Dodge was confident that the all-electric Charger Daytona would spark a new era for muscle cars, but the reality has been far less electrifying. Reality, however, has been less kind. Reception has been lukewarm at best, and increasingly troubled as early issues begin to surface.

Not only has Dodge already dropped the base R/T models, but a growing number of drivers are now voicing concerns about serious faults with the car.

Read: Charger Daytona Owner Says His New Car Is ‘Practically Useless’ After Endless Problems

One owner describes the new Charger Daytona as a car that “drives and performs phenomenally,” but only when it works. And, it seems it doesn’t work as it should much of the time. Among the most troubling issues is inconsistent charging performance.

What’s Wrong With Charging?

Writing on Reddit, the driver explains that they’ve never managed to charge the vehicle reliably at public stations. Sessions frequently stall, forcing them to unplug and reconnect every 5 to 10 percent, which is understandably maddening.

At one charging station, he said he had to trick the app into thinking his Charger was a Cadillac Lyriq just to get the session started. He also mentioned that the home charger included with the purchase has yet to arrive.

There’s also an issue with the rear seat, as we’ve reported previously. When you pull forward the front seat to allow a rear-seat passenger to get out, the front seat will slowly slide forward before automatically sliding backward, potentially pinching someone trying to climb out from the rear.

Terrifying Brakes

The “last straw” was a fault they experienced with the brakes. While stopped outside a store, the brake pedal was pressed firmly to the floor, yet the car attempted to surge forward several times

Moments later, the dashboard lit up with multiple warning lights, traction control switched off on its own, and the Daytona eventually shut down completely. It stayed that way for several minutes before it would restart.

More: Only A Dodge Charger EV Could Get Ticketed For A Loud Exhaust

Stellantis hasn’t been much help, according to the poster. The company denied a buy-back request but did agree to cover a rental while the Charger is being repaired. Unfortunately, the allowance is capped at $60 a day, while the least expensive rental available costs $80.

“I’m at a loss with options, and I just want to warn anyone considering purchasing or leasing this vehicle,” they added. “I unfortunately went the purchase route since I drive so many miles a year.”

Given the extent of these problems, his best option may now be to pursue legal help under lemon laws to force a buy-back.

BUYER BEWARE: Dodge Charger Daytona – Numerous Issues – Lack of Support.
byu/hobobumpkins inDodge

The electric Dodge Challenger hasn’t had the greatest start to life. After middling reviews, low sales, and many reports of problems, things might be getting even worse. According to industry sources, the 800-volt Banshee halo trim is dead before it ever arrives.

More: Ford, GM, And Stellantis Paid Billions To Tesla And Rivian Until Trump Pulled The Plug

Over the past six months, Stellantis has made a dramatic pivot from its EV goals to a more conventional ICE-focused plan. The HEMI V8 is reigning supreme once again with its reintroduction to the Ram 1500, exclusive use in the Durango, and continuation in the Jeep Wrangler. Heck, even the Gladiator might get one.

Strategy in Flux

That makes a report from MoparInsiders indicating the death of the flagship SRT Banshee all the more believable. Suppliers allegedly claim that Dodge has axed the car entirely. Dodge didn’t confirm or deny the decision when we asked for comment.

“Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy to align with consumer demand”, a press spokesperson told us. “Our plan ensures we offer customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options that best meet their needs. With the great news announced in July that Stellantis is bringing back its iconic SRT performance division, it follows that we are also reviewing the plan for future SRT vehicles.”

Rules No Longer Binding

Undoubtedly, the brand is clearly willing to make big sweeping changes now that EPA regulations basically don’t matter, and as a result, automakers won’t have to pay for carbon emission credits. The all-electric Ram REV is dead, as is the Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid. What’s one more EV that would’ve cost more than the Charger Daytona already does?

That said, it’s not as if performance at the brand is going by the wayside. The Charger SIXPACK is rolling out and promises a taste of what the Hellcats once offered. The possibility of a V8 Charger feels more plausible than ever, even if it’ll take reworking of the chassis and engine bay. We’ve reached out to Stellantis and will update this piece if we hear anything new. 

Credit: Michael Gauthier / Dodge