About this problem
The alternator is driven by the engine and recharges the battery while you drive. When it fails, the car runs on battery power alone until the battery is drained, which can take only a few minutes with lights, wipers and heated features on. Warning lights, dim headlights, flickering gauges and electrical systems shutting down one by one are typical signs before the engine finally stalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Dodge Charger since 2012, 341 (15.3%) describe alternator and electrical failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Charger. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 201. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 44,000 and 81,000 miles. 51 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 4 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of 2011 to 2014 Chargers report alternator failures, battery warnings, stalling and in some cases fires. Dodge recalled many of these cars for alternator problems.
How it gets fixed
The recall replaces the alternator. Some cars also need a new battery.
Typical cost: Free under recall; otherwise an alternator costs $400 to $800.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"On my way work I stopped to get coffee and my radio turned off and when I was able to turn it on the volume wouldn't go pass 20. I got on the parkway and my battery light came on."
2012 Dodge Charger, 43,000 miles
"Vehicle will state "battery saver mode" and start a high pitched whirring nose. At this point the alternator will either get stuck or short and will begin to overheat followed by a drained batter and stalling of the car."
2013 Dodge Charger, 28,000 miles
"I was sitting in my car in front of my house . I went to start the car then my dashboard was blinking with engine light ,battery light and brake light . Then suddenly I seen "service power steering " my wheel was extremely hard to turn ."
2014 Dodge Charger, 79,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
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.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles.
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Dodge has sent dealers 4 bulletins that mention this problem on the Charger. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Charging The 12 Volt Battery When Voltage is Below 6 Volts Customers or technicians may experience one or more of the following: Low 12 volt battery voltage.
Flash: Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) Updates 11B3 Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): **P1E...
GENERATOR Engine Prior to alternator/generator removal: 1.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replaceme...
Government investigations
Preliminary evaluation PE14022 · 2012 · opened Jul 2014, closed Nov 2014
Before you buy a Charger
- Check by VIN for open alternator recalls.
- Watch for a battery or charging warning on the drive.
Questions
Which Dodge Charger years have alternator and electrical failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 201 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 62,000 miles, and half reported it between 44,000 and 81,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free under recall; otherwise an alternator costs $400 to $800.