Electrical System Problems of Dodge Challenger - part 1

On August 7, 2025, at approximately 11:30 pm, my 2014 Dodge Challenger caught fire in the trunk area where the battery is located. I had just parked at my location and was about to get out of the car when I noticed a strong burning smell and smoke coming from the rear. Flames were visible inside the trunk. The fire damaged the trunk interior, wiring, and surrounding components, but the battery still functioned afterward. There were no warning lights or prior issues before the incident. This poses a serious safety hazard and could have caused injury or further damage if it had occurred while driving.

See all problems of the 2014 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

When battery was replaced the Smart window function stopped working. . .

See all problems of the 2019 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

No power then open the trunk and the power comes back on!! dash lights blink out and radio then window goes up and down! will leave u stranded.

See all problems of the 2018 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

Electrical system is currently failing. I was informed that I need a pdc wiring kit to replace the fuse box and the entire vehicle must be rewired. Usb charging ports do not work. Cigarette lighter ports to charge cellular devices do not work. Every time the service department at the dealership fixed a component to repair the radio a fuse was blown in another area of the vehicle in 2024. Currently 2025, I was told that the radio lost connection with amplifier. The screen of the radio is on. It is changing from station to station and there is no sound. The bluetooth connects to my phone but there is no sound. The display is working for sirius xm radio. The amplifier was replaced 2x's although there was nothing wrong with it. The radio was replaced although there was nothing wrong with it. Vehicle consistently lacks power, car drags when you switch lanes and accelerate, headlights were not working and replaced 3 times. I almost flew over a cliff because it was pitch black. I could not see the road in front of me. Door panel control was replaced because windows were stuck rolled down/rolled up. Keypad would not work to unlock the door. I had to climb into the car from the passenger side of the vehicle because the driver's side door was locking me out of the car. Batteries in keypads were replaced. Driver's side door was locking me inside of the car. I was forced to climb over the center console to get out of the car through the passenger side. I had issues with the shocks & struts. The michelin tires that came with the vehicles are cheap [xxx]. I replaced the tires with all-weather tires and consistently rotated them during oil changes. Uconnect radio issues occurred numerous times in my black 2017 Dodge Challenger gt model with leather interior and sunroof as well VIN ending [xxx]. I filed numerous complaints with Dodge customer service as well as uconnect. Cases # [xxx] opened with stellantis and the fca case [xxx]. Both are uncooperative! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informati.

So this is not about an actual incident that occurred but is more so about about an issue with a manufacturer ive uncovered , being a mechanic and working primarily on Dodge vehicles ive noticed at least for the last 2 years of modules the part numbers they list for their car line have not had the correct modules in them , in my own case I needed a module for my own car ,ive bought 2 from junkyards using Dodges own service library and the cars vins they came from that were once on the road and both cars had the wrong module numbers , I have since ordered a brand new module using the exact part number from a dealership brand new in the box and that module is also not the correct part number. . My concern is who else is driving these cars from at least the last 2 years with the wrong module in the car, I have read all 3 modules using witech Dodges own software and all 3 are not the ones that are supposed to be in them. . I also know there are 152 on backorder of the correct ones that should have been in them with 0 being made. . . Im not really one for conspiracy but this is kinda crazy. I know for sure that things like vehicle weight and stuff are programmed into these and the wrong calibration of that alone could easily cause the system to not function as designed causing crashes that could have been avoided if the system were functioning properly , the part number in question should have been 68399772ae,68399772af and if they ever get a supplier for the latest revision they list that part number is 68399772ag, the supersession they list is from at least 2021 model years forward so it may have been even longer but I only have proof for the 23 year cars. The cars affected are Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge charger all trim levels as far as I've seen should have 68399772ae and none do. The file uploaded is a picture of a brand new 68399772ae out of the box and what was actually in the box. I have more of junkyard car modules that also weren't correct.

See all problems of the 2023 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

My shifter is messing up again recall u4 I believe and my its a recall on my vehicle ive had this vehicle for 2 years they stated the previous owner already had repaired but im imforming them I am still having the issue my car will literally stop going in the middle of the highway. Ive almost been close to getting in a accident and all everyone can say is it has already been repaired but I want them to understand that it may was repaired but it wasnt done correctly because something is wrong with my shifter/trasmission and electrical system. Which are both two valid recalls that I have. My shifter just blinks out of nowhere and just will stop at any moment. If the person behind me wasnt paying attention I couldve died or been harm seriously due to this keep happening while I am driving on the highway.

