2008 Dodge Charger: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Brakes, Wheels · 109,640 miles · CA

Car was purchased 06/28/2019; odo 109,640. Car was purchased with a gwc warranty service contract (90 day, 4,500 miles) and at asking price from a dealership. (state license #[xxx]) car was purchased as advertised that it was it was in good working order. On the freeway the car started showing signs of something wrong with wheels and that the steering wheel rattled aggressively. The car was taken in on 07/01/19 (odo 110,120) to big johns in santa clarita; it would cost $1,624.68 to replace because the wheels were found to be bent and to big for the car. This repair was not covered under the service contract but was a huge safety hazard. On 07/11/19 the car was brought into ricks automotive in granada hills (odo 111,493). Ricks was a recommended repair shop from the service contract purchased. There were 11 things reported on the repair order 8 of which were safety and engine concerns. (1.) the passenger headlight didn't work (2.) the emergency/parking break was not holding. (3.) the turn signal switch does not stay on. (4.) the speedometer sometimes operates erratically. (5.) the engine shut off while reversing. (6.) the transmission shifted hard and bangs hard. (7.) there was blueish/white smoke coming from the exhaust. (8.) cylinder head gasket may be blown. It was found the the head gasket had bent valves and timing chain needed replacement. These were the only things that were fixed. $5,031.35 was owed. We paid $1,359.03. Gwc paid remainder. The car was picked up on 08/13/2019 at 4:30pm (odometer 111,510). At 7:30pm same day the engine was reported sized (odo 111,539) and was towed back to ricks automotive. The dealership falsely advertised the car as it was in good working order when it wasn't. In a matter of 1,852 miles and 13 days the car showed a total of 10 signs of safety hazard to not just me but the thousands of other drivers I came across. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 12, 2016 · Body, Lights · 158,093 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact noticed smoke coming from the driver side headlamp. The contact opened the headlamp and noticed flames. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front bumper, bumper cover, support bracket, passenger side headlamp assembly, upper tie bar, panel, and wiring harness needed to be replaced. In addition, the front driver side area by the headlamp needed to be painted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,093.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Lights, Visibility · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge charger. The contact stated that the windows were not functioning and the headlamps failed to respond. The contact had to restart the vehicle for it to return to normal. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 8, 2015 · Electrical · 188,000 miles · FL · fire

All the electrical from the car went out including lights, radio, odometer lights, headlights turn off, electrical windows were not working. Then made the car go as far as 100 ft. When it shut down completly. I got off the car and popped the hood and the fuse box was on fire I called the fire department and they took fire out from the hood and the trunk and deterimined that the there was a shortage in the battery and there was battery acid all in back of the trunk.

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · CA

For many months the vehicle has had issues with speedometer dropping to zero while driving, headlights dimming, and a delay when starting. Until recently it wouldn't start at all. I had it towed to the dealership who then replaced the battery which had shown failure when tested. After getting my vehicle back the problems immediately continued. I have been informed I may need to replace the tipm. Also informed that issues with the tipm and many other vehicle models have had the same issue and a class action lawsuit is in effect regarding faulty tipm.

Filed Mar 30, 2015 · Electrical · CA

I started having issues starting my car a few years ago (approximately 2), the key would turn but it wouldn't start unless I moved the key either up, down, or to the sides. Dodge finally replaced the part ( I can't think of the name but it was on back order). I started having the same problem less than 6 months later and the part was replaced again. Earlier this year, approximately late january, I received the recall notice for the ignition switch and called dodge. They said the part was on back order and they weren't sure when they would receive the part. Since then, I have lost the lighting on my dash for the headlights and air-conditioning/heating dials. This occurred when I started my car and it suddenly turned off. I called in regards to finally having the lighting fixed today and that part was on national back order. The biggest problem, is the ignition switch, I have trouble starting the car, some days worse than others. I also have to check the key by tapping it when it's started to make sure it's in the "run" position. A handful of times I've tapped it and the key has turned back to the left, killing the car. Thankfully I've been parked every time. I've called dodge about this recall and they still have yet to receive the part and have not been told a definite date as to when they will receive the part. This issue is not only frustrating it's dangerous for me and anyone else on the road. I'm tired of calling dodge only to hear every part I need is on backorder. I truly don't believe the car I'm driving is safe anymore regardless of what the recall letter states. I think dodge is an awful company who has horrible customer service and leaves the local dealerships with their hands tied. I truly believe they are only days away from a lawsuit.