Here's the weird thing about EVs: the giant battery pack that drives the wheels doesn't power the locks, the screens or the computer that "wakes up" the car. A plain 12-volt battery does that. If it dies, the car can't close the high-voltage contactors, and it's a very expensive paperweight until you get 12 volts back.
What owners have run into
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists 23 owner complaints for the 2024 Charger EV and 39 for the 2025, and the electrical system is the top category both years (16 and 27 complaints). Common reports include:
- The car going into a "bricked" mode two weeks after delivery, fixed only by the dealer disconnecting and reconnecting the 12V battery.
- A completely dead car in the morning, a jump, and then a "Check Charging System" message.
- Repeated no-starts that needed towing.
- "Stop Safely. Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warnings and limp (turtle) mode.
Edmunds' long-term Daytona had its own saga. InsideEVs reported that the car wouldn't power down in hot sun, then died and needed a tow. The dealer replaced the 12V battery but couldn't reproduce the fault.
Mopar Insiders also covered a 2024 Daytona Scat Pack owner whose car was completely dead with a non-working fob. The cause turned out to be a door left slightly open overnight, so the interior lights drained the 12V battery. He jumped the 12V system with a jump pack, which brought the fob and hatch back to life.
The Dodge fixes
| Fix | Covers | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| TSB 08-130-25 / RSU 25-081 (Apr 2025) | 2024 Charger EV (400V drive motors) | Reprograms IDCM, BPCM, both motor modules and EVCU for a 12V battery lamp from a depleted 12V battery; 2.3 hr labor |
| TSB 08-022-25 Rev. B / RSU 25-080 | Charger Daytona and Wagoneer S | Battery control module update for false warnings and no-start lockouts (per Club Alfa) |
| Software update bundle (reported Dec 2025) | 2024-2025 Charger Daytona | About 25 fixes, including reduced 12V drain and closed-loop "silent charging"; four to five hours at the dealer |
How to get a dead Daytona going
- Use the under-hood jump posts. Car Tips Daily, citing the owner's handbook, says the 2024-2025 Daytona's 12V battery sits in the rear hatch area, while the jump posts are on the right side of the engine bay. Use the posts, not the battery.
- Hook up the right way. Positive to the positive post first, then negative to a ground stud on the dead car, not to the battery.
- Use a jump pack if you have one. A small lithium jump pack is the easiest option.
- Then get it checked. A jump is a band-aid. Book a dealer visit for the software updates.
What about the gas Sixpack?
The 2025-and-newer Charger Sixpack is a gas car with a normal starter battery. Car Tips Daily says its battery is in the rear cargo area with jump posts under the hood, like the Daytona. As of October 2026, NHTSA shows almost no complaints for the gas Charger, so a dead Sixpack battery is more likely a normal battery issue or a drain from something left on.
What it costs
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Software updates under warranty | $0 at a Dodge dealer |
| 12V battery replacement under warranty | $0 if it fails a dealer test |
| Tow to dealer | Covered by Dodge roadside assistance in many cases; check your coverage |
| Portable jump pack to keep in the car | Worth having, and cheap insurance |
Kelley Blue Book didn't have a battery price for the 2024 Charger Daytona when we checked, so we can't give you a reliable out-of-warranty number. Get a written quote if you need one.
Habits that help
- Make sure doors and the hatch are fully closed. Lights left on drain the 12V fast.
- Keep the car plugged in when parked at home, since that's when the 12V is maintained.
- Install software updates as soon as they're offered.
- Keep a jump pack in the car, not in the hatch you can't open without power.
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, and it should be free. Push your dealer to apply every update for your VIN and to test the 12V battery. Keep records of every tow and visit. If the car keeps leaving you stranded, those records matter for a lemon law claim.
More help is on the Dodge Charger repair page. Brakes acting up? See our Charger brake cost guide. Bulletins and prices checked October 14, 2026.