See all problems of the 2015 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

I replaced the factory alternator about 2 years back and have had to replace it twice since then. The replacement alternator were not from the manufacturer but were brand new. The battery warning light comes on when it starts to fail and the hot wire leading to the alternator gets extremely hot. Didn't experience this until I had the aftermarket alternator installed.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

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. I have google this issue other Challengers are having this issue but again it can never be resolved because it doesn’t happen when you take it to the dealership I believe eventually this will mess up the engine or starter below is asking for a date this incident occurred it started in 2015 when I purchased the car this will happen here or there not that often but it is continuously a problem, over the years and getting worse.

See all problems of the 2013 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

Unknown.

One day after driving home from work there was a message that says low battery voltage on the instrument panel, then it went away. No other warning lights or problems. Ten more miles down the road the message says battery saver mode, reduced functions and then the car started to smoke, I am freaked out at this point praying to make it home safely. I arrive home and pull into driveway and then turn engine off and let it cool. Lift the hood and coolant has sprayed and spewed all over the engine compartment and is significantly reduced. Now parked, engine off the shift lights are still on and navigation panel and radio won't turn off. I had to unplug the battery completely and manually lock the car. The next day I replace the battery, check coolant, and allow car to warm up. No warning lights or messages. Then I start to drive and less than ten min, battery saver mode again, reduced function and power then engine smoking again, coolant spraying under hood and I have no idea what's wrong. Could it be the alternator, everything is still factory parts. Never happened when I changed the battery in 2022. This is scary.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2022 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

I had recently had my backup camera/and radio repaired as they are synchronized to work together at a dealership. On [xxx] the issue has happened again, and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety, and others could be put at risk due to potential collisions. The issue has been reproduced, and confirmed upon the first incident of this happening at capital cdjr of indian trail, nc whom also did the first repair. At this point the vehicle has not been inspected as it started again this morning. The backup camera went glitchy, then said camera system not available, then went glitchy again. This occurred on [xxx]. This is my second time filing a complaint for this issue. Thank your organization for keeping our roads safe. I hope this issue doesn't have any negative safety incidents for myself, or others. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Control of the car electric safety equipment is compromised by the uconnect system - delaminating of touch screen. This seems like a know issue and the faulty screen should be recalled.

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.

I somewhat recently purchased a car from capital Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram in indian trail, nc that is still under warranty. Less than a year old, a little over 5k miles. Recently my backup camera is saying not available or it is very glitchy, also trunk lid liner loose. This is my daily driver. Dangerous to operate, as it drastically decreases my rear visibility. Took it in a couple of weeks ago, waited over two hours for them to say it needed further diagnosis because they don't know what the issue is, or how to fix it they didn't initially offer me a car to drive as this is my only vehicle. When I said that I was contacting the NHTSA, ftc, ncdoj consumer division, and the dot, they said drop it off, we'll give you a car to drive. Now they are not responding to my calls or emails, after they said bring it in at my convenience. Like they're not interested in providing warranty work to a potentially dangerous situation. I have to contacted ncdoj consumer division, the ftc, the ncdot as thinking about possible legal counsel, if this matter is not resolved. Thanks in advance for your help. People need to be warned about quality issues with these vehicles. Some very major.

As documented in the previous report.

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

I have had an issue like the 30 other complaints on here with my window going up and down and faulty switch!!! went to Dodge and the lady stated no open recalls on the vehicle so I was probably looking at $2500 to fix . How is Dodge not being held accountable for this and being liable to create a recall!!! I’m driving and the window started opening and shutting in the middle of a hurricane and I almost crashed, hit a divider & swirled ! had to pull over and wait 1 hour for it to stop!!! please help before someone seriously is injured by this window faulty switch mechanism distracting apparently since 2011.

I need to address a serious issue regarding the car I purchased in 2020 from a private vendor. Upon taking the car to crown Dodge dealership in ventura county for repair, I had to pay roughly $700 out of pocket for the service and rented a car from hertz for the days I was without my car. However, upon receiving the car back, it still had unresolved issues with the electrical components and dashboard noise. It is unacceptable that the manager at the dealership did not prioritize my safety or the quality of the car I purchased. Since this car is my sole mode of transportation, I demand a prompt resolution to this matter. I expect immediate assistance in addressing these concerns. Thank you.

