mentioned: Battery warning indicator, ABS light, Traction control light, ESC/stability control light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement cost $750–$1,600 (labor included). No aftermarket alternators available; OEM only. Multiple owners report replacement lasts only 1–2 years before failure recurs. Some dealers suggested battery replacement also needed. Recall parts unavailable until 2018 in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V634000 (P60) recall issued for V6 models with 160-amp alternators only; V8 models (180-amp) and civilian police models excluded. Recall 17V435000 issued but repair parts unavailable for extended periods. Some owners told alternator repair not covered under warranty past 36,000 miles or 3 years. Dealers cited "media hype" and denied recalls. Chrysler offered $500 goodwill gesture on one case (55,000 miles, out of warranty). Rental car reimbursement promised but not delivered in some cases.
Headlight wiring harness melting with low beam connector failure
Low beam headlight connectors overheat and melt due to poor connection, causing bulb failures. Connector housing becomes charred and brittle. Issue recurs after replacing bulbs. Entire wiring harness replacement required but may use same inadequate connectors.
When: As early as 12,000–13,000 miles; recurring every 6 months in some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side or passenger-side low beam headlight flickering or strobing; Low beam fails to light; Plastic burning smell during frequent stops; Connector shell charred and brittle; Melted connector housing; Bulb replacement fails to resolve issue; new bulb burns out within hours or days; A/C going in and out intermittently (related to power distribution issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated entire headlight harness replacement needed at owner expense. Harness replacement cost $729.77. Some owners performed workaround by installing aftermarket connector. One owner reported needing harness replaced twice for same issue after prior 2012 recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P08 issued 2/22/15 for headlamp wiring harness replacement; however, owners report subsequent failures and are told replacement is not covered under recall. One owner reported recall work done in 2015 but had to replace headlamps repeatedly from 2017–2019 and finally got harness replaced 3/5/19. Dealership initially claimed repair was not under prior recall despite recall language stating harnesses would be replaced "if required."
Melted engine wire harness causing starter short and fire risk
Engine wire harness melts, shorting the starter and creating severe fire hazard. Owner reports harness could have caught fire. No diagnostic check engine light warning prior to failure.
When: Specific timing not stated; owner had received regular factory service
Symptoms owners cite: Burnt electrical smell; 30-amp fuse repeatedly blowing after replacement; Vehicle not starting; No check engine light or OBD warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement cost $1,600. Owner concerned about fire risk.
Power distribution center melting and fuses cracking
Power distribution center melts and fuses crack, causing repeated electrical failures including A/C and fog light shorts. Issue discovered after recall work on power distribution center (M10).
When: Post-recall M10 completion; discovered around 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fog lights shorting out and failing; A/C cycling off and on; Multiple visits to dealership for related electrical issues; Power distribution center found melted with cracked fuses
Repairs/costs cited: Power distribution center replacement cost $984. Dealer offered $500 goodwill offer valid for 30 days only (at 55,000 miles, out of standard warranty). Owner deemed vehicle unsafe to continue driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall M01 applied only to police vehicles. Civilian vehicles excluded even with identical symptoms and build dates within recall window. Corporate Chrysler stated civilian vehicle "does not fit the parameters of recall M01" despite acknowledged design problem.
Occupant Restraint Module (ORC) failure—airbag and seatbelt malfunction recurring post-recall
ORC module recalled once; issue recurs 2 years later with identical airbag and seatbelt warning. Second replacement required out of warranty at owner expense.
When: 2015 recall; recurrence ~2 years later; reported again in 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt warning light illuminating when belts are buckled; Airbag flashing light indicating airbags not activated; Safety hazard: airbags may not deploy in accident
Repairs/costs cited: ORC module replacement cost $700+ out of warranty. Owner disputes paying for faulty recall fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued 7/2015 (occupant restraint module). Repair performed under warranty. Same failure recurred out of warranty; owner required to pay full $700+ for module deemed defective under original recall.
Lost engine ground and melted ground wire
Engine ground connection lost and ground wire melted at left motor mount, preventing vehicle from starting.
When: 2015 (owned since 5/17/2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not crank/start
Repairs/costs cited: Left-side engine ground tightened and replaced; labor + parts $308.29. Warranty and Chrysler would not cover.
Push-button start system failure—vehicle unable to shut off or restart
After alternator recall repair completed 6/19/15, vehicle has difficulty shutting off and later becomes stuck in run position without shutting off. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate issue consistently. Workaround offered: shift through gears or remove fuel injection fuse—neither acceptable permanent solutions.
When: Post-recall repair 6/19/15; persisted through 7/13/15
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty shutting off vehicle; must shift through gears multiple times; Vehicle will not shut off at all; Push-button start/stop non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair provided. Dealer suggested removing fuel injection fuse as workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple visits to dealership; Dodge corporate engineer was supposed to call back but no resolution documented. Vehicle sat at dealership for extended period with no resolution.
