MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have been set: P0300- Multiple Cylinder Misfire P0302- Cylinder 2 Misfire P0304- Cylinder 4 Misfire P0306- Cylinder 6 Misfire
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Charger lighting problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Dodge Charger have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the lighting, typically surfacing around 61,000 miles at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Charger | 4 |
| 2011 Charger (this page) | 83 |
| 2012 Charger | 32 |
| 2014 Charger | 5 |
| 2015 Charger | 7 |
11fires
When does it fail?
Of the 83 lighting complaints filed for the 2011 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
Of the 8 model years of Dodge Charger we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 83.
Owners have filed 83 lighting 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 lighting 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.
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P08030614 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 and 2012 model year (LD) Dodge Charger vehicles. The headlight wiring harness connectors may overheat. This could cause a loss of low beam headlight function without warning. A loss of headlight(s) during nighttime driving could cause a crash without warning. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all involved vehicles to inspected, and replaced if necessary, the headlight wire harnesses. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established methods used in the past. Chrysler anticipates the launch of this safety recall in April
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High has been set active or stored.Updating the software will correct the condition listed above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHRYSLER GROUP: 2011 CHARGER. THE TAIL LAMP BULB MAY NOT WORK.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Low-beam headlight failures dominate complaints in the 2011 Charger lighting cluster. The core issue: headlights cut out without warning while driving—sometimes flickering first, sometimes shutting off completely—and only come back when the driver toggles the headlight switch off and back on. Failures occur at any speed, any time, and can happen in manual or automatic headlight mode. One owner had the driver-side light fail for a week, then the passenger-side took over, failing daily for four months. Another was stuck using high-beams only after losing both low-beams.
The root cause appears to be a overheating bulb harness connector. Owners who inspected the lights found melted or blackened connectors, burning odors, and charred wires. Some replaced bulbs repeatedly (one owner six times in a year) only to have each new bulb fail faster than the last. Dealers confirm the problem: wiring harness and connector need replacement, not just the bulb.
Recalls exist (14V101000, 12V042000, and others), but the supply chain is broken. Dealers report getting one parts set per week from Chrysler; owners wait months without repair. Adding insult: police Chargers are covered under recalls 94303 and 94301, but many civilian Chargers—same year, same defect—are told their VIN doesn't qualify. One owner was explicitly told, "enough complaints" would be needed before Dodge extends coverage.
One severe complaint involved a complete alternator burn that killed the engine on a highway at 55 mph, leaving the driver powerless in traffic. Dodge eventually offered only a temporary fix, not a permanent replacement.
Taillight LEDs also fail progressively, leaving racetrack tail-light sections dark. Fog lights have stopped working in at least one case. The pattern is consistent: poor electrical connections, overheating, inadequate recalls, and parts shortages that trap owners in unsafe vehicles.
Same Dodge Charger lighting reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Low-beam headlight intermittent failure and complete shutdown
Driver-side and/or passenger-side low-beam headlights flicker, cut out without warning, then resume operation after toggling the headlight switch off and back on. Failures occur at various speeds and driving conditions (highways, city streets, parked). Some owners report the same side failing repeatedly for weeks or months; others experience the fault migrating from one side to the other.
When: Ranges from a few seconds to 20 minutes after lights are activated; typically between 28,000–133,000 miles; one owner reported 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights flicker and go out completely without warning; Lights resume only after toggling switch off and back on; Failure occurs in both manual and automatic (auto) headlight modes; High-beam headlights work normally; low-beams are the issue; Headlights may illuminate initially on startup, then fail while driving
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V101000 (Exterior Lighting – Low Beam Headlamps), NHTSA 12V042000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), NHTSA 14V634000 (Electrical System), NHTSA 15V467000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts)
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; dealers report parts unavailable for extended periods (weeks to months), leading to long waiting lists. One owner received recall notification 5/9/14, left on waiting list through 9/2/14 (three months) with only one parts set per week being shipped to dealerships. Multiple owners noted repair was attempted but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V101000 and 12V042000 issued; however, many affected vehicles' VINs not included in recall scope. Police Chargers (2011–2012) covered under recalls 94303 and 94301, but civilian Chargers in same model year often excluded. Dealers state parts unavailable; Chrysler Recall Center attempts to expedite but cannot guarantee timeline. Some owners report dealer claims 'cannot duplicate problem' or 'no manufacturer recall exists' despite visible defects.
