Edmunds' Long-Term Dodge Charger EV Accelerated By Itself, Which Isn't Good
Earlier this year, Edmunds spent almost $86,000 to add an all-electric "Redeye" red Dodge Charger Daytona to its long-term test fleet. Just as a reminder, many consumer evaluation sites like Edmunds maintain long-term fleets. The idea is to understand the actual ownership experience, rather than simply driving the vehicle around for a week and creating a review.
The Charger Daytona is a big deal for Dodge, as it proposes to translate the uniquely internal-combustion legacy of this storied muscle car to the new age of electrification. Unfortunately, Edmunds' testers have reported a major issue: their car accelerated when it wasn't supposed to.
They don't know why, and this isn't good. Evidently, the Charger started to throw some warning lights, lost regenerative braking, and then began to increase speed while the driver wasn't stomping on the accelerator. Luckily, the Charger didn't tap into its full 670 horsepower (Edmunds went for the Scat Pack performance package), sending the driver and his son in the passenger seat back to the future.
Read more: The 2025 Land District Might Kick Off A New-Era Of American Moto
I emailed Dodge for comment and will update when I hear back, but I have a pretty good idea of what's going on here. For the record – and Edmunds also noted this – owners in Dodge forums have claimed to experience this glitch, so Dodge knows about it. My following analysis is speculative, but based on my time at an electric vehicle startup.
Cars have been heavily computerized for decades, but EVs are a completely different ball game. The key distinction is that internal-combustion technologies were developed and largely perfected during the analog era, with various computer systems bolted on later, as the electronic architecture of vehicles evolved. Modern EVs, by contrast, have always been digital, with computer modules controlling just about everything. It's probably a software issue, because the whole thing is run by software. As our president so eloquently put it while checking out a Tesla Model S back in March, "everything's computer."
Back in the day, if something glitched on your old gas-burning car, you went to the dealership and they plugged in some proprietary diagnostics to fix it. But in 2025, EVs are connected 24/7, so chances are pretty good that Dodge has accessed the vehicle logs for Edmunds' Charger and is remotely evaluating what went wrong.
Edmunds performed a basic reset to regain full control of their Charger (not a full reboot, however). The problem hasn't recurred. But if you visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's site and review the page on the Dodge Charger EV, you'll find that although there have been no complaints, nor any investigations or recalls announced, there have been 25 manufacturer communications, mainly regarding the electrical system.
The root cause here is likely some sort of software conflict, or an electrical system miscommunication with a critical drivetrain component and triggering an error or series of errors. The startup I worked for wrestled with these problems, and we were hardly alone: despite copious presale testing, required by regulators for certification, it seems that almost every EV endures software bugs. Even Tesla, pioneers of over-the-air updates to solve problems, had a gaggle of glitches and recalls with the Cybertruck.
The good news is that the fix is often quite straightforward, a matter of reprogramming one supplier's software to get along better with another's. If the fix isn't at the level of a simple software update, then the automaker will typically advise NHTSA and initiate a recall. Not that I'm making excuses for Dodge; unintended acceleration is scary! But we are only just entering the era of the "software defined vehicle" and are at the early stages of learning what goes wrong with EVs. And because they are so mechanically simple, it's often the digital code that is causing trouble.
Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox...
Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Miami Herald
These are the most popular cars in music
These are the most popular cars in music Cars and music are woven into the fabric of American culture. Artists have sung about cars and the open road since the early 1900s, and, regardless of genre, cars - and trucks - still serve as musical metaphors for freedom, ambition, and self-expression. But we wanted to know: Which cars get the most love in songs? Edmunds analyzed song lyrics from more than 1 million songs from the last 10 years, across multiple genres, to learn which makes, models and body styles find their way into contemporary music. Not surprisingly, the favorites that emerged blend elements of high-performance, status, luxury, and rock-solid dependability. Posh, power and muscle prized across genres You might not expect a hyperluxury car like the Rolls-Royce Phantom to dominate musical mentions, but it appears in 163 songs, followed closely by the Rolls-Royce Wraith with 134 musical cameos. It makes sense in the context of modern hip-hop and R&B, which often use ultra-luxury cars as symbols of accomplishment and wealth. But performance classics get nods, too, including the Porsche 911 (71 mentions), the Dodge Charger and Challenger, and the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. Kendrick Lamar, arguably today's most high-profile hip-hop artist, even named his most recent landmark album after the high-performance Buick GNX (or "Grand National Experiment") from the mid-1980s. The classic Chevrolet Impala, meanwhile, is a staple of lowrider culture and features prominently in hip-hop lyrics of the last three decades. Even luxury SUVs maintain a steady lyrical presence, with the Range Rover making 48 appearances, reflecting its cultural significance across different genres. Notable and niche name-drops Drilling deeper into the lyric sheets reveals even more unique shoutouts, such as the Bentley Mulsanne (20 mentions), which was discontinued in 2020; the Audi TT (19 mentions); and the Dodge Viper (15 mentions). The Cadillac Escalade gets 18 mentions, which isn't a big surprise given that the luxury SUV's sharp, boxy lines and