Dodge Challenger overheating problems

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Transmission · TX

I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue caused by negligent service performed by Tony T’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017. The dealership performed a borescope inspection of the rear differential on my 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, as documented on my invoice. After this service, it was discovered that critical differential plugs were removed and not reinstalled, multiple fasteners were missing, and the differential assembly was left loose to the point it could be physically moved by hand. This condition created a significant safety hazard, including risk of fluid loss, overheating, drivetrain failure, and potential loss of vehicle control while driving. The issue was confirmed by another repair facility. I have photo and video evidence, as well as the service invoice. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and out of service for an extended period, resulting in financial loss and safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this incident as a potential safety issue related to improper service practices.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Lights · CA

My 2019 Dodge Challenger GT harness has been compromised. The electrical system in a vehicle, including the headlight circuit, is designed to operate within specific parameters to ensure safety and reliability. When a harness is compromised it can cause an electrical short circuit. In my case, this short circuit is causing a fuse to melt. A fuse is a safety device designed to protect electrical circuits from overheating and potential fires by breaking the circuit when excess current flows through it. When a fuse melts due to an electrical short caused by a faulty harness, it means that excessive current is passing through the circuit. This situation can be dangerous for several reasons 1. Loss of headlights: The melted fuse interrupts the flow of electricity to the headlights, resulting in them going out completely. This sudden loss of visibility can be hazardous, especially at night or in lowlight conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. 2. Overheating: The excessive current passing through the compromised harness generates heat, often leading to melting or damage to surrounding components. This can potentially cause a fire hazard, posing a serious risk to both vehicle occupants and the car itself. 3. Electrical damage: In addition to the headlights, a compromised harness can affect other electrical components in the affected circuit, such as the turn signals, fog lights, or other lighting systems. It can also damage the vehicle's control modules and wiring, leading to further malfunctions and costly repairs. Replacing the faulty harness is crucial to restore the electrical integrity of the headlight circuit and ensure proper functionality. By replacing the harness, you eliminate the risk of further short circuits, melted fuses, and potential damage to other electrical components. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure your safety on the road and prevent any potential accidents caused by reduced visibility or electrical malfunctions.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, she noticed an abnormal water odor inside the vehicle and the vehicle was overheating. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then continued driving; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road several times on her way to her residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the water pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced three times on three different occasions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the thermostat continuously failed due to the vehicle overheating; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2021 · Brakes, Tires · 40,000 miles · UT · fire

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound when the steering wheel was turned. The instrument panel would also get very hot. Additionally, the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the driver’s and passenger’s side tires were worn due to steering knuckle, causing tire damage. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recalls. The dealer diagnosed that the instrument panel overheated and burnt the connecting wires. The instrument panel was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was relating the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V758000 (Service Brakes, Tires, Wheels). The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · 94,000 miles · TN

Car shuts off at apporximately 45mph. Almost wreck and then flickers back to normal operating and drive home(5)minutes and park. Will not start back up. Towed the car to a dodge dealer who replaced the alternator recall and tells me to pick it up. I go pick it up and now it will not change gears, over heats in dealership parking lot and fans will not operate. Dealer keeps car and says it's a bad water pump and thermostat. At this point I do not trust dealer and replace the water pump, thermostat, idler pulley, temp sensor, belt tensioner myself. Start car and sounds great but overheats again. Now will not start at all. I see many many complaints about this and dodge does nothign because it is out of warranty. Note to self....goverment still not protecting the little guy. Side note....will never buy another dodge!

Filed Jan 17, 2021 · Electrical · VA

Screen melted from the heat, radio glitches, USB port glitches, doesn't recognize device, uconnect glitches, screen glitches and doesn't stay connected and overheats. Sometimes the volume button too working.

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge challenger. The contact stated that every time she turned off her vehicle she had to unplug her battery because there was a malfunction with the smart switch in her windows. The windows did not completely close and as a result the electrical system overheated the vehicle and drained the battery. The contact called the dealer freedom chrysler dodge jeep ram by ed morse 815 e camp wisdom rd, duncanville, tx 75116 888) 331-8981 and they said to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. They also said there were no recalls . The vehicle was not repaired with contact having to buy new batteries to be able to start her vehicle. The manufacturer gave the contact a case number and referred her to call the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Airbags, Brakes · 98,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge challenger. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated, the emergency brake was defective, and the vehicle overheated due to an antifreeze leak in the radiator. The contact took the vehicle to premier chrysler jeep dodge ram fiat (13000 I-10 service rd, new orleans, la 70128) where the emergency brake was repaired and the air bag indicator was turned off. The contact attempted to have the leak repaired, but was informed that his warranty would not be honored. After the air bag indicator was turned off, it continuously illuminated again. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2019 · Brakes · 25,367 miles · GA

This car is not frequently driven and serves as a sports car only, not a commuter, it only has 025,379 miles on it. It's a six speed manual trans with clutch pedal. While driving the car noticed what felt like brakes (all of them) dragging, increasing the load against the clutch and throttle. Not extremely but enough to notice. This seemed to be getting worse and I was concerned about a malfunction with computer override features like "hill-assist" and "stability control", both I generally switch off. After about 20 minutes of driving slow surface street speeds, stop & go, I came to a stop sign and the brake pedal went to the floor. The car did slowly stop. I was "on alert" and was using the gears to slow anticipating a possible failure. We were going to dinner and after about 4 more pedal to floor stops, it was parked for just over an hour and regained it's brake pedal pressure after sitting. I cautiously drove straight home. There were no warning lights on the dash of any type at anytime. I think this indicates some computer or other system failure connected with this. Conditions were a 90 plus degree day with the A/C-on. Things seemed hot under the hood and around the master cylinder and reservoir when I first parked for that hour. Other than "no warnings", the other significant fact is, neither of us smelled overheated brake materials as you typically would. This I find really odd because if it wasn't the brakes dragging on the car, why did they fail and go to the floor "while hot" ? As it is my habit at all times, I pulled the parking brake release a lot, assuring it was off through this. It's in working order and holds the car when I pressed it's pedal down, clicking and locking it to do so. I know of others who have had weird brake failures with other year model challengers. Please check on this ! Thank you for your time.

Filed Aug 27, 2018 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · FL

While driving this car on the highway with the windows open, the drivers window suddenly went up almost catching my sons arm in the window. The window continued to go up and down all on its own. Eventually it stopped and did not happen again. However it appears that during the night the window started moving on its own and eventually killed the battery. In researching I found that the 2011 challengers had a smart glass problem, exactly like this, but it was only on builds before march 2011 and this car was july 2011. I fear that during the night if this happens while parked in garage it could possible overheat motor and cause fire. Or trap my sons arm in window while driving.