Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2019 | 13 | 11% | 62,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 4% | 23,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 8% | 54,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2012 | 52 | 8% | 48,000 miles |
| 2011 | 158 | 23% | 55,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 87,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% | 116,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 2% | 95,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving under normal conditions with no collision or impact, the side curtain airbag in my Dodge Charger Scat Pack deployed spontaneously. The deployment caused the headliner and pillar trim to rupture and released what appeared to be metal fragments and more. Occupants sustained scratches and narrowly avoided facial injury. I discovered there's a recall on this airbag as this is a known issue. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Dodge dealership for diagnosis and repair. During this process, i was informed that the VIN has an active safety recall related to the airbag/SRS system. However, the dealership declined to perform recall-related inspection or repairs due to the vehicle having a rebuilt title. I'm concerned my recall remedy is being denied.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds, the driver's side headlight was inoperable. The 20-amp fuse was black and burned. The contact who is a mechanic who replaced the fuse. The contact stated that the fuse was warm to the touch. The contact stated that the fuse box underneath the hood was damaged. The passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The fuse arc was burnt and was replaced. The contact stated that the failure was caused when the headlights were in the auto position. Additionally, the fuse arc prongs were bent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there was no recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 88,200.
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight persistently failed to operate as needed, and the headlight bulb was replaced several times. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a Police Officer pulled the contact over because the headlight was inoperable. The contact stated that upon returning to the residence, the contact and her son inspected the headlight and noticed that the headlight had melted internally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Engine: Timing chain, valve rocker arms and valve lifters. All in sequence once the rocker arms went out with the lifters which is a common problem with dodge 3.6L PenStar engine it made my timing chain go off timing causing my engine to shut off while driving. Lighting: When vehicle was purchased i noticed condensation in both head lights got 1 replaced per warranty, they would not do both at same time and within 1 month moisture was in replaced headlight again. Dodge would not replace headlights even though the malfunction was not due to any wear and tear of mine. This is extremely unsafe for drivers if both headlights go out due to extreme amounts of condensation/moisture.
My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was "U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM" I looked up my vin # on mopar.com and noticed my vehicle did have a "Important Safety Recall: Reprogram Powertrain Control Modulel"
Burning fuses in fuse box under hood causing charing to the yellow mini fuses and making the headlight go out. There's one seperate fuse for the right headlight and one seperate fuse for the left headlight. There are youtube videos on it also. When you try to contact Dodge about it they brush you off and then send you a survey form by email asking you how was ypur service experience. When you tell them you were never contacted in the survey, they send you another survey. That's an insult.
Touchscreen radio is delaminating. The entire vehicle is controlled by the radio. The delamination causes 'ghost' touches on the radio. This causes the radio to make phone calls, turn on/off equipment, blare music...etc. It's extremely distracting to the driver. And you cannot turn it off. You are stuck with this malfunction. This happens at anytime the vehicle is running. When parked or in gear.
Headlamps are not working therefore causing a safety issue when driving at night. Initially, 2 years ago, April 2021 the driver headlamp was not working. Dodge dealership had replaced and within the year the bulb would come off and on intermittently. It cost over $400.00. On March 18, 2022 I took it back to Dodge dealership and because it was working that day they just said to bring it when it was not working? They had the car for the whole day and did not inspect anything. Now a year later both of my headlamps are not working and took it back to them again. Now my fuses are melted and have been told by them that the cars electrical system is faulty. The car will need a new PDC Power Distribution Center unit that controls the electrical power which is no longer made. He found a dealer that has the unit available but also includes the wires harness . …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Charger years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (158), 2012 (52), 2006 (21), 2019 (13) and 2015 (11) model years. Headlight complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Dodge Charger headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-101 (headlights, Mar 4, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Charger headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (24 mentions), followed by the headlights › bulbs (2).
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.