Headlight bulb harness connector overheating and melting
The low-beam headlight bulb harness connector melts or shows severe overheating (black marks, discoloration), causing the bulb to fail. Owner discovers melted connector when attempting to replace bulb; burning odor sometimes present inside cabin. Issue often requires harness replacement, not just bulb swap.
When: First observed between 30,000–73,600 miles; can recur on opposite side after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor inside vehicle when headlights are on; Connector or harness visibly melted, discolored, or blackened from overheating; Headlight bulb fails repeatedly despite replacement with correct bulb; Melted wires or harness in headlight compartment; Bulb burns out faster each time it is replaced
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V101000 (Exterior Lighting – Overheated Bulb Harness Connector), NHTSA 94303 (Police Charger – Low Beam Headlamps, Overheated Bulb Harness), NHTSA 94301 (Police Charger – Low Beam Headlamps, Overheated Bulb Harness)
Repairs/costs cited: Headlight bulb harness connector replacement and/or complete wiring harness replacement. Some owners replaced harness at independent shops; repair cost and parts availability not consistently documented. One owner reported dealer initially refused to cover under warranty, citing it was not a recalled item.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 94303 and 94301 exist for police Chargers with identical failure description ('low beam headlamps could fail due to overheated bulb harness connector'). Civilian Chargers excluded despite same defect. Some owners told VIN does not qualify for recall and that 'enough complaints' would be needed to extend coverage. No permanent fix offered for alternator-related thermal issues in one complaint.
HID/ballast headlight failure (high-intensity discharge systems)
Owner with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights reports intermittent low-beam failure and was excluded from recall 14V101000 specifically because vehicle had HID lights. Ballast replacement was recommended but not completed.
When: At approximately 133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights fail and work intermittently while driving ~40 mph; HID system malfunction
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V101000 (Exterior Lighting – excludes HID-equipped vehicles)
Repairs/costs cited: Ballast replacement recommended by dealer but not performed. No further repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle excluded from recall 14V101000 due to HID equipment; manufacturer responsibility unclear.
Taillight LED failure (racetrack-style LEDs)
Multiple LEDs in the racetrack-style center taillight assembly progressively fail, particularly in the bottom section of each side. Owner notes the LEDs serve as rear running lights and are a key visual feature; gradual failure over time detracts from appearance and safety visibility.
When: First noticed approximately one year after purchase; additional failures observed in winter during storage startup; affects 2011–2014 model-year Chargers
Symptoms owners cite: Individual LEDs in racetrack taillight assembly turn off permanently; Multiple LEDs fail over time (not all at once); Failures most prominent in bottom section of taillight on each side; LEDs serve as rear running lights
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted. Owner requests Dodge replace center section of tail lights.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Headlight failure persisting after recall repair
Vehicle received recall service (14V634000 for exterior lighting), dealer cleared the recall, but low-beam headlights resumed malfunctioning within months. Wire harness burning also occurred post-recall. This suggests the recall repair did not address the root cause or a design flaw remains.
When: Recall cleared, then failures resumed in October 2014 (within months); by February 2016 wire harness was burning and lights malfunctioning again; failure at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights malfunction and stop operating after recall repair; Wire harness burning in headlight compartment post-repair; Owner continues to replace light bulbs as temporary solution
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V634000 (Exterior Lighting)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall was inspected and cleared, but repair was ineffective. Wire harness burning and low-beam failure recurred months later. February 2016 visit for wire harness and low-beam malfunction; no repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued and supposedly completed; however, defect recurred, suggesting repair was not durable or did not address underlying issue.
