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Dodge Charger won't start problems

200 of the 5,741 owner complaints about the Dodge Charger describe won't start, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
200
worst model year
2008
typical repair cost reported
$960
typical mileage
82,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 29Engine failure 19Key fob 14Fire or smoke 14Check engine light 14Loss of power 13ABS 11Headlights 9

Trouble codes mentioned

U0002 1P0513 1B2224 1B1A35 1B1A28 1

What owners say

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 Jan 15, 2025 · Transmission · NY

Automatic transmission control module/unit is bad Car won't start

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 Aug 31, 2022 · Engine · GA

No-start after 10 yrs of driving service the engine light comes on from No-start.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Transmission · FL

The issue with the vehicle is inconsistent and delayed power delivery. On numerous occasions, when trying to accelerate quickly in low gears (1 through 3), the vehicle exhibits an obvious restriction and/or lack of thrust. The vehicle does accelerate (sometimes poorly with hesitation) and the RPM's climb, but the power is severely reduced until 4500 RPM, then the power comes on strong without any change in throttle position or gear. The issue can best be described as feeling like you are towing something heavy with a rope, and at 4500 rpm, the rope breaks and the resistance is lifted. I have had it to multiple dealers, I have reproduced it, but both ran full analysis and it is "performing as designed". Both me and the dealer contacted the manufacturer and was told if there are no diagnostic errors, it is fine. There is no code or message. I have found at least 10 other owners of various vehicle models from Chrysler with the same engine and transmission combo that have the same issue. The 5.7 Litre HEMI V8 and the ZF8HP70 8 speed automatic transmission. There is no way to know it is going to happen. One minute it accelerates normally, the next it doesn't. It does not pose imminent danger, but it has put me in a precarious position more than once when entering a highway or pulling out into traffic and not knowing how much acceleration power I am going to have. It reduces confidence in the vehicle because of the inconsistency. The issue did not start occurring until the vehicle reached approx. 2100 miles. I also owned a 2020 version of the car that did the same thing after approx. 4000 miles. I traded it in on the 2021 because I thought there was no way they all ran this way, but apparently they do.

Filed Jul 31, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

After filling up the car with fuel (93 octane) the car stalls after a couple of minutes. This has caused unsafe situations as the car has stalled in the middle of intersections and on the road. This has happened consistently after filling up. The car does not start immediately after stalling. After a couple of minutes post stall, I am able to restart the car. At times, the car studders while moving. This all happens after topping off with fuel. The vehicle has approximately 106,000 miles.

Filed Apr 19, 2022 · Electrical · OH

Car wouldnt start made a clicking sound on April 30. Started and drove home from store. On March 31 the car died on me in traffic with no warning. Towed to mechanic and it has been there since March 31, 2020. Still in shop for repairs of the Tipm

Filed Feb 21, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · OK

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).

Filed Jul 31, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Every since had car ticks.Was driving after fill up and car just turned off having me almost hit 8 cars on the highway with my 5 year old son in car. Now will not start. Days later it starts and tick then turns off. Found out it’s common problem everybody has in these 5.7 hemi engines lifters/ cam.

Filed Apr 24, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 256 miles · FL

At only 256 miles, the vehicle either shuts off while driving or will not start after it's parked. The first occurrence of the engine turning off was while I was driving. The vehicle appeared to stall. After several attempts the vehicle restarted. There has since been 3 no start conditions after the vehicle has been parked. The vehicle is currently at davis chrysler jeep dodge ram in yulee, fl awaiting diagnostics and repair of this intermittent fault.

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 cooling: engine: gasolineReported February 27, 2015 · 1,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6.2L supercharged engine. O-ring seal and fuel rail crossover hose damage may result in the fuel rail hose connection leaking fuel.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.

Recall number 15V114000 · 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 won't start

Which Dodge Charger years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (52 complaints), 2006 (41 complaints) and 2011 (34 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Dodge Charger?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $960 (median of 30 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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