8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$450
Average Mileage:
62,950 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace wiring harness (3 reports)
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problem #6

Apr 022018

Charger AWD-RT 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,076 miles

When driving this car, the headlights just go out. Looking on Google I found a recall for this very issue. I called Chrysler and they said my car isn't covered in the recall. I've almost wrecked twice because of this and I can't be the only one its happening too. I work for a big car manufacturer and I know if someone had this complaint they would fix it before I wreck and kill myself or someone else, because you can guarantee. I will have a record of the complaint and my family will know if something does happen to me in my Charger, it will be Chrysler's fault because they did nothing to make my safety a number one priority.

- Danny M., Sadieville, US

problem #5

May 162014

Charger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I received a recall notice in the mail around April, maybe mid-month, stating their was a possible issue with the wire harness on my headlight. I called the dealership where I purchased the car to set up an appointment to get it in, no problem. So I took the car in early in the morning so that I could get it back before the end of the day. I gave them the recall notice and they said they would call when it was ready. I finally got my car back late afternoon, but when I read the paperwork, it stated that they had not done the repair, and that everything checked out alright. I wasn't happy, since they had my car most of the day, but if all was well, so be it. well no more than a week or so, my driver's side low-beam light started going off and on. So I called the service department, and the guy immediately said that it wasn't related to the recall, and I probably needed to replace the light. Told me it would be about $250 or so, because they had to replace both lights at the same time because they have to remove my bumper!

So after going online and reading about different charger owners who have had the same exact thing happen with their headlight, I got suspicious about the whole thing. Due to financial reasons, I didn't get the repair done, and have been trying to limit my night time driving as much as possible. However, its winter here, so in the mornings it can be dark. So I go back into the dealership about two weeks ago, I speak with another customer service rep, and he tells me, that in their system the recall is listed as "completed" although no repair was done. He states to me that at the time, the car did not meet the criteria, and the mechanic didn't feel it was a necessary repair. He also goes on to say that, if I pay them $95 to do a diagnostic test, and it is determined that it was the issue mentioned in the recall, that they may or may not honor the recall!

So at this point I'm beyond upset because now I feel that they are just trying to get money out of me, when 9 times out of 10, this is the same issue that the recall was supposed to cover. So I call the Chrysler Customer Service line to speak to someone to find out what the criteria is for recall notices, and do dealerships have the right to choose whether to do the repair or not. The representative told me that the guy in the service department was correct, and if my headlight issue was under the recall, because at the time I brought it in, even though a week or so after, I had a problem, that the dealership could decide whether or not to do the repair under the recall notice or make me pay for it. He said that unless the recall states that the part MUST be repaired/replaced , all authorized dealerships have the right to decide whether or not they feel the repair is necessary, or meets the "criteria".

I was able to get someone to replace the bulb for me, without having to remove my bumper as the one guy stated. However, not more than 5 minutes into driving the car with the lights on, did the light go out again. I know the bulb was good, I purchased it from a reputable service parts place, and the person who installed it knows what he is doing as well. There is obviously something else going on. The high beams and parking lights work with no problem, its just the low beams, which is what has been the common complaint that I've read on several forums. I'm pretty sure that when this issue happened with the police version of these cars, that they were all fixed and given the new part regardless if they fit the "criteria" or not. However, this company obviously does not care about its everyday consumer. All they want to do is take our money when we buy their cars, and then take it again every time the cars need repair which for these cars is all the time!!.

I'm so tired of car companies getting away with this sort of behavior. Only after several people unfortunately lose their lives, then and only then do they decide to do something. If something is found defective, and its finally recalled, because we know they don't make that decision right away, whatever the defective part is should HAVE to be replaced with the non-defective part, no question. No mechanic should be able to make that choice for me, whether or not my car is running safely or not. This entire situation is absolutely ridiculous, and again I'm driving a car with one headlight or using my high beams so that I can see safely at night. Thanks for nothing Chrysler!

- robersonm, Ypsilanti, MI, US

problem #4

Sep 022014

Charger RT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

All part of the same electrical bus that should be replaced. But Dodge won't do it without charging me.

- robinson garcia, Everett, MA, US

problem #3

Jan 152014

Charger SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

The low beam headlight harness melted, so I called Mike Smith in Beaumont, Tx to ask if there was a recall on the part and they said no. But now that I'm looking up recalls , the part is on the recall list. and to make things worse, I took the car in to be repaired and went I picked it up. The alternator was gone out.

- Jay K., Silsbee, TX, US

problem #2

May 302013

Charger SE 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,484 miles

drivers side low beam wiring harness overheating.

My beef is the manufacturer knows of the problem, but only extends the recall to police vehicles manufactured that same year. this problem is now causing other issues in my car. as a result the alternator has failed costing me time and money. not to mention the fix is upwards of 500 to 700 dollars. I called dodge about the problem and I am very dissatisfied. I was thinking of purchasing a super bee. but now I don't think I will recommend not to mention buying one ever again. I should've bought the Camaro. because Dodge doesn't respect their customers enough to make sure the problems are fixed correctly. no wonder it took them so long to make a comeback.

- davidbest34ohio, Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #1

Feb 122013

Charger SE 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

Wiring harness burned out on passenger side low beam headlight. There is a recall on the police chargers with this problem, but my car also experienced the headlight failure. Also, this is NOT covered under the extended warranty because headlights are considered "wear" items. Fortunately, the dealership helped me out and I only ended up paying the equivalent of what would be the deductible if it had been covered, but if they had not, I would be out 450 dollars. I think that this recall should be expanded to include all cars; it does appear that other owners are reporting the same issue. Definitely electrical issues with these cars.

- ainman1990, Knoxville, TN, US