What is the recall on the 2011 Dodge Charger?
There isn’t a single recall for all 2011 Dodge Chargers; recalls are VIN-specific and can include several campaigns that may affect some vehicles.
Why recall status varies by VIN
recalls are issued for individual vehicle configurations and production runs. The exact safety campaigns that apply to a 2011 Dodge Charger depend on your car’s unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Two Chargers produced in different weeks or with different options can have different recall obligations or none at all.
How to check recalls for your Charger
The following steps help you determine which recalls, if any, apply to your exact vehicle. This list is intended to guide you toward official sources for VIN-specific information.
- Visit the official NHTSA recall lookup at SaferCar.gov and enter your 17-character VIN. You can view active recalls for that specific vehicle and details about the safety campaigns.
- Check the FCA (Stellantis) U.S. recall page or the dealership portal for your VIN to see a list of campaigns tied to your Charger.
- Contact a licensed Dodge/Chrysler dealership with your VIN; they can pull the complete recall history and schedule free repair work if any campaigns are open.
- Sign up for recall notifications or periodic updates from NHTSA or the automaker so you are alerted if new campaigns arise for your VIN.
Because recall determinations are VIN-based, you should verify your exact vehicle rather than relying on generic assumptions about the model year alone.
What to do if your Charger is under a recall
If a recall is listed for your vehicle, the repair is typically performed at no charge at an authorized dealership. The following steps outline the typical process and what you can expect.
- Do not delay scheduling service if an open recall appears for your VIN; contact a dealership to arrange a repair appointment.
- Bring your VIN and any relevant vehicle documentation to the appointment so technicians can identify all applicable campaigns.
- Allow the dealer to perform the recall repair and keep any service records you receive; these can be helpful for future warranty or resale considerations.
- If you are unable to drive the vehicle safely due to a recall-related defect, discuss alternatives with the dealer, such as a loaner vehicle, where offered by the dealership or manufacturer policy.
Open recalls must be addressed by authorized service centers at no cost to the owner, reinforcing the importance of VIN-specific checks rather than assuming all vehicles in a given model year are affected.
Summary
For the 2011 Dodge Charger, there isn’t a single blanket recall. The exact campaigns depend on your specific VIN, and multiple recalls can exist over the years. To know precisely which recalls apply, look up your VIN on official NHTSA and Stellantis/FCA recall portals or talk to an authorized Dodge dealer. If a recall is found, schedule the repair promptly—recall work is performed at no cost to the vehicle owner and is intended to keep the car safe to drive.
Are there any recalls on a Dodge Charger?
Recent Dodge Charger recalls include issues with the shifter assembly, a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and airbag inflators. Other recalls affect police vehicles with a driveshaft issue, older models with potential power steering problems, and certain 2019 models with a front wheel/brake package that could cause tire damage. To check if your specific vehicle is affected, it's best to use its VIN on the NHTSA website or the Mopar recall page.
Recent recalls
- Shifter assembly: 2022 Dodge Chargers with an improperly heat-treated shifter assembly may fail to engage in the "drive" position, leading to a loss of drive power.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): 2022 models may have TPMS sensors with faulty batteries, preventing them from alerting the driver to low tire pressure.
- Airbags: 2018-2021 models have side curtain airbag inflators that may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
- Stealth mode: 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles have a "stealth mode" that can disable the backup camera display in reverse, which is a violation of safety standards.
Other recalls
- Driveshaft: All-wheel-drive, V8-equipped 2015-2018 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles may experience a driveshaft failure, causing it to detach from the vehicle.
- Front wheels and brakes: 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles with an incompatible front wheel and brake package may have front tires contacting the steering knuckle, potentially damaging the tire.
- Engine oil cooler hoses: 2017 Dodge Charger vehicles with Hellcat engines are recalled because the engine oil cooler hoses may fail, leading to a rapid loss of engine oil.
