Chrysler has recalled 8,390 Dodge Charger Daytona EVs (2024-2025) due to a software flaw that silences pedestrian warning sounds, violating U.S. safety rules. The issue, linked to incomplete amplifier software, poses risks to pedestrians. Dealers will update the software for free, with notifications starting July 10. This recall highlights the importance of audible alerts in EVs for urban safety.
Chrysler Recalls Dodge Charger Daytona EVs Over Silent Operation
Chrysler, under Stellantis, has issued a voluntary recall for 8,390 Dodge Charger Daytona electric vehicles (EVs) from the 2024 and 2025 model years, manufactured between April 30, 2024, and March 18, 2025. The recall addresses a critical software issue in the vehicles’ external amplifiers, which may fail to emit mandatory pedestrian warning sounds, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.” This standard mandates that EVs produce audible alerts at speeds below 19 mph to ensure pedestrians, especially the visually impaired, can detect their presence in urban environments.
The Dodge Charger Daytona, known for its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system that mimics the roar of a traditional V8 engine at 126 decibels, is designed to balance performance with EV efficiency. However, the recall stems from incomplete software uploads in the amplifier, affecting an estimated 3% of the recalled vehicles. This malfunction renders the vehicles too silent at low speeds, increasing the risk of collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles unaware of their approach. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) flagged this issue under Campaign 25V-389, emphasizing that silent EVs pose a significant safety hazard in busy areas.
Stellantis identified the issue in April 2025 and has developed a straightforward fix: dealers will update the amplifier software at no cost to owners. Notification letters are set to be mailed out on July 10, 2025, urging owners to schedule repairs. Vehicles produced after March 18, 2025, are unaffected, as the software issue was resolved in later production runs.
This recall is part of a broader wave of safety actions across the automotive industry, with other manufacturers like BMW and Ford addressing unrelated EV issues, such as power loss and faulty door latches. The Dodge recall underscores the unique challenges of EV technology, where the absence of engine noise necessitates artificial sound systems to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Industry experts note that while EVs offer environmental benefits, their silent operation at low speeds demands robust pedestrian alert systems to prevent accidents.
MoparTechJordan, a prominent automotive technician, demonstrated the recall fix process in a detailed video, showing how dealers will use factory scan tools to diagnose and reflash the amplifier module. The process involves an initial system check, software update, and post-repair validation to confirm the pedestrian warning system functions correctly. Owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Stellantis’ recall portal to confirm if their Charger Daytona is affected.
The recall has sparked discussions on social media platforms like X, where car enthusiasts express mixed reactions. Some praise Dodge for addressing the issue swiftly, while others humorously note the irony of an EV designed to be loud being recalled for being too quiet. This incident highlights the evolving nature of EV regulations and the automotive industry’s efforts to balance innovation with safety.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports and publicly available information from sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Stellantis, and automotive news outlets. All India Press does not independently verify the accuracy of third-party data. For the latest updates, refer to official recall notices or contact Chrysler dealers.