Dodge Charger Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Dodge Charger across 19 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (158). The words owners use most often: “low beam” (29% of reports).
- 315exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 48%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Low beam: mentioned in 91 of 315 complaints (29%)
- Wiring harness: mentioned in 46 of 315 complaints (15%)
- Side headlight: mentioned in 42 of 315 complaints (13%)
- Electrical exterior lighting: mentioned in 17 of 315 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 230 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 315 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 32 a fire, 3 an injury.
Dodge Charger exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Charger | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2022 Charger | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2021 Charger | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2020 Charger | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2019 Charger | 13 | 11% | 62,000 |
| 2018 Charger | 5 | 4% | 30 |
| 2017 Charger | 7 | 5% | 68,000 |
| 2016 Charger | 8 | 4% | 23,000 |
| 2015 Charger | 11 | 8% | 54,000 |
| 2014 Charger | 8 | 2% | 65,000 |
| 2013 Charger | 2 | 1% | 3,400 |
| 2012 Charger | 52 | 8% | 48,000 |
| 2011 Charger | 158 | 23% | 55,000 |
| 2010 Charger | 2 | 1% | 43,334 |
| 2009 Charger | 3 | 2% | 55,000 |
| 2008 Charger | 9 | 1% | 95,500 |
| 2007 Charger | 9 | 2% | 70,000 |
| 2006 Charger | 20 | 2% | 94,000 |
| 2001 Charger | 1 | 33% | 40,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting:headlights
Model years: 2011, 2012
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps. In the affected vehicles, a sub-harness for the headlights may overheat and cause the low beam headlights to go out.
Risk: Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module; exterior lighting:headlights; electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Model years: 2011, 2012
Problem: 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.
Risk: This could lead to loss of visibility and/or braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and relocate the abs/esc system fuse within the power distribution center, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 2, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The center read ârace trackâ light has water intrusion which will short the circuit and there is no way to drain or dry the light. It appears to be a widespread issue based on what Iâve seen online similar to the Durango.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring right turn signal malfunction on my 2022 Dodge Charger SXT, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing a failure involving the right turn signal. This is concerning because the turn signal is required safety equipment used to communicate turns and…
While driving under normal conditions with no collision or impact, the side curtain airbag in my Dodge Charger Scat Pack deployed spontaneously. The deployment caused the headliner and pillar trim to rupture and released what appeared to be metal fragments and more. Occupants sustained scratches…
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The headlights failed to activate as intended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The drivers side headlight fuse melts continuously causing the headlights to go out specifically use 15 and few 16 for the HID headlights.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Chargers have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 315 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Dodge Charger. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Charger exterior lighting?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Dodge Charger?
The most frequent phrase is “low beam”, in 91 of 315 complaints, followed by “wiring harness” (46).
Other Dodge Charger problems
- Electrical System problems (1,921)
- Engine problems (1,026)
- Power Train problems (792)
- Air Bags problems (778)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (513)
- Steering problems (408)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (253)
- Service Brakes problems (240)
See all Dodge Charger problems.