Dodge Charger Service Brakes Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 13, 2026 · 240 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Dodge Charger across 15 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (43). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (11% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Traction control: mentioned in 27 of 240 complaints (11%)
  • Brake pedal depressed: mentioned in 15 of 240 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?

Based on 177 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles17 · 10%
10k–25k miles14 · 8%
25k–50k miles41 · 23%
50k–75k miles40 · 23%
75k–100k miles30 · 17%
100k–150k miles24 · 14%
150k+ miles11 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 240 complaints, 22 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 8 an injury.

Dodge Charger service brakes complaints by model year

Peak: 2012, with 43 complaints
2006: 252006252007: 16162008: 132008132009: 442010: 5201052011: 40402012: 432012432013: 14142014: 312014312015: 15152016: 8201682017: 552018: 6201862019: 12122023: 320233

n = 240 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2023 Charger312%—
2019 Charger1210%1,500
2018 Charger65%16,078
2017 Charger54%38,000
2016 Charger84%32,175
2015 Charger1511%53,500
2014 Charger319%41,890
2013 Charger144%6,000
2012 Charger437%60,000
2011 Charger406%48,000
2010 Charger52%100,000
2009 Charger42%129,212
2008 Charger132%109,640
2007 Charger163%90,099
2006 Charger252%94,700

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 33 complaints
2012: 7201272013: 14142014: 332014332015: 29292016: 222016222017: 25252018: 232018232019: 14142020: 312020312021: 10102022: 8202282023: 332024: 7202472025: 662026: 820268

n = 240 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (5)

Service brakes; wheels; tiresOct 24, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V758000 · 173 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.

Risk: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.

Service brakes, air:antilock:control unit/module; electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersMay 2, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V197000 · 119,072 vehicles

Model years: 2011, 2012

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 300 and dodge charger vehicles. These vehicles may lose abs/esc system function due to an overheated power distribution center.

Risk: This could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the abs/esc system fuse, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 18, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module; exterior lighting:headlights; electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersFeb 7, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V042000 · 9,137 vehicles

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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleDec 29, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V493000 · 50,665 vehicles

Model years: 2007

Problem: On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (abs) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.

Risk: This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control unit. The recall began on february 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulicMay 3, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V149000 · 44,367 vehicles

Model years: 2006

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.7 liter engines and mk25e braking systems may exhibit inadequate clearance between the rear brake tubes and the exhaust gas recirculation tube. Contact between the brake tubes and exhaust gas recirculation tube over an extended period of time may cause the brake tubes to wear through and cause a brake fluid leak.

Risk: This can result in a decrease of braking force and the potential for an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake tubes for damage and replace them free of charge. A clip will also be installed to secure the brake tubes to the right front shock tower to maintain proper clearance to the exhaust gas recirculation tube. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

A few weeks ago I was traveling on unfamiliar curvy roads. It had recently rained. I fishtailed going through the curve, and my breaks locked up. Not long after I had the famous “Christmas Tree Lights” on my dash which are the ABS, Break, and FCW. Went to Advance Auto Parts to check code, and…

Received Aug 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755399

Vehicle was sold by Westgate Crysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Raleigh with missing caliper bolt in front passenger brake system. This was detected by an independent service center while getting brake pads and rotors replaced, as they were very worn and causing the brake system to be jumpy and catchy…

Received Jul 31, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753994

"Between 12,000 and 13,000 miles, the parking brake pedal on my 2023 Dodge Charger began dropping to the floor with no physical resistance. It would fail to engage unless I rocked the vehicle back and forth. During an inspection at 14,000 miles, the dealership discovered the parking brake shoes had…

Received Apr 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11728588

1)The powertrain runs very loud while standing still with the car on .2)The brakes are not that good because they still roll once you put your foot on the brakes .3)Also,the back up camera screen goes black or blue ,also flickering a lot which is unsafe and unreliable.There may be an electrical…

Received Mar 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11727761

ABS module needs to be replaced and they stopped making the part. Lights are on all the time with no cruise control and the advanced brake system no longer works. Nobody has the part. They do not make it anymore.

Received Feb 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11718567
Dodge Charger
24 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T - Shot at Earnhardt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Gilbert AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge Chargers have service brakes problems?

No. NHTSA has 240 owner complaints about service brakes 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 service brakes?

Yes: 5 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Dodge Charger?

The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 27 of 240 complaints, followed by “brake pedal depressed” (15).

Other Dodge Charger problems

See all Dodge Charger problems.