YearToAvoid

2011 Dodge Charger Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 97 engine-related complaints for the 2011 Dodge Charger, 14% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 59,750 miles. Owners report stalling, alternator smoke, and one timing-chain failure; no engine recall is listed for this year.

Engine complaints
97
14% of 695
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
59,750 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle stalls or loses power suddenly while driving at speeds like 40 mph, sometimes leaving the car undriveable.
  • Alternator-related failures produce a burnt or smoke smell along with electrical symptoms such as dead radio, hot air from the vents, and a battery power-save mode message.
  • Engine catches fire, in one case immediately after starting, destroying the vehicle.
  • A timing chain failure was reported after a prior recall repair, resulting in destroyed engine internals while driving on the highway.
  • Owners describe a persistent exhaust or gas odor inside the cabin, especially after idling with the A/C on.
  • One owner reported a clicking noise from the instrument panel, a check engine light, and a burning oil smell followed by smoke.

When 2011 Dodge Charger engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 27, 2011, latest Jul 17, 2026.

2011 Dodge Charger engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter202011 Q32012 Q42014 Q32015 Q32016 Q42018 Q32019 Q32021 Q1
97 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2014 Q3 (20).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Dodge Charger

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Charger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201070 (30%)
  2. 201197 (14%)
  3. 2012113 (17%)
  4. 201373 (20%)
  5. 201484 (24%)
  6. 201533 (24%)
  7. 201633 (18%)
  8. 201721 (16%)
  9. 201812 (10%)
  10. 201911 (9%)
  11. 20206 (11%)
  12. 20213 (9%)
  13. 20223 (19%)
  14. 20238 (31%)
  15. 20240 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA lists 97 engine complaints for the 2011 Charger, making up 14% of the 695 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Dodge Charger engine?
The data provided shows no related recalls listed for the engine complaint area on the 2011 Charger, though some owner complaints mention prior recalls for other systems like alternators and power steering.
At what mileage do engine problems usually appear on the 2011 Charger?
The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 59,750 miles.
Did the 2011 Charger's engine problems cause any fires or crashes?
NHTSA data for this engine complaint area lists 7 fires, 4 crashes, and 2 injuries among the reports.
How does the 2011 Charger compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2011 Charger's 97 engine complaints and 14% share is lower than the 2012 model year's 113 complaints and 17% share, and lower in share than the 2010 model year's 30% share.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.