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 ↗2013 Dodge Charger electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Charger have filed 153 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 59,700 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
153
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Charger | 40 |
| 2010 Charger | 66 |
| 2011 Charger | 345 |
| 2012 Charger | 312 |
| 2013 Charger (this page) | 153 |
| 2014 Charger | 78 |
| 2015 Charger | 18 |
| 2016 Charger | 20 |
| 2017 Charger | 39 |
1crash
19fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 153 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 43% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 153 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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 ↗wiring harness Before replacing this harness, please check for an available connector repair kit at the following: http://connectors.dcctools.com/home.htm;jsessionid=C6A3F1B696B030953878BF34FE86A8FE If a connector repair kit is not available on the website contact FCA Redacted Content to see if an alternative repair kit is available for your application prior to ordering the harness. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. Please email pictures of harness defects to FCA Redacted Content
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Dodge Charger electrical complaints cluster around three dominant issues: alternator failure, widespread intermittent electrical faults, and infotainment/control module problems that often produce no stored codes.
Alternator failures are the most severe and most frequent problem. Owners report the alternator stops charging and triggers a "Battery Saver Mode" message, followed by a high-pitched whining noise, loss of power, dimming lights, and stalling — often without prior warning. Many units overheat, emit burning smell and smoke, or catch fire, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Some failures occur at relatively low mileage (12,000 to 40,000 miles). Two NHTSA recalls were issued (14V-634 for 160-amp units; 17V-435 for diode thermal fatigue), but owners report parts remain on back order for months, dealerships substitute alternators that fail again weeks later, and some VINs are inexplicably excluded from coverage despite identical symptoms. When the alternator fails, the loss of power also causes loss of power steering, making the vehicle dangerous to control.
Electrical system failures trigger multiple warning lights simultaneously — ABS, traction control, battery, and check engine lights flash on and off together without producing persistent error codes. Dealerships respond by disconnecting the battery terminal to clear codes, offering no actual repair. These faults recur without resolution.
Infotainment and control modules fail intermittently: U-Connect Bluetooth won't pair, USB ports don't charge or sense devices, audio ports have no output, steering wheel menu buttons don't respond, and the 2013 model was installed with U-Connect despite not being listed as compatible. Wipers run continuously on high with no way to stop them (multifunction switch part is on national back order with no ETA). Backup cameras go black, blind spot detection unavailable messages appear, door locks won't unlock from outside handles, and HVAC mode switching doesn't work.
Many failures produce no error codes, leaving dealerships unable to diagnose or repair despite owners reporting issues repeatedly.
Same Dodge Charger electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator Failure — Charging System Collapse
The alternator stops charging the battery or experiences thermal runaway, often producing a high-pitched whining noise and triggering Battery Saver Mode. Many units overheat, smoke, spark, or catch fire. Some fail shortly after recall repairs.
When: Various mileages from 12,000 to 150,000 miles; some failures occur within days or weeks after dealership recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Battery Saver Mode message on dashboard; High-pitched whining or whirring noise from engine; Headlights dim or flicker, especially during braking; ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate; Engine loses power or stalls without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of digital gauges and dash displays; Burning smell or smoke from under hood (often near alternator area); Flames or small fire visible at alternator; Battery dies repeatedly despite testing good; Car will not start or turns over weakly
Codes mentioned: Battery Saver Mode (warning message, not OBD code), ABS warning light, Traction/ESC control warning light, Check Engine light, Battery low indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace alternator (160-amp or 180-amp units mentioned). Some owners report replacement units failing again within months. Burned batteries may also require replacement at owner's expense despite alternator being the root cause. Independent mechanics report alternators overheating and smoking during diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-634 (2011–2014 Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep alternators, 160-amp); NHTSA Recall 17V-435 (alternator diode thermal fatigue, electro-hydraulic power steering loads). Many owners report parts on back order for extended periods (months). Dealerships initially lack parts to complete recall. Some owners report dealership disconnecting battery and clearing codes as temporary 'fix' without diagnosing root cause. FCA stated no error codes present in some cases, refusing recall work. Manufacturer reportedly assumed liability despite safety concerns raised by owners.
Electrical System Intermittent Faults — Multiple Control Modules
Vehicle main computer executes multiple warning codes simultaneously on startup or while driving; faults clear when battery terminal disconnected or vehicle restarted, but recur without root-cause repair.
When: From first day of ownership; some issues at 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights flash on and off simultaneously at startup; Warning message not to drive vehicle displayed; Faults clear only after disconnecting negative battery terminal; Multiple unrelated systems fail at same time (radio, lights, gauges, cruise control, door locks, HVAC); No persistent error codes after fault clears; Dealer cannot replicate issues during diagnosis
Codes mentioned: Multiple simultaneous DTCs (customer reports all codes flash, then clear)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers disconnect battery terminal and clear codes as advised by manufacturer; no actual repair attempted. Owner reports vehicle in dealership service department 13 of first 60 days of ownership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer deems disconnecting battery terminal and clearing codes adequate repair. Chrysler/FCA acknowledged liability concerns raised by owner but refused replacement or buyback despite owner's prior $80,000 in Chrysler purchases.
U-Connect Infotainment System — Bluetooth, USB, Audio Failures
Touchscreen infotainment system displays U-Connect problems including non-functional Bluetooth, inoperative USB ports, no audio output, and menu buttons unresponsive. 2013 Charger listed as incompatible for U-Connect installation.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth will not pair or function; USB ports have no power or do not sense connected accessories; No audio output from audio ports; Menu up/down buttons on steering wheel non-functional; U-Connect promised software updates do not resolve issues
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes 2013 Charger is not on compatible vehicle list for U-Connect yet system was installed factory. No repair performed despite dealership visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated issues should be fixed by software updates; updates have not resolved problems.
Multifunction Switch — Wipers Stuck On
Steering wheel multifunction switch fails, causing wipers to run continuously on high speed; part is internal to steering wheel and on national back order with no ETA.
When: Approximately 10 miles on odometer when complaint made
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers constantly run on high speed while driving; Wipers cannot be turned off; Windshield vibrates from constant wiper motion; Wipers wear down prematurely
Repairs/costs cited: Multifunction switch (part #1JH93DX9AL) located in steering wheel on national back order. Dealership cannot provide ETA; wait expected to be months. Tech stated fuse cannot be pulled because it controls starter and other critical components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler recall hotline confirmed same back-order status; no recall issued despite national parts shortage.
Headlight Flickering During Braking
Headlights flicker or dim when brake pedal is applied, occurring intermittently during normal driving. Battery load testing shows battery is good.
When: Approximately 2–3 years of ownership; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker when brakes are applied; Headlights may dim or fail to maintain brightness
Repairs/costs cited: Battery load test performed by dealership; battery tested good. No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall P60/14V-634 for alternators issued; recall notification received but parts availability delayed. Dealership unable to provide timeline for parts.
Heated Seat Wiring Short — Fire Risk
Passenger front heated seat wiring shorts to ground after rubbing through on seat frame, creating fire hazard; heated seat pad sensor reads -40 degrees.
When: Approximately 4/16/2014
Symptoms owners cite: Heated seat clicks and turns off immediately when activated; Heated seat will not stay on despite repeated attempts; Wiring damage on seat frame; Circuit shorted to ground
Codes mentioned: B1EB2 — R/F Seat Heater Sensor Circuit Resistance Above Threshold
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership removed seat, found wiring rubbed through on seat frame, replaced passenger front seat cushion heated element and circuit P688. Owner reports 'luckily there was [no] fire in the vehicle' despite heated element short to ground.
ABS and Traction Control Warning Lights — Sensor Issues
ABS and traction control warning lights illuminate repeatedly, sometimes with airbag warning light; dealership diagnoses failed ABS sensor or faulty wiring harness requiring replacement; problem recurs within weeks.
When: Reported at various mileages; second occurrence within 2 months of first repair
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Airbag warning light (second occurrence); Brake pedal 'does something funny' when lights activate; Lights illuminate without warning while driving
Codes mentioned: ABS sensor code (specific code not stated), Airbag wiring harness fault
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: ABS sensor replacement, $250 owner cost. Second repair (less than 2 months later): different ABS sensor plus faulty wiring harness requiring new wiring harness, estimated over $600 owner cost. Owner reports two friends with same vehicle model have identical problem pattern.
Power Steering Loss During Alternator Failure
When alternator fails and charging system collapses, power steering assistance is lost, making steering extremely difficult or impossible to control vehicle.
When: During alternator failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes very difficult or impossible to turn; Loss of power steering assist coincides with battery/charging system failure; Vehicle becomes dangerous to control on road
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering cannot be manually steered easily when electrical system fails. One owner (small female driver) found it very difficult; another owner in heavy traffic at 60 mph noted same issue.
Cruise Control Malfunction — No Engagement or Loss of Deceleration Control
Cruise control will not activate or, once activated, will not allow vehicle to decelerate on declines above 55 mph; intermittent behavior below 55 mph.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not come on at all; If cruise is on, car will not decelerate on downhill grades (above 55 mph); Intermittent malfunction at speeds 55 mph and below; Cruise control accelerates without driver input in some cases; Must disengage cruise to slow down on declines
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; issue never triggered error code per owner report.
Door Unlock and Locking System — Passenger Door Inoperative
Passenger door will not unlock from outside (neither passenger nor driver side handle); unlock button on door panel and key fob operate intermittently or not at all.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger door does not unlock from outside handle (driver or passenger side); Must use door panel button or FOB to unlock; Intermittent door lock/unlock function
HVAC Air Handler Switching Malfunction
Heating and cooling system does not properly switch between defrost, floor, and dash air handler modes; defrost appears to remain on continuously; heater temperature swings wildly.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new; heater issues later addressed with thermostat replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Air handler switching problems between defrost/floor/dash modes; Defrost mode appears always on; Heater blows good temp then suddenly becomes too hot; Steering wheel gets burned from excessive heat; Heater fan sounds like it's working but airflow is absent, then suddenly comes on full speed
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced; issues with air handler mode switching not resolved.
