Dodge problems
Dodge is an American brand of automobiles and a division of Stellantis North America, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Dodge vehicles have historically included performance cars, and for much of its existence Dodge was Chrysler's mid-priced brand above Plymouth.
Founded as the Dodge Brothers Company machine shop by brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge in the early 1900s, Dodge was originally a supplier of parts and assemblies to Detroit-based automakers like Ford. They began building complete automobiles under the "Dodge Brothers" brand in 1914, predating the founding of the Chrysler Corporation. The factory located in Hamtramck, Michigan was the Dodge main factory from 1910 until it closed in January 1980. John Dodge died from the Spanish flu in January 1920, having lungs weakened by tuberculosis 20 years earlier. Horace died in December of the same year, perhaps weakened by the Spanish flu, but the cause of death was cirrhosis of the liver. Their company was sold by their families to Dillon, Read & Co. in 1925 before being sold to Chrysler in 1928.
Dodge's mainstay vehicles were trucks, full-sized passenger cars through the 1970s, and it also built compact cars such as the 1963–76 Dart and midsize as well as such as the "B-Body" Coronet and Charger from 1965 until 1978.
The 1973 oil embargo caused American "gas guzzler" sales to slump, prompting Chrysler to develop the Dodge Aries K platform compact and midsize cars for the 1981 model year. The K platform and its derivatives are credited with reviving Chrysler's business in the 1980s. One example was the Dodge Caravan. During the 1990s the Dodge Stratus found many buyers along with the larger Dodge Intrepid.
The Dodge brand endured multiple ownership changes at Chrysler from 1998 to 2009, including its merger with Daimler-Benz AG from 1998 to 2007, its subsequent sale to Cerberus Capital Management, its 2009 bailout by the United States government, and its subsequent Chapter 11 bankruptcy and acquisition by Fiat.
In 2011, Dodge and its sub-brands, Dodge Ram and Dodge Viper, were separated. Dodge announced that the Viper was to be an SRT product, and Ram a standalone marque. In 2014, SRT was merged back into Dodge. Later that year, the Chrysler Group was renamed FCA US LLC, coinciding with the merger of Fiat S.p.A. and the Chrysler Group into the corporate structure of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Subsequently, another merger occurred on January 16, 2021, between FCA and the PSA Group to form Stellantis, making the Dutch-domiciled automaker the second largest in Europe, after Volkswagen.
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Dodge models
Common Dodge problems
Dodge cars, like any other vehicles, can experience a range of electrical issues that can affect their performance and reliability. Some of the most common electrical problems in Dodge vehicles include battery issues, alternator problems, wiring and connector faults, ignition system failures, and malfunctioning sensors and computers.
Battery problems are one of the most frequent electrical issues in Dodge vehicles. Symptoms of battery problems can include difficulty starting the engine, dimming lights, and the loss of power to the vehicle's electrical components. These issues may stem from a faulty battery, poor connections, or an aging battery that needs replacement.
Alternator issues are another common electrical problem in Dodge vehicles. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system while the engine is running. Signs of a failing alternator include the battery warning light on the dashboard, dimming or overly bright lights, and electrical components that operate erratically or not at all. An underperforming alternator can lead to battery drain and eventually leave you stranded.
Wiring and connector problems can cause intermittent electrical problems that are sometimes difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may include flickering lights, non-operational accessories, or sudden power loss. Over time, wiring insulation can wear down, and connectors can loosen or corrode, leading to poor electrical conductivity.
Ignition system failures are also a common source of electrical issues in Dodge vehicles. Problems with the starter, ignition switch, or key fob can prevent the engine from starting. Symptoms include hearing a clicking noise when turning the key, the engine not turning over, or the vehicle starting and then immediately stalling.
Faulty sensors and computers can lead to various issues, such as erratic engine behavior, poor fuel economy, or the activation of warning lights on the dashboard. Modern Dodge vehicles rely on an array of sensors and onboard computers to manage everything from engine performance to safety features.
Due to the complexity of modern vehicle electrical systems, diagnosing and repairing Dodge electrical issues requires specialized knowledge and tools. Professional technicians are equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment to accurately diagnose and repair electrical problems in Dodge vehicles, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.
In addition to these common electrical issues, Dodge vehicles have also been subject to safety recalls for both major and minor issues. A serious design flaw in multiple Dodge models manufactured from 2010 through 2014 has led to airbags failing to deploy as well as seat-belt tensioners failing to activate during crashes. These failures are responsible for at least three deaths in the United States. The issue was traced to faulty front-impact sensor wiring that was abandoned in more recent models. In all, nearly two million vehicles may have been affected.
Many of the vehicles in the 2018 Dodge lineup are at risk of stalling or failing to start thanks to a faulty voltage regulator chip installed in 2017 and 2018. While there have been no reports of injuries caused by this malfunction, there are numerous reports of Dodge vehicles stalling out while traveling at high speeds. The defect directly affects the powertrain and is more likely to cause issues starting as opposed to when the vehicle is moving. These issues are present in thousands of 2018 Dodge models including the Challenger, Charger, and Durango.
Owners of 2018 model Dodge Journeys have faced issues with the loss of use of backup cameras, according to a Dodge-initiated recall. While the recall is relatively small, it still impacts thousands of Journey owners who may encounter a failure of rear view images displaying on the built-in screen. The issue is related to a software glitch which can be corrected without a physical repair.