Alternator failure with electrical system shutdown
Complete alternator failure caused vehicle to lose all electrical power while driving on highway, resulting in loss of engine control and lights. Owner reported the alternator was 'completely burned' and severely damaged. Dodge acknowledged a recall was eventually issued, but stated only a 'temporary fix' is available and the alternator can burn out again.
When: Occurred 3 months before complaint filing; failure noted during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power and engine control while driving; Vehicle shut down with no warning on highway (center lane); Alternator severely burned and damaged; Driver lost control and had to guide vehicle to breakdown lane
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V634000 (Electrical System – Alternator Assembly)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic reported alternator 'completely burned,' damage severe. Dodge offered only a 'temporary fix' rather than permanent solution; risk of recurrence remains.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall eventually issued; Dodge stated no 'permanent fix' available and only temporary repair offered. Multiple Dodge Charger owners reported same issue on forums.
Both headlights failing intermittently
Both driver-side and passenger-side low-beam headlights fail intermittently or simultaneously while driving. One owner reported both lights shutting off at once while driving 40 mph, requiring headlight switch toggle to restore. Another reports headlights working intermittently, eventually seizing completely.
When: Reported failures between 35,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Both low-beam headlights suddenly shut off without warning; Failure occurs intermittently at various speeds (30–65 mph); Lights function after toggling switch off and back on; Low-beams eventually cease operating entirely; driver forced to use high-beams only; No warning lights or messages on dashboard
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V101000 (Exterior Lighting), NHTSA 14V634000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement needed but typically not performed due to parts unavailability or dealer unwillingness. One owner repaired entire headlight assembly and framing at independent shop; other complaints show no successful repair completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued but parts unavailable or VINs excluded from recall scope. Dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose when defect cannot be immediately replicated.
Headlight bulb failing repeatedly in short intervals
Passenger-side (or driver-side) low-beam bulb fails repeatedly in quick succession—sometimes within days to weeks of replacement—despite using correct OEM-spec bulbs. Each replacement bulb burns out or busts inside the headlight assembly faster than the previous one.
When: Typically within first year of ownership; failures accelerate over time (first replacement holds for months, then subsequent bulbs last only weeks or days); reported at 30,000–68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam bulb failure in short intervals (4–6 weeks typical; some fail within days); Bulb burns out or busts/explodes inside headlight assembly; Correct bulb type and voltage used (OEM or certified replacement); No moisture or installation defect visible in assembly; Each replacement bulb fails sooner than the last
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 12V042000 (Exterior Lighting – Headlights), NHTSA 14V101000 (Exterior Lighting)
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replaced repeatedly; however, root cause (likely harness connector overheating or circuit fault) not addressed. Owner replaced bulb 6 times in one year; another replaced bulb 4 times in 4 months with each lasting 4–6 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Some dealers claim bulb is the issue, despite evidence pointing to wiring/connector problem. One owner told to keep repair receipts 'in case' Dodge acknowledges recall later.
Fog lights not operating
Fog lights fail to operate; occurs alongside headlight failures in at least one complaint, suggesting a broader electrical or wiring fault.
When: Reported at 35,000 miles alongside low-beam headlight shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Fog lights do not operate
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; no diagnostic detail provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side headlights failed intermittently. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v101000 (exterior lighting) and 14v634000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the passenger's side low beam headlight bulb failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the technician stated that the wiring for the light assembly was melted. As a result, all of the wiring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the exterior lights stop working. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the technician stated the wiring harness was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current…
The HID light on the passenger side has gone out again, I have replaced the bulb 3 times, this is the 4th time it has gone out, last replacement date is 06/19/2014. . *tr
Hi we need your help to warn and let the public know what Dodge is doing to there customers. About 3 months ago my 4 month pregnant girl was driving our 2011 dodger to work, she was on the high way on the center lane when the car with a warning just completely shut down. She had no control of the car, luckily the traffic was not bad that she mange to walk a cross the highway and call her father.…
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2011 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 64 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 40,000 and 74,398 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 74,398. 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.