The 2011 Charger is a solid platform when maintained, but the 5.7L Hemi can grenade itself with dropped valve seats, and the W5A580 transmission has a cooling design flaw that quietly kills itself. These are showstoppers that define ownership risk.
5.7L Hemi Valve Seat Drop / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, Metallic rattling or knocking, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Complete no-start after hearing loud bang, Coolant consumption with no external leaks
Fix: Valve seats crack and drop into cylinder, destroying pistons, cylinder walls, and often crankshaft. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 18-25 labor hours for short block swap, more for full rebuild. Many shops just swap in reman longblock.
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky pink fluid on dipstick (ATF mixing with coolant), Engine overheating, Harsh shifts or limp mode, Coolant in transmission pan during service
Fix: Factory cooler inside radiator fails, cross-contaminating ATF and coolant. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush or rebuild depending on contamination severity, coolant system flush. If caught early (just cooler leaking), 4-6 hours. If contamination damaged transmission internals, add 12-18 hours for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 early catch, $3,500-5,500 with rebuild
Alternator Failure with Voltage Regulator Issues
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light flickering or staying on, Dimming headlights at idle, Electrical accessories acting erratically, Whining or grinding noise from alternator, No-start with new battery
Fix: Factory Denso or Bosch alternators fail internally, often taking battery with them due to overcharging. Replacement alternator plus battery testing/replacement. 1.5-2.5 hours on V6, 2-3 hours on Hemi due to access.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Driveline shudder during acceleration, Visible transmission sag when inspecting underneath
Fix: Rear transmission mount rubber separates or crushes, letting transmission drop and slam on shifts. Replacement requires lifting transmission slightly. 1.5-2 hours. Often replaced with polyurethane aftermarket for longevity.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Fuel Pump Assembly Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, especially when hot, Engine stumbling or stalling under load, Fuel pump whining from rear seat area, Hard starting requiring multiple key cycles, Losing power on highway then recovering
Headlight Lens Delamination and Moisture Intrusion
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Foggy or cloudy appearance inside headlight housing, Water droplets visible inside lens, Reduced nighttime visibility, Bulb life shortened due to moisture
Fix: Factory headlight seal fails, allowing moisture in. No real fix except replacement housings. 1-1.5 hours per side. Aftermarket housings often have same issue. Some owners reseal with butyl tape and bake in oven (not warrantied fix).
Estimated cost: $400-700 per pair
ABS/Traction Control Module Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: ABS and traction control warning lights on, ESP/BAS warning on dash, No ABS assist during panic stops, Speedometer drops to zero intermittently, Hard brake pedal with pump running constantly
Fix: Hydraulic control unit (HCU) develops internal corrosion or solenoid failures. Requires ABS module replacement and bleeding. 2-3 hours. Programming may be dealer-only on some units.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color religiously every oil change — pink/red is good, milky pink means stop driving immediately
Install external transmission cooler (bypass factory cooler in radiator) if keeping long-term, costs $300-500 installed and prevents the $5k rebuild
On 5.7L Hemi, look for service records showing catch-can installation and Italian tune-ups — cars driven gently or short-tripped are more prone to valve seat issues
Budget $200/year for alternator testing and keep jumper cables — these alternators give minimal warning before total failure
Buy the V6 version only, avoid the Hemi unless you have documentation of valve seat inspection/repair, and immediately install an external trans cooler — otherwise you're gambling on two $5k+ repairs.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Located in trunk; ensure proper ventilation
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Control Modules — 2011 Dodge Charger
Every control module on the 2011-2014 Dodge Charger — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, integrated with steering gear assembly
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration and module configuration required. Alignment recommended after replacement.
📍 Left front of engine compartment, mounted on inner fender near battery
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ VIN programming and adaptive learning reset required.
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith rear backup camera▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in rear decklid handle assembly
🔧 None (auto-learn)
⚠️ Camera calibration typically automatic. Module may require configuration on some variants.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V018000
2019-01-15 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V021000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
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. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V352000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
STRUCTURE · 16V043000
2016-01-28
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Consequence: A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 15V467000
2015-07-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
Consequence: Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
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. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 14V101000
2014-03-04
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.
Consequence: Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS · 13V118000
2013-04-03
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 12V197000
2012-05-02
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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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 · 12V042000
2012-02-07
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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2011 Dodge Charger 5.7L V8 Hemi and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.