classic American status have made it a staple in hip-hop and pop music videos. Even eco-friendly options like the Toyota Prius (17 mentions) and Nissan Leaf (12 mentions) get some recognition, while decidedly less eco-friendly vintage models like the Chevrolet Bel Air (10 mentions) and Dodge Challenger (12 mentions) echo a timeless love for Detroit classics. What drives different genres Hip-hop is rife with car references, more than any other modern genre. That's no surprise, as, like in rock music decades before it, cars represent success, status and self-expression in the stories of its songs. The influence goes beyond just name-dropping, though. In a song like Ludacris' "Roll Out (My Business)," his Mercedes becomes part of the story. Benzes, Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis all assume character roles in many modern hip-hop lyrics, as rappers boast of the wealth they've amassed in order to afford them. Decades before, pop and rock artists used cars as symbols of freedom, rebellion, and romance in chart-topping hits and underground anthems. The Beach Boys rightfully get credit for mythologizing the early 1960s Southern California lifestyle in songs about surfing and driving, proclaiming their love for Ford hot rods ("Little Deuce Coupe") and Chevy V8 engines ("409"). They weren't the only ones though, as a cottage industry of artists, records and songs about cars sprung up in the 1960s and 1970s, including rockabilly artists like Vince Taylor, whose "Brand New Cadillac" became a popular deep track when covered by The Clash, and Commander Cody's "Hot Rod Lincoln." Cars were even central to the birth of rock music. "Rocket 88," by singer Jackie Brenston and future soul superstar Ike Turner, was released in early 1951. It's widely considered one of the first "rock" recordings for its vigorous shuffling beat, lively guitar and horn parts, and song structure that became a template for rock songs for the next two decades. Naturally, the song was about a car, in this case the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 that had been introduced only a couple of years earlier. Finally, one of the most famous songs of the 1980s was a lyrically loaded ode to love and romance wrapped in the metaphor of America's premier sports car. Prince's "Little Red Corvette" cracked the Top 10 singles chart in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. In America, it reached No. 6 in 1983. In 2016, following Prince's death, it reached No. 4. The single has sold nearly 1 million copies to date. Trucks and tradition Hip-hop and rock artists love their luxury cars, sports cars, and hot rods, but country artists tend to prefer trucks as their mobile muses. Pickups are the original utility vehicles, combining strength, capability and dependability - themes that are also rich for material in country music lyrics. The data shows a wide variety of truck mentions popping up across music genres, such as classic pickups and luxury SUVs often called "trucks" in song lyrics. The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado get plenty of shoutouts, showing their iconic status in American culture, especially in country and rock music. Even SUVs get an occasional nod. The Chevrolet Tahoe is the seventh-most mentioned song in the dataset, merging the widely recognized truck brand with its popular SUV model. Recent truck sales data reveals how popular trucks compare in the real world to their musical mentions. According to the latest data, the Ford F-Series dominates U.S. vehicle sales with 765,649 units sold in 2024, maintaining its place as America's best-selling truck. The Chevrolet Silverado follows closely, both results mirroring their prevalence in song lyrics. The relative absence of lyrics for Ram pickups, on the other hand, suggests Ram's marketing team has some work to do. From motors to monikers Automotive influence in music extends beyond lyrics. Throughout music history, artists and bands have drawn inspiration from the automotive world for their stage names. From 1950s vocal groups like the Cadillacs and the El Dorados, to the Cadillac Tramps (1990s Orange County rockabilly punkers) and hair-metal guitarist C.C. DeVille, GM's luxury division has inspired more than a few band and artist names. Other GM badges have had similar influence, christening groups such as the Chevelles (Australia) and Chevelle (American), 1960s girl group the GTOs, and 1950s doo-wop group the Impalas. Texas blues legends the Fabulous Thunderbirds looked to Ford for inspiration, while another group of Texans, hard-rockers Pantera, cribbed their name from Italian car-cult favorite De Tomaso. Chicago soft-rockers REO Speedwagon took their name from a 1915 truck produced by Ransom Eli Olds' REO Motor Car Company, and went on to score several radio hits in the 1970s. New wave pioneers The Cars, meanwhile, embraced automotive branding in the most obviously direct way possible. Of course, cars are often named after existing objects and places, making the connection between car and band name sometimes tenuous. Did every 1960s garage surf band that landed on "The Mustangs" do it in tribute to the car or horse? Whatever the source, there's no denying the influence of automotive sheet metal on the musical world. Driving the beat Cars have always played a role in how musicians share their stories. Whether it's a country star praising his trusty pickup, a rock legend in a roadster, or a pop artist flexing her luxury wheels, cars are powerful symbols in music. And while it may take time for a new generation of music to articulate the passion and romance of electric cars, as long as there are cars and open roads, they'll permeate the soundtracks of our lives. This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The Collector Car Market Is Collapsing Rapidly