Engine Hesitation and Jerking — No Error Codes
Engine hesitates and vehicle jerks as if brakes were applied, occurring without warning, at any time, any speed, any condition; no error codes ever generated.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitates causing vehicle to jerk or lurch; Jerking feels like brakes were applied; Occurs without warning, long drive or short drive, reverse or forward, hot or cold; No pattern to failures
Repairs/costs cited: No repair possible; no codes detected by dealership scan tools.
Transmission Shifting Problems — Delayed, Hard, Weak Shifts
Transmission exhibits delayed shifts, hard shifts, or weak power during shifts from Park to gear and through automatic gear changes; most noticeable from Park into any gear.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed shift response from Park into gear; Hard shifting both from Park and during automatic shifts; Lacking power during shifts; Feels like vehicle is towing something behind it (low power); Rough idle with traction control light on while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; issues never triggered error codes per owner report.
Fuel Pump Relay Failure — Starting and Stalling Issues
Vehicle experiences intermittent starting failure, random stalling while driving or stopping, and recurring problem pattern consistent with V62 fuel pump relay recall; occurs primarily in heat.
When: Intermittent throughout vehicle use; worse after heat or prolonged driving
Symptoms owners cite: Trouble starting, especially after vehicle sits in heat; Engine cranks but won't turn over; Random stalling or dying when coming to a stop; Problem recurs on and off; Vehicle may restart after sitting; problem repeats later
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; dealership stated VIN not included in V62 recall despite matching symptoms and engine configuration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: V62 recall for fuel pump relay (TIPM) issued for some 2011–2014 vehicles; dealership confirmed owner's VIN not included in recall list despite owner reporting identical symptoms.
Trunk Lid Opening by Itself — Keyless Entry System Malfunction
Trunk opens by itself repeatedly while vehicle is in use; occurs progressively worse over time, forcing driver to stop on busy highways to close trunk.
When: Intermittent, becoming progressive
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk opens by itself without driver input; Problem becomes progressively worse; Trunk opens on two occasions on busy highways, forcing driver to stop; Creates safety hazard requiring emergency stop on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealer for repair; owner expressed safety concerns but was 'blown off' by service department.
Backup Camera Intermittent Failure
Backup camera displays black screen and will not show image when vehicle is placed in Reverse; issue is intermittent and cannot be replicated by dealership; resolved without parts replacement.
When: August 2, 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera shows black screen when in Reverse; No camera image displayed; 'Check Surrounding Areas' message appears but no video feed; Issue is intermittent; resolves on its own after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: No codes found; all wiring and connections checked and appear fine by dealership. Problem resolved without repair or parts replacement; dealer refused warranty work citing intermittent nature of fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership informed owner that intermittent issues are acceptable and not covered under warranty.
Blind Spot Detection System — Intermittent Unavailability
Blind spot detection system displays 'unavailable' message on instrument panel and exterior mirrors stop illuminating; issue is intermittent and clears without repair.
When: May 5, 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot detection mirrors illuminated; Message on center display: 'Blind Spot Detection System Unavailable'; System non-functional for approximately 6 hours despite multiple vehicle restarts; Issue resolved on its own; system began functioning again without service
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate issue; no repair taken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no further action taken.
Window Control Failures — Auto Up/Down Malfunction
Front and rear windows fail to open or close intermittently; all four windows may fail at once; problem recurs when cruise control engaged in one case, causing uncontrolled acceleration.
When: Approximately 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger side window fails to open and close intermittently; All four windows fail intermittently; Windows roll down by themselves while driving at highway speeds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired.
Cruise Control — Uncontrolled Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without warning when cruise control is engaged; cruise must be manually disengaged to slow car down; failures recur numerous times.
When: Approximately 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input while cruise control engaged; Manual disengagement of cruise control required to slow vehicle; Failures recur multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired.
Steering Wheel Control Buttons Non-Functional
Steering wheel menu navigation buttons (up/down) fail to respond to input; buttons do not control infotainment or cruise control menu.
When: Since vehicle purchase at new
Symptoms owners cite: Menu up/down buttons on steering wheel do not work; Buttons unresponsive to input
Synthesized from 153 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to do the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced any failures with the…
The vehicle began to make a whining noise and smelt like burning fumes. The battery saver mode light came on and the car began to stall. The car completely shut off. The alternator failed with no issues prior to this. There was a recall for the same issue for the same year, make and model of my vehicle but only applied to alternators with 160amp, mines it's a 180amp.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign id number: 14v634000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I started my car by the factory installed remote starter and was leaving a parking lot and I heard a high pitched hum coming from the engine and the 'battery saver on' light was on. I started to drive and the car was really sluggish almost to the point if I came to a complete stop it would shut down. I drover that way for about 2 miles and during that time I started to smell something burning. I…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the exterior and interior lights failed without warning. The contact mentioned that after turning the vehicle off and back on, all of the lights resumed normal function but the failure recurred on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle would only start after multiple attempts. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 and stated that the parts needed were not available. The dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available to service…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 01/09/15*lj…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 153 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 104 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,000 and 75,123 miles, with the median around 59,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 75,123. 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/2013/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.