My trouble is with my 2018 Dodge Challenger. The uconnect system is delaminating and the entire system is malfunctioning. I have taken the vehicle to my local Dodge dealer and showed them the issue, and they agree there is an issue. The safety issue is that the screen display system goes into what is called "ghost touching" where random buttons on the display are acting as if someone is pushing them but no one is touching anything. While backing up, the screen goes haywire, when trying to control anything electronic, the system goes haywire. Safety issue of distraction trying to find certain when in "ghost mode" the vehicle has been inspected by my local Dodge dealer, and agree there is an issue, but refuse to fix it without me paying $1,500. No prior issues electrically prior to the delamination issue. The first time is saw an issue was June 0f 2024.

Was driving normally going 65 mph on the highway when white smoke was emitting from inside the steering wheel. Between the dashboard and steering wheel. Engine was fine and no warning lights came on. Everything ran great except for the white smoke. I don’t know what it could be. Luckily it didn’t catch on fire.

The vehicle's uconnect system (which is required for most all functions including backup camera) will intermittently go black and become unresponsive. Soft and hard resets do not resolve it at first. Hard reset eventually resulted in a generic screen with numerous functions missing. Eventually after several hours the correct screen restored itself. This happens intermittently and there are hundreds of reports of this online (search for uconnect screen black).

Uconnect lcd control screen is completely on the fritz due to adhesive DE-lamination. The screen will frequently and randomly ‘ghost touch’ itself to turn the heat all the way up, turn the media volume all the way up, call contacts, adjust the clock, switch screens, etc while I’m driving. It is available for inspection upon request. Car has become a danger to drive as a result. Having to constantly fumble with the screen to not be roasted by the heat or have my eardrums blown out by max volume media while driving is significantly more distracting and dangerous than being on the phone while driving. It isn’t something that happens once or twice on a drive, it will touch the screen ~30 times a minute. This is a well known problem with uconnect systems in jeeps and Dodges. You can look it up online or speak candidly with any Dodge dealer. When I called dealers in my area directly they said this is a problem they see everyday. Vehicle is being taken to be inspected 6 days after reporting this event to uconnect and Dodge as that is the earliest appointment they could get me at an approved service center. Absolutely 0 warning this would happen and no functional way to turn off the screen in the meantime. If you try to turn it off, when it senses it touched itself it just turns right back on. I’m being required to pay $300 out of pocket + costs for a rental to get the diagnosis.

I purchased a Dodge 2023 Challenger srt hellcat widebody jailbreak with manual transmission in October 2023. In April of 2024 I noticed that the ac did not work when the vehicle was not in motion and the outside temperature was more than 90 degrees. I took it to a local dealer ship and they kept troubleshooting the vehicle with Dodge and could not fix the issue. Come to find out, all 2023 manual transmission Challenger hellcats have the same issue. This is effecting approximately 628+ vehicles. Dodge care states they are aware of the issue and are working on it internally, however no eta or timeline has been given to the customers of the affected vehicles. Dodge provide me with the following case numbers that you can use to investigate: case: [xxx] star case: [xxx] their contact phone number 855-778-8326 the weblink below is 10 pages (and growing) of customer experiencing the same issue: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My car has come to a complete halt several times when I pressed the gas trying to get onto the speedway it will just have no power to it like it’s in neutral and I will have to hurry up and get over to the side and turn it back into park and then back into drive and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power won’t even work. It’s an electric. And pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should alternator all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power. Siri won’t even work. It’s an electrical nobody can get anything to fix it and now we’re out of state and it broke down again. It is so dangerous recently, the belt came off of it while I was driving and it caused liquids to explode and almost caused fire.

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

There is a loud popping sound when I start my car. It sounds as if the car is back firing. The sound has been duplicated several times. The sound does not happen every time, but it has happened well over 100 times. I have taken it into the dealership, and they claim that the sound can never be duplicated. Also, when I place my car in reverse and then drive the backup camera screen remains on in after driving forward for more than 30 seconds. This is very hazardous because when looking at the screen I can still see what is behind me which is a huge distraction.

Rear backup camera will sometimes either be distorted or have a black screen while in reverse. This is a safety hazard as Dodge Challengers have large blind spots and makes it difficult to see when backing up without the rear camera. This has almost caused me to hit another car and pedestrians as it's hard to see them due to the blind spots and not having the assistance of the camera. While driving in the rain, the front windshield will have streaks across the whole window, making it very difficult to see while driving in the rain. Windshield wipers have been replaced several times but issue continues to happen. The breaks will shake when breaking. This causes the car to not want to break at times. I have brought my car back to the dealership on several different occasions for this issue and all they have done is resurfaced the rotors and have changed the break pads and told me that there is nothing else they can do and to break more aggressively as there is a film on the rotors causing the car to shake when breaking.

