The 2017 Dodge Charger's electrical systems are mired in well-documented defects. The UConnect 8.4" touchscreen dominates complaints: it delaminating internally, creating fluid-filled bubbles that trigger involuntary button presses. Owners report the screen calling 911, changing navigation routes, adjusting climate controls, and switching radio stations without touch. This happens across a known defect affecting 2017–2018 models; Dodge acknowledges the issue but refuses warranty repair, telling owners replacement costs around $1,500. One owner's screen attempted to activate launch control while driving.
Beyond the infotainment: body control modules fail outright, stranding vehicles at low mileage (one case at 1,641 miles). Electrical gremlins are rampant—headlights fuse and melt, vehicles lose all power mid-drive, transmission locks in reverse, and one Charger caught fire in its armrest console while parked. ABS and traction control warnings pair with shifter faults and constant brake-light illumination. Wiring issues remain elusive; multiple mechanics cannot pinpoint the root cause of intermittent no-start, loss-of-power, and flickering dashboard symptoms. One recall (NHTSA 18V332000) addresses electrical and speed control but appears incomplete. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to permanently resolve most electrical failures, leaving owners with distracting and potentially dangerous vehicles.
Failure modes owners describe
UConnect 8.4" Touchscreen Delamination with Ghost Touches
Screen delamination (fluid buildup, air bubbles) causing involuntary button presses and system activation without driver input.
When: As early as low mileage; one case at 6,000 miles, another at 38,000 miles. Reported across 2017-2018 models.
Symptoms owners cite: Air bubbles or fluid forming under touchscreen; Ghost clicks triggering unintended phone calls (including 911); Navigation changes randomly; Climate control and seat heater activation without input; Radio station changes; Screen freeze or blank display; Extreme loud sounds from radio when system crashes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers confirm the issue is known but state the screen cannot be repaired, only replaced. Replacement cost cited as approximately $1,500. Some owners report dealers refused warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge has confirmed knowledge of the defect across 2017/2018 models. Manufacturer denied free repair in some cases. Software update was attempted in at least one case but failure recurred.
Body Control Module (BCM) / Electrical Module Failure
BCM and related electrical modules failing, causing multiple system malfunctions and loss of vehicle control.
When: Early ownership; one case reported at 1,641 miles, another with only 3 weeks of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Transmission jammed in reverse; Instrument cluster warning lights (brake, check engine, service shifter, electronic stability control); All modules going offline while driving; Constant battery drain; Vehicle unable to move out of park
Codes mentioned: Brake warning, Check engine, Service shifter, Electronic stability control
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement required. One case involved replacement of original module #68354142 (no longer available) with revision AA or AB modules, both on backorder; vehicle sat at dealer for 24 days. Another case involved module reprogramming and replacement with no root cause found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. Dealership replaced modules without determining root cause.
ABS and Traction Control System Warnings with Power and Wiring Faults
ABS and traction control warning lights accompanied by reported power system failures, faulty wiring under center console, and intermittent system shutdowns.
When: Early in ownership; one case reported at undisclosed mileage with 32 days of repair time across two shops.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light; Traction control warning light; Brake warning light constantly on; Service shifter message every 0.5 seconds; Vehicle will not move out of park / complete shutdown; Significant shaking and wobbling while braking; BUS power system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter replaced due to faulty wiring under center console. Vehicle spent 32 days in repairs across two different shops. Additional issues noted: overheating, red fluid leakage.
Wiring and Electrical System Intermittent Failures
Sporadic electrical malfunctions affecting multiple vehicle systems including headlights, radio, starter, and overall power distribution.
When: Various mileages; one case at 68,000 miles. Intermittent nature makes timing unpredictable.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights go out while driving or flicker on and off; Radio intermittently inoperative or freezes; Vehicle will not start (not battery or starter); Complete loss of power while driving; Dashboard and fan flicker on and off; Cruise control flicker on and off
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair documented. One owner reported YouTube videos exist showing burned mini fuses in the fuse box. Headlight fuses noted as separate for left and right headlights.
Electrical Fire / Armrest Console Melting
Armrest center console and surrounding interior components melted, exposing wiring and creating soot throughout vehicle interior. Potential fire hazard while vehicle parked.
When: Occurred overnight while vehicle parked in driveway; discovered morning of 10/17/2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Melted armrest console with exposed wires; Melted front center overhead light from heat; Soot covering vehicle interior; Potential for fire spread
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Dodge for investigation. No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated investigation would occur before determining warranty coverage.
Instrument Cluster and Radio Independent Operation
Instrument cluster and infotainment systems operating independently, changing settings, making calls, and switching functions without driver input.
When: At various mileages including 68,000 miles and during low-speed traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio independently changes stations; Radio independently makes phone calls; Instrument cluster switches between icons independently; Climate control settings change without input; Heated seat activation without input; Navigation changes randomly
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had radio console replaced after software update failed to resolve issue.
Engine Power Loss and Electronic Throttle Control Error
Reduced engine power and acceleration on highway, with error codes related to electronic throttle control.
When: Mileage and timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Insufficient fuel delivery for highway acceleration; Electronic throttle control error codes
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control error
Headlight Fuse Burning and Melting
Mini fuses in underhood fuse box charring and burning, causing headlight loss. Melting wiring reported.
When: Occurs intermittently; YouTube documentation exists of this issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights go out; Yellow mini fuses charred/burned; Wiring melting; Separate fuses for left and right headlights affected
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple YouTube videos document this issue. Dodge customer service reportedly dismissive when contacted.
Vehicle Stalling While Driving
Engine shutting off unexpectedly during normal driving operation.
When: Occurs at various speeds; one case at 35 mph turn.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering assistance during shutdown; Vehicle must be restarted to continue operation
Brake System Malfunction with Unintended Braking
Unexpected braking activation at highway speed and brake system shaking during operation.
When: Reported at 75 mph highway speed; one case with 23,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes apply on their own at highway speed; Brake system shaking while braking; Complete loss of braking in some instances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V332000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) was issued; vehicle included in recall.
Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera failure affecting driver visibility during reverse operation.
When: By 23,000 miles in at least one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera does not function 100 percent of the time
Weather Alert Distraction
Sirius XM weather alerts displaying on radio screen for weather hundreds or thousands of miles away, requiring manual touchscreen interaction to dismiss while driving.
When: Ongoing issue; Sirius XM generated alerts.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe weather alerts for distant locations display on screen; Manual touchscreen interaction required to clear alerts; Distraction while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Sirius XM unable or unwilling to disable alerts.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.