I am the original owner of a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). On February 3, 2026, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. I heard a loud metallic grinding noise from underneath, followed by an immediate loss of power and "Service Transmission" and "SERV AWD" warnings on the dashboard. The vehicle became inoperable, and the engine could not be shut off through normal means after the incident. Recall Context: This vehicle has previously had Safety Recalls T03 (Driveshaft Bolts) and U60 (Front Driveshaft) performed in 2017/2018. However, the current failure is identical to the safety defects described in those recalls. This indicates a Recall Remedy Failure, posing a severe safety risk to the driver and others on the road. Current Dispute: The vehicle was towed to Preston CDJR of Dover, but the dealer claims they cannot diagnose the issue or read fault codes. They are attempting to charge $200/hour for unsuccessful diagnosis attempts. I have opened a case with Dodge Corporate (Case #XXX), but the Case Manager has temporarily closed the case due to the dealer's inability to provide a diagnosis, and neither party has responded to my inquiries for 2 business days. Requested Action: I am filing this complaint to request a formal investigation into this recurring safety defect and to compel the manufacturer to honor the safety recall by performing a physical inspection and necessary repairs at no cost to the consumer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dodge Charger grinding brakes problems
92 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 92
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical mileage
- 12,777
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 4Premature wear 4Check engine light 4ABS 4Won't shift 2Loss of power 2Fire or smoke 2Door locks 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Transmission" displayed, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to the local auto parts store and the message "Lost Communication with ECM and PCM" was displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable, and the ABS warning light remained illuminated while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 33,665.
Loud belt squealing during a turn followed by "battery saver mode" message which then turned into smoke under the hood.
The vehicles first issue I had was about a month of owning the vehicle , with the Uconnect infotainment system not wanting to turn off or on and being frozen with only showing a still image of the back camera. I fixed it after I disconnected the battery for about 2 minutes. Then I had a transmission problem which needed servicing not even a year into owning the vehicle. I had to go to the service center to have part replaced, took about a month to get replaced due to back order. Then in June of 2021 the car wouldn't go in reverse or drive. As if the emergency brake was on and wouldn't budge. Had to tow the car to the dealership and leave overnight. When the car was dropped off at the dealership it had to be shaken off the tow bed. Was called to come pick the care up the next day because "no issues were found and car is functioning properly". Now in April of 2022 the steering wheel makes a grinding sound as if it's chewing rocks inside. When it was taken to the dealership was advised the steering column would need to be replaced and the part would be available in the first week of May. When I called to follow up, they advised it would be in May 12th. I called to confirm if that was true and was told the part would now come May 26th. Called again and part won't be available until June 9th. When making turns in vehicle steering wheel sticks and power steering is disabled. feels like I'm going to crash or flip the vehicle.
My steering wheel when turning left or right is becoming difficult to turn and makes squealing noise when turned. When brought to the dealership it was told to me that nothing was coming up wrong with the steering on the cpu. I was told I would have to wait until the steering pump goes to make any fixes. After research many of other 2014 dodge charger users have had issues with their steering wheel completely locking or losing any control of the steering while driving at high speeds.
Ive had to have brake work three times. The car acts like it doesnt w ant to stop.. Now im gettingg this clicking grinding sound when ia re turn left or right.really. Ive had this issue for more than two years. Know body wanteda recall to listen. I guess my family will reap the benifits once I get kill for drining a faulty car. Let all join to report our concerns. This is a a recall. .
The power steering pump grinds when turning and sometimes locks up. This is the second time I've filed about this.
So, I've had a problem with the electric p/s pump with it making grinding noises as I turn and locking up. I did end up replacing it because the dealer near me neglected to tell me there was a recall on it and wanted to charge me to fix it. The pump I replaced it with is starting to do it again... I want it replaced with a brand new oem pump.
When I make slow left turn I hear grinding noise. The other problem is now my engine light is on. Sometimes my car smells as though it is burning after I drive it for a while and then I put it in park and turn the car off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge charger. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding noise and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dave sinclair chrysler dodge jeep ram (2326 w osage st, pacific, mo 63069, (636) 257-4055) where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Related recalls
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will properly adjust the parking brake, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 01B.
Recall number 24V112000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
- Risk
- A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Recall number 19V758000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 300 and dodge charger vehicles. These vehicles may lose ABS/ESC system function due to an overheated power distribution center.
- Risk
- This could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 18, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 12V197000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit. The recall began on february 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V493000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter engines and mk25e braking systems may exhibit inadequate clearance between the rear brake tubes and the exhaust gas recirculation tube. Contact between the brake tubes and exhaust gas recirculation tube over an extended period of time may cause the brake tubes to wear through and cause a brake fluid leak.
- Risk
- This can result in a decrease of braking force and the potential for an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake tubes for damage and replace them free of charge. A clip will also be installed to secure the brake tubes to the right front shock tower to maintain proper clearance to the exhaust gas recirculation tube. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V149000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Charger grinding brakes
Which Dodge Charger years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (58 complaints), 2007 (8 complaints) and 2012 (8 complaints).
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