Most common 2011 Dodge Charger problems
Share of the 695 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Charger complaints by model year
Best Charger years: 2022, 2021, 2015. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2008, 2006. Compare all years →
2011 Dodge Charger recalls (11)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company.
Structure
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016.
Seat belts
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015.
Show 5 more recalls
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps. In the affected vehicles, a sub-harness for the headlights may overheat and cause the low beam headlights to go out.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014.
Air bags
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 300 and Dodge charger vehicles. These vehicles May lose ABS/ESC system function due to an overheated power distribution center.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 18, 2012. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge charger police vehicles. The low beam headlamps of some vehicles could fail due to an overheated bulb harness connector. Other vehicles May lose ABS/ESC system function due to an overheated power distribution center.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the power distribution center, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 2, 2012.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2011 Dodge Charger:
Alternator failure
On July 22, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-022 to investigate 14 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of alternator failure resulting in engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles.The MY 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles were sold with three different engine options:1) 3.6L V6 (VIN8 = G), 88,766 vehicles; 2) 5.7L V8 (VIN8 = T), 38,615…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Dodge Charger owners say
Electrical system all 395 →
In 2015 I had issues with the seat belt alarm on the vehicle going off, stating that passenger and driver seatbelts weren't buckled. I would get a airbag flashing light stating per manual that the airbags were not activated. Fast forward to July 2015, I had gotten a recall letter for a orc (occupant Restraint module) which affects airbags and seatbelts. I brought in the car to get it fixed per recall. Fast forward to about 2 years later, the same issue had occurred. Airbag light would still pop up and stating that seats belt in the car wasn't engaged. Brought it in to get it checked out at a local mechanic shop, they couldn't fix it and stated I need to go to the dealership. They noted that it was affected by the recall of the orc module. Brought in the car to Cutter dodge In pearl city Oahu and they fixed it, at this time I was still covered by warranty. …
Manufacturer failed to provide an adequate remedy for Safety Recall 17V-435 (T36). On 09/12/2018, the dealer "inspected" the 180-AMP alternator (Part 4801833AB) and cleared it as safe. On 09/25/2019, this exact component suffered a total fatigue failure, causing a "no-start" condition and electrical collapse. Safety Risk: This vehicle is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). The alternator failure poses a risk of sudden loss of power steering assist and engine stall, which are the primary safety hazards identified in 17V-435. Regulatory Issue: FCA (Stellantis) has denied reimbursement for the repair by incorrectly citing "Basic Warranty Expiration," which is a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety recalls do not expire). …
Lights all 158 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving, the driver-side headlight failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the headlight was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic but the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front headlamps failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front headlamp bulbs and ballasts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine & cooling all 87 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
There has been numerous issues that affected my safety while driving and had to make costly repairs and replacements while on going. Alternator and serpentine belt broke out and all my coolant leaked out. had to stop in the middle of the street several Times by force having the abs, check engine light turn on having to turn the car off. Transmission shifter was so faulty I couldn't pull out of park needing to replace it. Air leaks in the engine, electrical surges effecting headlights low beams I can't see anything at night, dashboard and radio. The windows are has so much glare from sun light to other cars at night I almost cannot see ahead of me almost blinding me. The car constantly over heated. …
2011 Dodge Charger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Charger a good car?
Based on 695 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Charger rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Charger at the same age. It is one of the Charger years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Charger?
The electrical system — 395 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the lights (158) and engine & cooling (87).
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Charger have?
There are 11 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Charger, the most recent from January 15, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Charger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2006. See the full Dodge Charger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Charger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.