Read the full story on The Auto Wire After years of rapidly climbing values, the collector car market is collapsing rapidly as investors pull out. We see evidence all around us of this phenomenon, some shocking like NASCAR hero Don Tarr's '69 Dodge Charger Daytona failing to meet reserve at there's broad evidence values for both classic cars and modern collectables are imploding in a hurry. The Hagerty Market Rating is now in the high 50s after a brief stabilization in May. That's a big deal, because when the rating hit 60 back in April, it was the first time that happened in almost five years. Strange things happened during the era of covid policies, including collector car values in general reaching incredible heights. Many declared it was a new era for the hobby, acting as if the lofty prices we saw both in public auctions and private sales would never come back down. Now the party's over and it seems many investors are scrambling to unload their vehicle assets as quickly as they can, like a skater going across thin ice rapidly in hopes it doesn't collapse. Even Hagerty is wondering just how low its Market Rating will sink before things stabilize again. Operating on a scale of 0 to 100, it gauges how active the collector car market is. Back in June 2022 it reached a pinnacle of 78.22. But the bad thing was many enthusiasts who aren't multi-millionaires watched their dream rides become so expensive, they lamented they might never be able to own one. That was true for crowd pleasers like Porsche 911s and Dodge Vipers as well as more niche, more pedestrian rides like 60 Series Land Cruisers. Nobody seems to know exactly what's next in this strange market. After a runup in values like never before it seems like the correction will involve a trough or low point like the collector car hobby has never witnessed. If enthusiasts play their cards right, that might mean finally getting that dream ride. But with the ravages of inflation still felt on a daily basis, most of us have less money to play with. Image via Kevin Saechao/Facebook Marketplace Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
How to buy a used car without getting scammed: A step-by-step guide
Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision — especially when you're looking to avoid the steep depreciation that comes with new vehicles. But it also comes with risks. Without careful research and preparation, you could end up with a car that costs more in repairs than it's worth. The Better Business Bureau wants to help consumers shop with confidence. Whether you're buying from a dealership or a private seller, here are key steps to protect yourself and make an informed decision. Know what you need before you shop Start by deciding what kind of car fits your needs. Think about how much space you need, what kind of driving you do most often, and which features are important to you — such as fuel efficiency, safety ratings or infotainment systems. Then, set a realistic budget that includes not just the purchase price, but also registration, insurance, maintenance and possible repairs. Once you know what you're looking for, research models that meet your criteria. Look at reliability ratings, customer reviews and the average resale value for each option. Having a few target models in mind will make it easier to compare deals and avoid getting overwhelmed. Check prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal After narrowing down your options, check pricing through trusted resources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds or NADA Guides. These tools give you the fair market value based on the car's make, model, mileage, condition and location. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of cars priced significantly below market value — especially if the seller is pressuring you to act quickly. Do your due diligence before buying Before making any commitments, get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and request a vehicle history report from a reputable service like Carfax or AutoCheck. This report can reveal important details, such as past accidents, flood damage, odometer rollbacks or if the car was ever declared a salvage vehicle. Also, check if there are any open recalls on the car by visiting If a recall has not been addressed, the repair should be free — but it's important to know about it ahead of time. Inspect the car carefully — and bring a professional Always inspect the vehicle in person, ideally in daylight and good weather. Look for signs of wear or damage both inside and out. Pay attention to any uneven paint, rust, worn tires or warning lights on the dashboard. Most importantly, have the car inspected by a trusted independent mechanic before finalizing the sale. A pre- purchase inspection can uncover hidden issues that even the seller may not know about — and could save you from costly repairs down the line. Understand the terms before you sign If you're buying from a dealership, read all documents carefully before signing. Make sure you understand the terms of any warranties, return policies and financing arrangements. Don't be afraid to ask questions or walk away if something doesn't feel right. If you're buying from a private seller, confirm the seller is the rightful owner and that the title is clean and in their name. Never agree to make payments without taking possession of the title. Whether you're buying from a dealer or private party, avoid paying with cash or wire transfers. Instead, use a secure payment method that offers some form of buyer protection. Watch out for scams Unfortunately, the used car market is a popular target for scams. Be wary of sellers who refuse to meet in person, rush the process or insist on unusual payment methods. Some scammers post fake listings using stolen photos and request deposits or full payments before disappearing. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity to authorities and BBB Scam Tracker at Choose a seller you can trust If you're buying from a dealership, check their BBB Business Profile at to read reviews, confirm their accreditation and see if any complaints have been filed. Look for a seller with a solid reputation and a track record of ethical business practices. Buying a used car doesn't have to be risky. With research, planning and careful inspection, you can find a reliable vehicle that fits your needs and budget — without any unpleasant surprises. For more tips and tools to protect your purchases, visit Whether you're buying your next vehicle or planning your next big investment, BBB is here to help you make informed choices. Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit
