The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Charger. While attempting to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal became firm. To avoid crashing with the vehicle ahead, the contact veered out of the lane and the parking brake independently activated and the vehicle jerked to a stop with the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder and was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with brake booster failure and informed the contact that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Dodge Charger jerking problems
95 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 95
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $550
- typical mileage
- 78,467
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 29Check engine light 9Loss of power 7Power steering loss 5Hesitation 5Headlights 5Misfire 4Wipers 3
Trouble codes mentioned
U0100 1P0741 1P0700 1P0304 1
What owners say
Over 2 years ago I took my vehicle in for an oil change and asked them to drive it and see why it sometimes pulls the steering when going around a curve to the left. they drove it and said it never did pull. Since then, it now pulls to the right when going around curves to the right also. It is doing it more frequently and I am in fear that it will either cause me to go off the road or hit someone when it all of a sudden jerks, like it is catching on something in the tire or something. I wouldn't even let my grandson drive it when he got his learners permit. I have since then decided to look for a safer vehicle and will be trading it since no one can figure out the issue. It jerks hard all of a sudden and you have to make sure you are holding the steering wheel tight. I am reporting to hopefully prevent an accident.
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
I was almost rear-ended by a semi when the vehicle stalled at a light while picking my son up from work. It seems to stall at stop signs or waiting at lights completely. It stalls while idling here and there sometimes. Sometimes when driving on the e-way it jerks as it wants to stall but not completely. The main codes that pop up is u0100. Sometimes p0700 pops up and then sometimes the u0100 pops up along with a bunch of other codes. This has just started happening with my previous 2006 Dodge Charger 5.7 which has happened once or twice and a u0100 code pops up when scanned. I've scoured the internet for solutions and notice. There's a lot of people going through this similar situation and it so happens to be the 2006 year that's plagued with this problem. Even getting a new PCM doesn't solve the problem. Whomever is in charge of the Dodge company needs to figure out the exact cause of this problem before a driver/passengers gets injured or killed in an accident because of it. Please put some fire under their butt
The contact owns a 2023 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved to 1,500 RPMs several times. Additionally, the contact stated that the hill assist caused the rear wheels to lock up, and the vehicle lurched forward, nearly striking the rear of a stopped vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who performed a relearning on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35.
The contact owned a 2020 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at 12 MPH and attempting to complete a right turn, the vehicle suddenly began to jerk left to right. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, coming to a complete stop after colliding with a pole that pierced through the vehicle and protruded out from the center console. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact observed flames emanating from the engine compartment. Local fire services were not called, as the fire had dissipated on its own. The air bags did deploy, but the contact stated that the left curtain side air bag failed to fully deploy, resulting in injury. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was not filed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact transported himself to an area hospital and was treated for a minor concussion and a laceration to his left leg. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Dodge has acknowledged a known issue impacting paddle shift equipped Chargers and Challengers. When using paddle shifters, the engine will downshift when the driver upshifts, sometimes causing torque jerking and acceleration jumps. Dodge says the issue is that the driver is shifting faster than the computer is processing the shift, which is absurd. Beyond the obvious hazard this creates, it's also causing unnecessary wear on the engine due to over revving. This is a major safety concern.
Intermittently the vehicle will jerk as if it looses power when driving, it has also happened when at a stop light and acceleration begins it jerks. It happens more often when at a complete stop and vehicle starts to accelerate. Vehicle was taken to melloy dodge in los lunas NM and they stated they were unable to find a problem
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the vehicle would start after the second attempt. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shut off while driving from a complete stop. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a communication failure to the transmission. The independent mechanic cleaned the throttle body; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, then lurch and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine, ABS, and the throttle control warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank and fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was again exhibiting the same failure. Additionally, the failure was more frequent and that there were days when the contact could not keep the vehicle from stalling after starting the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
- Risk
- An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
Recall number 22V866000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
Recall number 18V281000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
- Risk
- A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
Recall number 17V097000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
- Risk
- Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Recall number 16V240000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 300 AWD, Dodge Charger AWD, and Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 vehicles equipped with ZF all wheel drive ("AWD") 8HP45 transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission output shaft may fracture.
- Risk
- The transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park'.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's recall number is N65.
Recall number 13V610000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 20,283 my 2006-2009 charger and magnum vehicles built with the police package and equipped with a column shifter. The gearshift cable may become disengaged from the steering column mounting bracket and cause an incorrect transmission gearshift position display.
- Risk
- This could allow the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction startling the driver, and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a redundant locking mechanism to the gearshift cable at the mounting bracket to ensure proper retention and shift linkage function. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 08V583000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 5,509 my 2008 300, dodge magnum, and charger vehicles. The torque retention crimp feature was missed during the manufacture of one lot of rear axle hub nuts. This could cause the nuts to loosen and allow the halfshaft to disengage from the wheel hub.
- Risk
- This could cause the vehicle to lose power and result in a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear axle hub nuts. The recall began on july 21, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 08V295000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
- Risk
- If the drive wheels locked up, loss of vehicle control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on october 2, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V341000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
- Risk
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Charger jerking
Which Dodge Charger years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (36 complaints), 2012 (10 complaints) and 2013 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Dodge Charger?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $550 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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