If you believe your Dodge vehicle is a lemon or has an unresolved safety issue that must be addressed by the manufacturer, contact a legal professional experienced in handling Lemon Law cases. The California Lemon Law was designed to protect consumers like you; let experienced professionals ensure you aren't being taken advantage of.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Dodge cars:
Distribution of Dodge car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Dodge related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Dodge cars are the following:
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Dodge vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Dodge models
A total of 7120 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Dodge models
There were a total of 3243 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Dodge models
There were a total of 6659 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Dodge models
There were a total of 389 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 114510 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Dodge. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Dodge models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Dodge models
Dodge Charger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 2C3CDXHG4KH
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I own a 2019 Dodge Charger, and it has an open recall for the airbag inflator, which poses a serious safety risk. Despite the recall being issued over six months ago, replacement parts are still unavailable. Due to this safety concern, I am unable to drive my vehicle far from home, significantly impacting my usage. Additionally, I used to rent this vehicle on Turo to generate income, but it has been delisted from the platform because of the unresolved recall. I am still responsible for monthly loan payments of $420 and insurance payments of over $400 every month which is causing me financial loss without the ability to safely operate or rent out my car. I have contacted dealerships multiple times, but the parts continue to be delayed with no estimated resolution.
Dodge Grand caravan 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 2C4RDGDG1CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While driving around 30mph, the van completely shut down. With nowhere to pull over on the right, and to avoid an accident, I turned left onto a side road. I quickly realized I had no power steering or brakes. I had 2 children in the vehicle and school had just let out. Luckily there was no accident. With no brakes, I just coasted until I came to a stop on the side of the road. I wasn’t able to move the shifter into park. After a few minutes, everything came back to life. I was able to shift to park, start it up and drive away. No warning lights came on. No check engine light. This situation could have become really bad, really quick.
Dodge Dakota 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1D7RE3BK5BS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address this issue. It was determined that Dodge does not offer replacement instrument clusters to address this issue.
Dodge Charger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 2C3CDXCT1KH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Dodge Journey 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3C4PDCAB7JT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: While care was parked, daughter (11yo) leaned around passenger seat with her forearm against the left side of the head rest to talk to her mother. Randomly and suddenly the head rest safety mechanism deployed. No one was seriously injured but it did leave a mark on my daughter's arm. Looks like the plastic inside is cracked on the right side where the pin holds the restraining pin that keeps the headrest from deploying. Have not taken yet to the dealer. There were no warning signs prior to deployment. Potentially could've been worse if someone was sitting in the seat when it occurred.
Dodge Hornet 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: ZACPDFDW5R3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Dodge Hornet. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V752000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts would not be available until January of 2025. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dodge Durango 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C4RDHDG3MC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to shift from park(P) to drive(D), the gear shifter became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as needed after a while. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was towed to Newnan Peachtree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (53 Hollz Pkwy, Newnan, GA 30265); however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then towed to John Thornton Chevrolet (1971 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122). The check engine warning light and an unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that bank #1 camshaft position actuator two (2) and the CAN BUS communication outline had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 80,000.
Dodge Durango 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C4SDHCT7DC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2012 Durango. While driving, Battery symbol appeared on dash. I immediately started to pull over , by the time i got to a safe area, there was smoke coming from under the hood. I opened it and saw smoke coming directly from the alternator. After the smoke dissipated, i tried to turn on the vehicle and it would not start. I towed the vehicle home, changed the alternator and the battery with new items from Autozone, and the vehicle still would not start. There were no codes popping up as well. Towed it to the dealership and it turned out that it fried the ECM. Why wouldnt there be a fuse or something to protect the computer from a surge off of the alternator. Well, the dealer changed out the computer and with intermittent issues afterwards, the car would not start all the time. thought the starter was going bad. Changed that and it was still having issues, not starting. took it back to the dealership. after the dealership replaced the starter (to verify that it wasnt the issue), it turns out the TIPM is partially burnt out. So the alternator broke both computers.
Dodge Hornet 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: ZACPDFDW8R3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: my dodge Hornet is involved in this recall. The area that the bolt is to be place to satisfy the recall looks like a bolt should have been placed there and it was left out!!! According to the service bulletin there is NO drilling required to add this solution. I feel that this situation should looked into further.
Dodge Avenger 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C3CDZCB4CN
- Components: ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start at intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic convertor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Dodge Dart 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C3CDFDH5ED
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I try to change the gear it says gear is not available and it blinks it says transmission service
Dodge Avenger 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C3CDZAB8CN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that there was an open circuit in the front driver’s side air bag squib. The contact was informed that the air bag squib needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Dodge Journey 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3C4PDCGGXFT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Passenger Side Head Rest deployed. Plastic Clips Broke.
Dodge Durango 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 1C4RDHAGXJC
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: There is definitely something wrong with the headrests on the durangos. I was vacuuming my seats and i used the passenger lever to push it back and the headrest on the passenger side popped out and now the clips are broke & it wont pop back in. They definitely need to look into the headrests and fix this issue.
Dodge Journey 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3D4PH5FV2AT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: My active headrests on the front seats have suddenly sprung, i.e. they have opened up. The car was parked in my yard, no other vehicles around, no accident/fender bender. I went out one day and the headrests were both opened up. This is a known problem for Dodge (at the time it happened, I researched) and they did extend the warranty for ten years; however, my vehicle is a 2010 so past that extended warranty. This is an expensive fix. I am a senior on a fixed income and wonder if there is any way to remedy this problem?
Latest 5 Dodge recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2058 recalls involving various Dodge models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Dodge Hornet 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-09
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function.
- Consequence: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B7B.
- Model: Dodge Challenger 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-01
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence: A seat back that is not locked into position can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and adjust the seat back latch striker as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 38B.
- Model: Dodge Durango 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-13
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
- Model: Dodge Durango 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-13
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
- Model: Dodge Durango 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-06
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Durango and Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles. Due to a software malfunction, the ABS control module may disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 55B.
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