Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving down the street, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced performance. The ABS light and other electrical system lights came on and the radio went off. I immediately pulled into a driveway at which time the car had the brake light come on and smelled like it was burning. I immediately shut the car off but the smell continued to get worse. I had the car towed to my local garage where I was informed that the alternator had been on fire. Upon further research, it was discovered the recall p60 exists for 2011 Dodge chargers. This is only for the 160 amp alternator. My car has the 180 amp alternator. Upon contacting Dodge, I was informed that my car was not eligible for the recall. With only 67,000 miles on the car, this type of failure should not have happened.
As I turned to pull in my driveway, all at once the ABS light and stability control light illuminated on my dash, the powersteering quit working, all at the same time the vehicle had begun making a loud high pitched humming noise with smoke coming from under the hood that had a very intense burning, electrical type smell. Then the dash flashed that the car was in battery saver mode, subsequently dying altogether. Upon having towed the car to a Dodge dealership, the service department informed me that I needed to a) replace the alternator b) replace the belt and c) replace the battery because the alternator caused it to go bad. The total for all repairs will be $1224. I still don't have the vehicle back, but I've done extensive research online and learned that there is a recall (recall number p60) involving some 2011-2014 model year Dodge chargers and their alternators. …
In August my car out of nowhere warned and activated itself for battery saver mode and not long after that same day the car lost all power causing me to loose total control of brakes and steering as well as unable to unlock my car to get out. Imagine the fear I had especially having my fiance and daughter in the car with me. Thankfully no collision occurred but what if? The battery died because the alternator needed power to perform itself. Why? Dodge Charger r/t mopar 5.7 Hemi. Autozone charged my battery and checked it for free and diagnosed it as a healthy battery. When installing the battery back I turned on my car to diagnose it with the sensor reader the engine was shaking and the belt began to smoke up and whistling loudly right away turned it off but not before getting the code p60 but my car doesn't qualify for that recall cuz its a v8.. …
While driving my 2011 rt AWD Dodge Charger on the freeway, at approximately 65 MPH, all of the lights (including, the dash lights, the radio, the headlights, I am unsure if the rear running lights were involved) shut off momentarily (3-5 seconds). During that time I noticed a change in the steering, the wheel became stiff like the power steering was off. I let my foot off of the gas pedal but did not brake so I'm not sure if the power brakes were affected, but assume they were. It sounds a lot like the alternator failure recall involving the 6 cylinder models with the 160 amp alternator. (I believe this is the same alternator that was used in the r/t 5.7l Hemi model) the power came back on and I drove the last 4-5 miles home without further incident. I am apprehensive about driving on the freeway now. Loosing the ability to steer and brake at freeway speed could end in an accident. …
Started driving my vehicle from work. When all of a sudden my whole dashboard lite up with the "ABS light, power saver mode, and the traction control light. While attempting to pull over the vehicle my radio power off and the vehicle began making a "whining" noise. The engine shut off by itself. I pop the hood and while raising the hood white smoke appeared and I could smell something burning. My sister was present the whole time she was tailgating me in her vehicle. Let the car cool down and tried to restart it and the whining noise grew louder and upon starting it seem as if it did not want to start up but the dashboard was not lite up only the message on the dash about being in "power save mode". This was a scary situation for me and I do not feel comfortable driving my only means of transportation for me and my children. My sister gave me a ride home. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that there was low voltage on the battery, which kept being drained without warning. The battery was replaced by the contact, but the failure continued. Also, the latches failed to function on the front passenger side doors. The dealer replaced both latches. In addition, the service stability traction control, service engine, air bag, and brake warning indicators illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V352000 (air bags), 16V043000 (structure), 15V467000 (air bags and seat belts), 14V643000 (electrical system), 14V101000 (exterior lighting), 13V118000 (air bags), and 12V497000 (electrical system, service brakes, air). The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving at various speeds, the passenger side low beam headlight would fail intermittently. The failure progressed to where both front passenger headlights and high beam headlights malfunctioned. The contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with NHTSA campaign number: 14V101000 (exterior lighting) and NHTSA campaign number: 12V042000 (electrical system, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the traction control light randomly illuminated on the instrument panel after being serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 12V197000 (electrical system, service brakes, air). The remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 33,200.
The manufacturer has a recall (p60) on the car but I'm not covered since I have a 180 amp alternator. I almost had a major accident in the middle of a very busy atlanta express way because my car shut off and blowing a smelly air out of the vents. The power was lost and it had a message saying battery saver mode. This is not right that they will not cover my call and it is having the same issues. The service department at the dealership said this is the same issue that others chargers are having and they are covered. If some would have lost their life then then would be out of more than fixing a car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the save battery, traction control, and the ABS warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact mentioned that the front headlights became inoperable and the windshield wipers operated independently. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
I was driving, with my son in the car, and my electrical system completely failed. My windows, steering, brakes,and etc. Stopped working while I was driving. Behind me was an log truck fully loaded. Thanks god there was just enough space for him to swurve around my car. This could have been a deadly accident. This all happen while my car was moving and I was able to get in a safe position before stopping the car. After it stopped, nothing worked in the vehicle.
Traction Control complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2011 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2011 Dodge Charger, 6% of the model year's 695 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Charger traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2011 Dodge Charger, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Charger traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to stability & traction control 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.