I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the process in getting my vehicle registered by the state. Seems there was a previous recall on the issue but has since lapsed the time period to have fixed with reimbursement had the issue checked by an auto services establishment and family member to confirm my issues and then repaired issues each time with a family member. I have also had several issues with the key fob the initial one I received the key itself was never cut for my vehicle so would not unlock my car had to have someone cut the key to access my doors, also the fob itself stopped working I had to pay to get replaced which stopped working several days later and they had issues when programming the key it had flagged issues in their systems giving issues programming since I still have not been able to have an operating key fob.
Dodge Charger key fob problems
52 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 52
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 60,000
By model year
Often reported together
Won't start 14Wipers 6Stalling 5Check engine light 5Headlights 3Warning lights 2Loss of power 2Fuel smell 2
What owners say
I experienced an issue with the trunk lights on my 2018 Dodge Charger SXT Plus, which would not illuminate when the trunk was open. Additionally, the dashboard display failed to indicate that the trunk was open. This posed a significant safety concern, as the car allowed me to drive without alerting me that the trunk was open. Normally, when the trunk is ajar, the vehicle displays a notification and prevents the car from being driven without addressing the open trunk. However, with the broken latch, no such alert occurred, and the car could be driven with the trunk accidentally left open. Furthermore, the remote start feature, which typically only works when all doors (including the trunk) are closed, was compromised. The car could be remotely started via the keyfob regardless of whether the trunk was open or closed. This is a serious safety concern, as the vehicle could be driven or left running with the trunk open without the driver’s knowledge. This repair cost $301 to fix. Repair Details: Date of Repair: January 17, 2023 Description of repair from dealership: Trunk lights and dashboard indicator were non-functional, and no alert was provided when the trunk was left open. The latch was internally shorted, causing the malfunction. After the latch was replaced, the lights and notifications worked correctly, and the vehicle's safety functions returned to normal.
I purchased a 2012 Dodge Charger shortly after tha it just stopped working. It was perfectly fine and then it just wouldn't start. It only turned on to accessory mode. The lights ,radio,ac, ect. turned on but the vehicle did no. The brake pedal was very hard couldn't be pushed down. On the dashboard a red lightning bolt symbol with two parentheses appeared. I got it towed the dealership send the problem was the battery and the key fob. I picked it up it was fine and then a few days later while driving on the highway it suddenly started to lose power and completely stopped. same red lightning bolt symbol appeared.I barely made it to the side of the road. I had my son with me. It was a very scary situation our lives were in danger as well as the other drivers behind me because of the sudden decrease in speed. I had to get it towed for the second time. The dealership said that they changed the fuel pump. It was fine after that then couple weeks later I noticed the check engine light come on for about half a day then turn off. 2 Days later I went to turn it on and it did not start, same red lightning bolt symbol appeared again. I got it towed to the manufacture dealership for a recall and they did diagnostic and are telling me that it is the starter switch. They didn't mention anything about the red lightning bolt and it still doesn't turn on
anti-theft device failure after break-in thieves entered my locked vehicle after it was alarmed. the anti-theft device was deactivated and doors were unlocked for thieves gain entrance to the vehicle. After entrance, the were able to roll the vehicle down the street and start the vehicle. the thieves were able to by-pass the switch from the original key fob.
Video display began prompting me to set my clock settings (Daylight Savings time). This occurred WHILE I WAS DRIVING! Pressing any or all buttons had no effect. I had to turn the radio off, which meant I could no longer take hands free phone calls. This is a serious safety issue. I have found forums where this issue has been discussed. See https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/uconnect-issues.229602/#post-2021329920. Now, my key fobs are acting up. Perhaps releated? Could not start my car or unlock remotely. When I used the key, the panic alarm began going off. I could only turn it off by using my second key fob, which is also acting up. I've had issues with the back-up camera not turning on as well. Or the radio not working. There is major issues with the electrical/display panel on these cars and trucks! It seems intermitant, but the clock display issue has been pretty consistent, though off and on. I have a video of the issue if you want it. I will attach an image.
Need keyfobs reprogramed my car won't start unless I hold down on door lock and lock on keyfob at the same time and to the point where it won't start at all security light keeps coming on before starting. My car shutdown while driving in traffic. It happens a lot. Please recall these parts. I'm afraid of wrecking when breaking down in rush hour traffic? My Name is [XXX] ph number is [XXX] My address is [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The car is in drive, without warning the car simply looses power, shuts down immediately on the freeway, in traffic, anywhere including on a short drive; the car looses power, the MPH drops to 0, the car coasts to the side of the road, it looses power steering, the key fob is still in ignition, lights go off, and I have to restart car; former allen samuels dodge said nothing was wrong with the car, but it was not doing this until they changed the key fob and reset the ignition switch for the new fob in 2014, it has nearly caused us to be run over several times with grandchildren in the car by 18 wheelers on the hwy, so we have had autonation run diagnosis and say nothing is wrong when clearly it is something very wrong - help, my nephews dodge charger does the same thing
The ignition switch and key fob is not working at all. Vehicle is stationary and will not start. Apparently, there is a loss of functionality.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge charger. The contact stated she was trying to start the vehicle with the key fob which failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to bluff road auto sales located at 1400 bluff rd, columbia, sc 29201, (803) 451-0334, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery cable to be replaced. The vehicle had the repairs completed but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated at a later date, while parking the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the used car dealer but was not diagnosed as to the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. Invalid VIN.
The vehicle was traveling 60 MPH on a highway when I got a message on my dash screen saying 'service shifter'. It disappeared after about 3 seconds. Nothing appeared again. The car was acting fine. Two days later the car unlocked by the remote and then would not start. The shifter knob flashed red multiple times repeatedly. I couldn't lock the door or the car would automatically unlock all doors as if I had the key fob inside still. I could not start the car, turn on accessories or shift into any gear. I had power to my lights etc. My remote wouldn't work for locking or unlocking or remote start anymore. I was able to eventually start the car after unhooking the battery cable and reattaching it. Tried to drive the car and while in drive going down the road on a public street it automatically slammed the car into park even though the shifter had not been moved. It started acting like the car was in park when I had been driving. The shifter once again started flashing red multiples times repeatedly and I could move the shifter this time, but it did not register with the car. It still acted as if it was in park. I was able to reset the system temporarily by unhooking the battery and reattaching it again to get it home.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
Recall number 19V203000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T75.
Recall number 17V741000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Recall number 17V435000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Recall number 14V634000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
Recall number 14V567000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 dodge charger police vehicles. The low beam headlamps of some vehicles could fail due to an overheated bulb harness connector. Other vehicles may lose ABS/ESC system function due to an overheated power distribution center.
- Risk
- This could lead to loss of visibility and/or braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the power distribution center, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 2, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 12V042000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler 300, dodge challenger, charger, jeep commander, grand cherokee and dodge ram vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch.
- Risk
- The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 23, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V200000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Charger key fob
Which Dodge Charger years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (17 complaints), 2009 (6 complaints) and 2011 (6 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix key fob or push-button start problems on the Dodge Charger?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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