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Dodge Charger loss of power problems

232 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2006 model year.

owner complaints
232
worst model year
2006
typical repair cost reported
$1,056
typical mileage
78,900
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 86Power steering loss 58ABS 23Check engine light 20Fire or smoke 17Won't start 13Engine failure 12Wipers 10

Trouble codes mentioned

P06DD 1P0600 1P0471 1P0430 1P0304 1P0128 1P0016 1

What owners say

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures associated with diagnostic trouble code P06DD. When the condition occurs, the vehicle is unable to exceed approximately 3,500 RPM and experiences engine stalling and loss of power while driving. The issue is intermittent but has occurred repeatedly. The vehicle has been presented to authorized Dodge/Stellantis dealerships on five separate occasions for diagnosis and repair. The oil pump was previously replaced for this issue at approximately 5,000 miles, yet the condition continues to recur. Most recently, the dealership advised that the issue was resolved and returned the vehicle to me. Within approximately 30 minutes of leaving the dealership and driving on the freeway, the check engine light returned and the same stalling and loss-of-power condition immediately reappeared. The defect creates a significant safety concern because the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate normally while operating in traffic and on freeways. When the condition occurs, the vehicle cannot exceed approximately 3,500 RPM stalls while driving, creating a risk of collision. The vehicle currently has approximately 21,000 miles and remains under manufacturer warranty. Despite multiple repair attempts, the defect has not been permanently corrected.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Electrical · NE

Manufacturer failed to provide an adequate remedy for Safety Recall 17V‑435 (T36). On 09/12/2018, the dealer "inspected" the 180-AMP alternator (Part 4801833AB) and cleared it as safe. On 09/25/2019, this exact component suffered a total fatigue failure, causing a "no-start" condition and electrical collapse. Safety Risk: This vehicle is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). The alternator failure poses a risk of sudden loss of power steering assist and engine stall, which are the primary safety hazards identified in 17V‑435. Regulatory Issue: FCA (Stellantis) has denied reimbursement for the repair by incorrectly citing "Basic Warranty Expiration," which is a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety recalls do not expire). Furthermore, FCA claims the part is "not covered," despite the dealer invoice identifying it as the 180-AMP unit central to the T36 recall. I am requesting an ODI review of the adequacy of the "inspection-only" remedy for this VIN.

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Engine · WA

I filled up my gas tank on way home from work in [XXX] . Once i got on on ramp to get on freeway my 2006 dodge charger stalled. I lost all power and barely was able to get to side of on ramp. I waited a couple minutes after shutting car off. Then it started up again for me to get home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · VA

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)

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MO

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

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Electrical · CA

My vehicle has been experiencing electrical issues causing my radio to cut off and my car to cut off and lose power while driving. When the car is moving and loses power it's causes the vehicle to shift into neutral.

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MO

“Following a $4,960 transmission repair at Cable Dahmer Chrysler Dodge (July 10,2024), my vehicle has experienced serious safety concerns: 1. Immediate transmission performance issues after dealer service 2. Vehicle now diagnosed with : Oil leaking over transmission bell housing Transmission slipping Improper shifting, especially in reverse Loose engine mount These issues create unsafe driving conditions as the vehicle: May not shift properly during critical driving situations Could potentially stall or lose power while driving Has compromised transmission function Shows signs of potential transmission failure The dealership dismissed these safety concerns when reported immediately after their service. Vehicle’s condition has continued to deteriorate, making it unsafe for regular operation. “ “During operation, the vehicle: 1. Shows irregular shifting patterns 2. Has demonstrated unpredictable performance 3. Could potentially fail during operation 4. Leaking oil poses additional safety risks The dealership’s failure to properly address these issues after their service has left the vehicle in an unsafe condition for highway operation. “

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · KY

There’s multiple issues I’ve had with this car since day one. One of them almost causing a crash on the interstate going 70mph. The car shut down though the lights remained on and the message service ESC electronic stability control came on, service AWD system, service electric power steering, service brake system and at the time I just left a certified dodge dealership where they did a “” flash recall on the engines computer. Me and my infant child were stranded for over 5 hours until the car decided it would start back. This power loss caused the power steering to lock up and no movement besides me coasting to get over into the emergency lane on the interstate almost being hit by multiple vehicles. The Service ESC came on numerous times since then and still keeps coming on and dodge says it’s nothing and clears the codes. The drive shaft bolts backed out and caused my drive shaft to snap in half costing me over $1700.00. The sec system never works properly it stays stuck in awd mode and seldomly goes in RWD mode. When turning traction control off it automatically kicks into awd not sure if that’s suppose to happen but makes no sense if so. Also the turn signal switch on the steering column is faulty causing the wipers to come on any time you use the turn signal or turn the wheel to make a turn in the vehicle. That has caused me to almost wreck more times then I can count. This car and this cars year make and model definitely has a lot of safety issues and should be investigated by the manufacturer. On the date below I checked February 22, 2022 due to this issue being persistent I can look for the old invoices where I had to replace my drive shaft if needed just email me

Filed Jun 4, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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

Filed Mar 4, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · LA · crash

Power train, transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in park. The vehicle has been inspected. There are warning lights. They appeared 02/29/2024

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported August 8, 2017 · 1,207 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.
Risk
If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T48.

Recall number 17V496000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Charger loss of power

Which Dodge Charger years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2006 (68 complaints), 2012 (45 complaints) and 2011 (37 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Dodge Charger?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,056 (median of 30 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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