Dodge Recall Alert

Dodge’s New Charger: Silence Isn’t Always Golden

There’s quite a buzz around the Dodge Charger Daytona these days, but not necessarily for the reasons enthusiasts might hope. The charger, once famed for its roaring Hemi V8s, has gone electric, sparking a mix of intrigue and resistance among fans. Despite this bold leap into the electric future, some finds this iteration falling short, particularly because of the potential safety concerns linked to its quiet electric operation.

Vehicle Details

The electric Charge Daytona packs a punch with a 670 horsepower electric motor but is getting more attention for recalls than its specifications. Dodge is recalling 8,390 units from the 2024 and 2025 model years due to a missing pedestrian warning sound. This is more than just a missed feature; it’s a compliance issue with regulations designed to ensure pedestrian safety. This lack of sound at low speeds could hypothetically increase the risk of pedestrian collisions.

Chasing further into the details, it’s understood that an incomplete software upload prevents the warning sound from reaching its speakers. This affects a reported 3% of the vehicles in question. Fortunately, fixing this isn’t expected to be complex; dealerships are prepared to update the software at no additional cost. Notifications to owners are scheduled to begin mailing on July 10, promising to resolve the issue promptly.

Impact and Market Response

In addition to technical snags, the reaction from the market hasn’t been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, leading to significant price cuts of up to $20,000 in some instances. It’s quite a pivot for a nameplate embedded in American muscle legacy to transition towards an EV, and it’s clear that the consumer market needs a little more convincing.

Driving Experience

On the road, the electric Charger Daytona surprises with its instant torque and smooth acceleration, offering a different kind of thrill compared to its gas-guzzling predecessors. However, the experience is quite different, more akin to sophisticated electric players like the Tesla Model S rather than traditional burnouts and roaring engines. Without the signature roar and rumble, the driving becomes more about the effortless speed and high-tech features.

Chrysler Recall

The drive to perfect these technologies isn’t exclusive to Dodge; Chrysler is also seen recalling a limited batch of 140 Pacifica and Voyager minivans from the 2023 model year. This targeted recall addresses potential issues with the rearview camera, which could fail to display due to a solder void on the circuit board chip. Similar to the Charger, these issues are scheduled for free correction at dealerships, with customer notifications aligned with the same July 10th date.

As these American automotive giants navigate the realms of electrification and advanced vehicle technologies, they grapple with teething problems. Whether it’s Dodge’s transition to quiet, electric might or Chrysler tackling component reliability, both brands are confronting the challenges head-on, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.