Unintended Acceleration in Dodge Charger EVs Raises Safety Concerns

When Stellantis announced the discontinuation of the classic gas-powered Dodge Charger in favor of an all-electric version, many longtime fans were shocked. Dodge attempted to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation by including features like a Scat Pack trim, simulated V8 engine sounds, and a design nearly identical to its combustion-engine predecessor. For a brand historically tied to performance and power, transitioning its customer base to electric was always going to be a challenge. However, what was intended to be a bold new chapter for Dodge has been overshadowed by disturbing reports. Multiple Charger EV owners are now reporting serious safety concerns related to unintended acceleration—raising red flags across the country.

These early issues are not only a blow to Dodge’s attempt at electrification, but they also underscore the importance of accountability in the automotive industry. The affected vehicles are not only unsafe—they’re dangerous on a level that warrants immediate attention. When a manufacturer releases a product that may compromise public safety, consumers are well within their rights to pursue legal action. In California, those rights are particularly strong under the state’s Lemon Law. If you or someone you know drives a Dodge Charger EV and has experienced irregular acceleration or brake failure, this post is for you.

What’s Happening With the Dodge Charger EV? 

Recent reports from vehicle owners and automotive commentators have brought a serious issue to light—some Dodge Charger EVs appear to suffer from a defect where the accelerator pedal becomes stuck. In several cases, drivers claim the vehicle continued to accelerate even when the brake pedal was applied. In one instance, an owner crashed the vehicle shortly after purchase, with the Charger EV later being assigned a destruction title, indicating that it could never be legally driven again. This kind of title is typically reserved for vehicles with catastrophic damage or systemic defects that render them unsafe for the road.

YouTuber TK Garage, known for his reviews and vehicle investigations, brought the issue to public attention after his friend’s Charger EV crashed. Through research, he uncovered multiple online discussions where Charger EV owners echoed similar problems. The failure seems intermittent, but when it happens, drivers describe a terrifying loss of control. One forum user stated their Charger continued to speed up despite active braking, only stopping once the vehicle was turned off. Although that driver was not injured, the experience left them shaken and uncertain about the safety of their car.

Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, has not yet issued a recall or public statement regarding this defect. That lack of transparency only compounds the frustration of affected owners. While software issues in new EVs are not uncommon, unintended acceleration is a particularly dangerous glitch—especially in high-torque vehicles like the Charger EV. The silence from the automaker has only fueled further concern. Consumers are left without guidance or reassurance, unsure whether their vehicle is safe to drive.

This situation raises serious safety and liability concerns. If the reports continue to grow in volume and severity, Stellantis could face investigations, recalls, or even lawsuits. In the meantime, drivers are left in limbo. Until a formal resolution is reached, Charger EV owners should document all irregular behavior, avoid high-speed driving, and seek legal counsel if necessary.

A Pattern of Neglect? Why This Issue Is Especially Concerning

What makes this case even more troubling is the growing number of similar complaints from different drivers. Although the issue has not yet reached the scale of a class action or national recall, the consistency in the reports cannot be ignored. Multiple users across various online platforms describe a near-identical sequence of events: unexpected acceleration, brake failure, and a need to cut power manually. This is not a case of user error—it’s a technical failure that puts lives at risk.

The electric version of the Charger was designed to be fast, with high torque from a standstill and performance trims designed to appeal to muscle car fans. But the very thing that makes these vehicles appealing—instant power—also makes a defect like this more dangerous. When a gas pedal becomes unresponsive or sticks in an EV, the rapid acceleration can make it extremely difficult to regain control. The resulting crashes can be severe, especially if they occur at high speeds or in traffic.

Dodge’s marketing around this vehicle emphasized performance and legacy. They went to great lengths to make sure the EV version didn’t alienate their core audience. Unfortunately, the current issues may do more damage to customer trust than the transition to electric ever could. Many drivers feel betrayed, especially those who were hesitant to go electric in the first place but were persuaded by Dodge’s promises of power and innovation.

It’s important to note that Dodge has faced safety controversies before. In the past, the company has dealt with recall campaigns and quality control issues across various models. This situation may be part of a larger pattern, where vehicle defects are downplayed or ignored until public pressure mounts. If so, the Charger EV incident could signal broader concerns about how the company manages product defects.

As consumers, we rely on manufacturers to uphold the highest standards of safety. When they fail to do so, the burden falls on drivers, passengers, and their families. This is exactly why legal protections like California’s Lemon Law exist—to give consumers a pathway to justice when manufacturers fall short.

What California Drivers Should Know About Their Rights

If you own a Dodge Charger EV and have experienced unexpected acceleration, you are not alone. These issues may entitle you to a legal remedy under California’s Lemon Law. The law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles that impair their safety, value, or use. If your vehicle qualifies, you could receive a replacement, a refund, or monetary compensation. The law even requires the manufacturer to pay your legal fees if you win your case.

To pursue a claim, you need to demonstrate that your vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its safety or performance—and that the issue has not been adequately resolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure clearly meet that threshold. These are not cosmetic issues; they represent fundamental failures in vehicle control.

At The Barry Law Firm, we strongly encourage vehicle owners to keep detailed records. This includes service invoices, communications with the dealership or manufacturer, and any videos or photos of the malfunction. Documentation will significantly strengthen your case. It’s also important not to delay. 

You do not have to navigate this process alone. Many consumers feel intimidated by the idea of taking legal action against a large automaker, but with the right legal team behind you, it becomes a much more manageable and empowering experience. Our firm has decades of experience helping California drivers pursue lemon law claims just like this one.

If you suspect that your Charger EV—or any other vehicle—is unsafe or defective, now is the time to act. Your safety and peace of mind are far too important to gamble on an unproven fix or empty corporate promises.

How The Barry Law Firm Can Help

At The Barry Law Firm, we have years of experience holding automakers accountable for vehicle defects and safety failures. If your Dodge Charger EV—or any other vehicle—has experienced sudden acceleration, brake failure, or other dangerous defects, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law.

Why Choose The Barry Law Firm?

Lemon Law & Auto Defect Experts – We focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases. 

No Upfront Costs –  The California Lemon Law requires that manufacturers pay our fees if you win your case. And at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case. 

Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.

Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress.

If you believe your Dodge Charger EV has a serious safety defect, contact us today for a FAST & FREE consultation to learn more about your legal rights.

Final Thoughts

The growing reports of unintended acceleration in Dodge Charger EVs present a serious and urgent issue for consumers. With no formal recall and limited communication from the manufacturer, many drivers are left unsure about whether their vehicle is safe to operate. Until the automaker takes responsibility or regulators step in, affected owners remain in a precarious position. That’s unacceptable—especially when lives could be at risk.

Electric vehicles represent the future of transportation, but they must also meet the same standards of safety and reliability that consumers expect from any car. If a company prioritizes market speed over consumer safety, they must be held accountable. These incidents raise troubling questions about product testing, quality control, and how early adopters of EVs are being treated.

Drivers who purchased these vehicles in good faith should not bear the burden of costly repairs, diminished resale value, or worst of all, accidents caused by manufacturing defects. California’s Lemon Law exists for precisely this reason—to give consumers the power to demand better and recover what they’ve lost.

The Barry Law Firm is committed to protecting consumers throughout California. Whether you’re dealing with a defective EV or another vehicle with serious issues, we’re here to help you take action. Don’t wait for a recall or corporate apology—take control of your case today.

Contact The Barry Law Firm now for a fast, free consultation. Let us help you hold automakers accountable and ensure your safety on the road.

 

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