2013 Dodge Challenger Electrical System Problems
Electrical System complaints make up 106 of 179 total complaints (59%) filed for the 2013 Dodge Challenger, with 9 fires and 1 injury reported. Three related recalls cover the alternator and battery cable, at a median failure mileage of 46,000 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 106
- 59% of 179
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 9
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 46,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report smoke or fire originating from the trunk or engine bay, in some cases while the vehicle was stopped or driving at low speed.
- Some drivers describe the engine stalling suddenly along with smoke coming from the vents or under the hood, followed by failure to restart.
- Several complaints describe an electrical short affecting the power control module and battery, requiring towing to a dealer.
- Owners report exterior lighting problems, including melted bulb sockets in the front fender and quarter panel running lights.
- Multiple owners describe intermittent electrical malfunctions such as flickering interior lights and dimming headlights before a fire occurred.
- Owners who received the 2013 recall notice reported being told to stop driving the vehicle due to a possible fire hazard at the starter positive terminal.
When 2013 Dodge Challenger electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 22, 2013, latest Feb 9, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Dodge Challenger
- NHTSA 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 14V634000Oct 8, 2014Electrical System435,081 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 13V103000Mar 21, 2013Electrical System4,051 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2012, through January 24, 2013 and equipped with a V6 engine. The battery positive cable at the starter motor may experience an electrical short circuit to ground.
Risk: A short circuit could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler has begun notifying owners and they are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in, or near, any structures. Dealers will replace the under hood starter cable assembly, free of charge. The recall notification began on March 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Electrical System complaints by Challenger model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2013 Dodge Challenger?
- NHTSA lists 106 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Dodge Challenger, which is 59% of all 179 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Dodge Challenger's electrical system?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: campaign 13V103000 for the battery positive cable at the starter motor, plus two alternator-related recalls (14V634000 and 17V435000) covering 2011-2014 models.
- Did the 2013 Dodge Challenger electrical issues cause fires?
- NHTSA complaint data for this component shows 9 fires and 1 injury reported, with no crashes recorded.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically occur on the 2013 Challenger?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 46,000 miles.
- How does the 2013 Challenger compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 2013 model's 59% share of complaints tied to the Electrical System is the highest of any year listed, compared to 55% in 2012 and 44% in 2014.