8. 4" touchscreen delaminating, causing ghost touches, which is changing my steering , timing, wipers, headlights, and suspension. The radio is going through stations, inputs, I can not use my android auto or use gps, all of my settings. It is very much a safety concern!.

See all problems of the 2017 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

The lcd of the uconnect control panel has progressively continued to delaminated since about 12-18 months after purchasing. Recently it has become a driving hazard. It presses the screen at random, which has changed the engine performance mode while driving and engaged the manual transmission option while driving. It has made over 40+ phone calls in the past month and has dialed emergency sos services least once. I am now forced to repair the screen myself because no recall has been issued for defective lcd screens.

The abs system has failed on my 2014 Dodge Challenger sxt and has caused major electrical issues within the vehicle. The abs part/computer module (part number 68210118ab) has been on back order for months with no estimate of when the part will be available from a Dodge/Chrysler/ram/Jeep dealership. I have been without my vehicle for 4 months because nobody has this part available. This is a major issue affecting many vehicles under Dodge/Chrysler/ram/Jeep. My safety was at risk because while I was driving the vehicle, every single light on my dashboard appeared and my brakes stopped working. Thankfully I was leaving my neighborhood and was only going 15mph. The key fob is not detectable, the windows will not roll up, and the vehicle cannot hold a charge while in drive. There was an abs warning lamp on prior to this all happening.

The cars light notifications on instrument cluster panel turned on all of them at the same time while accelerating jerking the car on freeway I have video of that happening and can provide it upon request it did caused a minor accident but I settled the accident with other driver with cash with out involving insurance or police but the car is not being driven that much ever since accident it was nothing serious just a little damage to front bumper but it was really scary when it happened again on freeway thats why I recorded the problem live and can provide the video at request havent went to get the car checked out or repaired yet but definately need to it's a safety issue and dangerous one if happens at the wrong time or place I haven't received no calls from dealers or mail but will wait for further instructions from NHTSA the car is parked at the moment and will tow to the selling dealer after I hear from you guys I also believe there is a recall on my car for the same year and trim la but it was issued after I had vehicle in possession not sure but I received a similar looking card like the recall one about a factory replacement vehicle that I was supposed to receive because of a engine breakdown not sure what it is for but can provide that as well seems it seems sketchy because it looks alot and very similar to the recall card that gets sent out when there is a recall on car I have it on my person I kept it because it had a change of a dress fill out form in back of it so I need to check with sselling dealer I believe I might of gotten the wrong car or not my car I am owed for some reason the VIN is not correct and I believe it's supposed to be a fj so this happening to me on a new 2021 Dodge Challenger for 53435 dollars doesn't seem right at all will ask dealer for a copy of my contract of the sale see if it matches the one they gave me might have the wrong car but the safety issue is real and hopefully you guys can tel me what'snex.

See all problems of the 2021 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

The computer system has a malfunction I'm driving it says shifter service the shifter starts blinking red car wipers goes on car will shut off in traffic into anti theft mode and ask fir code and will not start it has happened 3 times or more within 30 days the has been in the shop 3 times within 30 days twice where I purchased it the car is not safe I'm scared for my life and others when operating this car as of today I'm afraid to drive my car and I've told asked the dealer for another car the first it happened. Here recently I couldn't stop the car my grandkids in the car on 20 west this started around November 29 and has been continuing I've reported to the dealer the bank that purchased the car for me and filed a claim with my insurance the car is not safe and I have receipts and a video to show and messages to the manager on duty and my salesperson.

Trunk is opening automatically while driving.

See all problems of the 2020 Dodge Challenger 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the left turn signal light failed to function as intended. The turn signal light on the instrument panel was flashing erratically. The message "left turn signal out" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s side window failed to function as intended. The window was rolling up and down slowly. Eventually, the window became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the window motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that a wire was damaged, which caused an electrical system failure. The contact was informed that the electrical assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

While driving the air conditioning control’s stopped working. It required restarting the vehicle, to get it to work again . The air also started blowing out the defrost vents without being changed to blow through them.

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.