Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Dodge Challenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On Saturday 1:20am 11/15/25 DRIVING 27 MILES FROM DISTANCE VEHICLE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY WITH INTERNAL LIGHTS QUICKLY POWER OUTAGES ON AND OFF INTERIOR LIGHTIN. dim headlights, or issues with electrical components. 11/15/25 A vehicle fire occurred, and preliminary investigations suggest a battery malfunction as the probable cause. The malfunction led to an uncontrolled thermal event within the battery system, rapidly escalating into a fire that engulfed the vehicle. Further analysis is underway to determine the specific nature of the battery failure and contributing factors.NO WARNING ADVISORY ON THE PRELIMINARY OCCURRENCE IT ESCALATED FROM FLASHING ON AND OFF LIGHTS AND STEREO TO A STIFF STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN AND RAPIDLY SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUNK AND FIRE STARTED CONSUMING THE REAR END OF THE TRUNK AND VEHICLE. …
The vehicle is available for inspection. The issue caused a fire under my carport and within 30 feet of a neighbor's house. The car is immobile and still at the location of the incident, it has not been reproduced or inspected. there were no warning lamps at the time of the incident. The electrical system seemed to have several issues over the past years. The passenger side tail light would burn out at least twice a year. The driver's side window would go up and down when the car was off and ran out of battery. The vehicle would allow the key fob to be locked in the car. I took it to the dealer but they were unable to determine the cause. Most recently what a mechanic thought was the starter failed twice in less than six months. Last month, I went to start the car, and it started and then turned off. I heard a pop and crackling sound, and the trunk battery was on fire.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected, and then the vehicle lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuse box was burned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuse panel was burned, and that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V103000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,904.
When I start the car, it shuts off if I pushed the button to restart it, sounds like it's double starting itself the only way that I can make it stop is by continuously hitting the button. The only way that I can restart. The car is if I open the driver's door, then hit the button to completely cut off the car shut the door hit the button again then the car will start. It's like I have to reset it. it does it often has been for years when I take it to the mechanics or dealership they tell me to bring it up there when it's doing it. That's the only way that they can find out what the issue is, after this happens I'll take it to the dealership and they find nothing they request for me to bring it when is doing that, but I never know when it's going to happen until it does, but it doesn't happen at the dealership. …
* The ignition switch failed to release the key fob. I brought the car home after completing some repairs and sending the car through emissions testing to renew the plates. I made numerous attempts turning the car on and off and trying to get the key fob out of the ignition. The ignition off position would flash ACCESSORIES the same as the accessory position. I was concerned to leave the car as there maybe a short that would draw down the battery or worse ? I locked the doors and left the key fob in the ignition. * YES- available for inspection. * safety issue was is there an electrical issue that would start the car on fire ? * The diagnosis was done by my performance and high end mechanic's shop. The battery in the key bob was changed while being stuck in the ignition to see if a low powered battery was failing to send a signal. No changes. …
Driver & passenger door windows on many 2010-2017 Dodge Challengers activate repeatedly on their own during driving and after ignition is turned off causing the battery to completely drain overnight & sometimes after only one or two hours after the ignition is turned off. There was a TSB#23-039-11. This TSB does not apply to my 2013 Challenger. Parts are extremely expensive and the car leaves me stranded if parked only a couple of hours. During driving the cycling down and up causes danger as it appears the door wants to open on its own and making us have to pull over several times until we figured out it was doing it on its own as if it was haunted. No warning lights on my 2013 Challenger. Mechanics checked it after having 2 brand new batteries drain overnight. Batteries are approximately $200.00. Dealer will only say the door latch mechanism needs replacing at approximately $480.00. …
Car has had intermittent electrical issues, head lights flashing, dash board losing power, car alarms in and out. Most recently it stalled while driving on a country road. Was able to restart after a while. It stalled again while driving on highway. Took car to dealership but they stated my alternater was not a part of safety recall T36, even though I was having those exact same issues.
NHTSA Recall Number17V-435 Suffered failure of alternator as described in recall. Purchased part and fixed myself. Filed reimbursement request, file number 83533254 for part only. Claim denied alleging vehicle not fixed at dealership.
Taillights aren't staying on. The break and signal lights work however, after driving the vehicle for a few minutes the taillights go out. I can turn the switch from auto to on but after about 5 minutes each time they are going off
When starting my vehicle, I would push the push start button and it will continue to turn over and over and over but not start, it will do it for a minute or more and there is not way to turn it off.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
Remedy: Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers.
Electrical complaints in other Challenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
NHTSA has 104 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Dodge Challenger, 58% of the model year's 179 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Challenger electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-435 (alternator/generator/regulator, Jul 10, 2017); NHTSA recall 14V-634 (alternator/generator/regulator, Oct 8, 2014); NHTSA recall 13V-103 (front underhood, Mar 21, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Challenger electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 9 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.