Fuel leak from passenger-side rear door area
Fuel leaks from below passenger-side rear door hinges at rate of 1–2 drops per 5 seconds. Leak occurs when tank full or near full; stops when fuel drops to 3/4 level. Reported as common problem with 2011 models but no recall issued for fuel system components.
When: Discovered during/after alternator failure episode
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel dripping from passenger-side rear door area at 1–2 drops per 5 seconds; Leak worse when fuel tank at or near full; Leak stops at 3/4-full fuel level; Fuel smell from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Owner unable to locate origin of leak despite investigation. Some owners report replacing full fuel system (tank, hoses, pump) without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for fuel system despite reports of common problem.
Electrical system diagnostic and repair delays—parts unavailable for extended periods
Recall parts unavailable for months to over a year, leaving owners without vehicles or requiring them to use used/aftermarket parts as temporary solutions while waiting. Manufacturers promised rental reimbursement that was not delivered in some cases.
When: 2017–2018 timeframe (Recall 17V435000)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to start or operate due to pending recall repair; Long delays waiting for parts availability
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $903.19 for independent repair 10/20/17 and mailed receipt 10/24/17 to FCA customer assistance; no reimbursement as of 11/10/17. Another owner had parts not available until March 2018 (September 2017 recall letter). Dealer suggested purchasing used alternator as temporary fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V435000 issued with no parts available initially. Manufacturers promised rental car reimbursement pending parts availability. Some dealers denied rental approval, citing confusion about recall terms. One dealer told owner "everyone has been coming up here to get their car fixed" (suggesting parts availability communication issues). Some owners given rental approval after supervisor/district manager involvement.
Speedometer and odometer malfunction—inaccurate readings and potential mileage discrepancies
Speedometer displays inaccurate readings, jumping between 0–80 mph. Odometer/mileage display errors. Related to ESC function affecting speedometer read and tire travel calculations. Owner reports 10,000-mile discrepancy over 3 months.
When: Recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer jumping erratically (0–80 mph); Odometer/mileage display malfunction; Inaccurate mileage calculations over time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for ABS/ESC light (affects ESC functions which govern speedometer and tire travel read) but owner suspects this is related to larger mileage recording problem.
Interior and dashboard lighting staying on after vehicle turned off
Dashboard lights, radio, and climate control panel remain on even when vehicle is off and doors are open. Occurs intermittently. Some instances of all interior lights including dashboard going out while driving.
When: Beginning end of 2013/early 2014; intermittent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights, radio, climate control staying on after ignition off; Interior lights on when doors open and car is off; Occasional complete loss of interior lights while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two dealerships unable to diagnose; some stated no problem exists despite owner providing photos.
Trunk locking in park after complete electrical shutdown
After electrical shutdown, trunk becomes locked in park position and cannot be opened, trapping vehicle.
When: During electrical failure episode
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk locked in park position; Unable to unlock or move vehicle out of park
Automatic door locks and trunk opening spontaneously
Automatic doors unlock on their own. Trunk opens spontaneously without user input.
When: Intermittent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Doors unlock unexpectedly; Trunk opens on its own
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated not a recall issue.
Bluetooth and speaker malfunction with clicking noise and no sound output
Bluetooth calling fails. Speakers quit working. Loud clicking in dashboard. Radio turns on but no sound. Push-button start fails; remote start required as workaround.
When: Intermittent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth calling unable to connect; Speaker failure; Loud clicking in dashboard; Radio on but no audio; Push-button start fails; remote start required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not classified as recall issue.
Synthesized from 345 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 2011 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the driver's side low beam headlight burned out. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the low beam headlamps failed due to an overheated bulb harness connector. The dealer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: (electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers). The vehicle was…
Driver side low beam light went out. Tried replacing the bulb, which was much more difficult than anticipated so, decided to take it to the Dodge dealer I purchased the car from. Received a call from the service department only to be told that it was not the bulb but was the entire wiring mechanism and the wires had "melted". I have been a loyal Dodge customer for many year, despite many…
Drivers side low beam went out while driving at night. While changing the bulb, I noticed that the connector and bulb were melted, black, and brittle. The new bulb lasted two days before it went out. Contacted Dodge about the recall on Dodge charger police vehicles, but VIN specific recall does not cover my vehicle. Now I'm forced to get the harness repaired at my own expense. Does not seem right…
Upon starting car information light came on. Checked the dash display and found "battery saver" indicated. Drove vehicle home (3-4 miles) battery save mode remained on. An internet search indicates this is a common problem. Recall???? *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge charger. Due to excessive battery drain, the battery had to be charged approximately every nine days. In addition, the ABS warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v043000 (structure) and 17v435000 (electrical system). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
Same as everyone else. Started with having to replace both lightbulbs multiple times. Dealer said it was wiring harness but not covered by recall. Within 6 months major catastrophic failure with alternator and battery, again not covered. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 345 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 291 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 44,500 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,500; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/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.