- Power steering: Some 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles with specific engines and alternators may have an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) issue.
How to check for recalls
- Visit the Mopar recall page and enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Visit the Kelley Blue Book recall page and use your VIN to check for recalls on your specific vehicle.
- You can also use the NHTSA website to check for recalls using your VIN.
What is the life expectancy of a 2011 Dodge Charger?
A 2011 Dodge Charger can last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles, and sometimes more, with proper maintenance. Factors like regular oil changes, conservative driving habits, and addressing issues promptly significantly influence its longevity. Some sources indicate that certain model years, including 2011, may not have the highest reliability ratings compared to other years.
Key factors for longevity
- Maintenance is crucial: Regular oil changes are especially important for preventing premature engine failure. It's recommended to change the oil more frequently than the manufacturer's recommended interval, such as every 3,000-5,000 miles.
- Driving habits matter: Driving conservatively with smooth acceleration and braking helps prolong the life of the engine and other components.
- Address issues promptly: Don't ignore strange sounds or warning lights. Tackling small problems before they become major ones can prevent costly future repairs.
- Model year reliability: While many Chargers are known for lasting a long time, some model years, including 2011, have been noted for having lower reliability scores than others.
- Engine type: Some owners report that the robust Hemis and 3.5L V6 engines are particularly durable and can exceed 250,000 miles with proper care.
Potential issues
- Engine failure: The most severe issue with the Charger can be premature engine failure, which is often linked to a lack of maintenance and oil changes.
- Higher maintenance costs: The Charger can have higher annual maintenance and repair costs compared to some competitors, particularly for high-performance models that may require more frequent servicing.
What are the recalls on a 2011 Dodge Charger?
Major recalls for the 2011 Dodge Charger involve issues with overheating headlights that can cause a loss of low beams and affect ABS/ESC functions, airbag wiring harness crimps that can lead to airbag malfunctions, and overheating power distribution centers that can disable the ABS/ESC systems. Other recalls include potential issues with the transmission shifter assembly and the provision of wheel chocks to prevent injury when changing a tire.
This video discusses common problems and recalls for the 2011 Dodge Charger: 56sHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKSYouTube · Feb 1, 2022
Headlights, ABS, and ESC
- What's happening: The sub-harness for halogen headlights can overheat, causing the low beams to fail. This overheating can also affect the nearby Power Distribution Center, potentially disabling the ABS and ESC systems.
- Affected vehicles: 2011-2012 models equipped with halogen headlamps.
- What to do: Contact a Dodge dealership to have the recall work performed.
Airbags
- What's happening: Improperly sized crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness may cause the airbags to malfunction and trigger the airbag warning light.
- Affected vehicles: Some 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured within a specific timeframe.
- What to do: Have a dealership inspect and correct the airbag wiring harness.
Power Distribution Center
- What's happening: An overheated power distribution center can lead to a loss of ABS and ESC system function.
- Affected vehicles: Some 2011-2012 Dodge Chargers and Chrysler 300s.
- What to do: Check for recall notices or visit a dealer to see if your vehicle is affected.
Other recalls
- Transmission shifter: Some models may have a shifter assembly that can slip out of the "drive" position, causing a sudden loss of power.
- Wheel chocks: A recall was issued to provide owners with wheel chocks to ensure the vehicle is stable when using the tire jack for wheel changes.
- Takata airbags: Many vehicles, including some 2011 Dodge Chargers, are affected by the ongoing Takata airbag recalls.
What you should do
- Check with a dealer: Visit the official Mopar recalls website or contact a local Dodge dealer to check for any open recalls on your specific vehicle using your VIN.
- Get a professional inspection: Schedule an appointment with a certified technician to have any recalled issues repaired.
What is the problem with the 2011 Dodge Charger?
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 and 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS OF SOME VEHICLES COULD FAIL DUE TO AN OVERHEATED BULB HARNESS CONNECTOR. OTHER VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
