Why does my Dodge Charger Daytona keep dying or show a red wrench?

Short answer: Daytona owners report the 12V battery dying and the car showing a red wrench or 'service electric drive.' Dodge has fixed many cars with a new 12V and the 74D software update. Keep a jump pack in the car, make sure your software is current, and get each event on a repair order.

Symptom: The car is dead in the morning, shows a red wrench or 'service electric drive' and won't go into gear, or says it's plugged in when it isn't.

What to check first

1. Ask the dealer whether your car has the latest software, including 74D.
2. Have the 12V tested and replaced if weak.
3. Keep a jump pack in the car.
4. When it throws a red wrench, turn it off, lock it and wait about 10 minutes before restarting.
5. Note whether a non-Dodge charger was used, since Dodge blamed one owner's charger.
6. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Likely causes

1. 12V battery dying. Owners report the 12V battery dying overnight and the car going dead. The 12V battery is the small battery that powers the computers, locks and screens. EVs and plug-in hybrids still need it to wake up, even with a full main battery. Dodge replaced 12V batteries for some owners.
2. Software. Owners say the 74D software update fixed many problems, though one owner got the red wrench after it.
3. Temporary fault that clears when the car sleeps. An owner said that turning the car off, locking it and walking away for about 10 minutes lets it reset.

What it usually costs

One owner paid $140 for a tow. Repairs were otherwise covered under warranty.

Is it safe to keep driving?

If it won't go into gear or limps with a shutdown warning, don't drive it in traffic. Get it towed.

DIY or shop?

Jumping the 12V and waiting out a reset is DIY. Software and diagnosis are dealer work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 26V262000 (2024-2025 Charger EV: instrument panel display may fail), 25V389000 (2024-2025 Charger: amplifier may lack software for exterior pedestrian warning sounds) and 25V574000 (2024-2025 Charger EV: an incorrectly installed spring may cause loss of the park function). None is about the 12V battery. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 9 keyword-matched complaints for Dodge Charger EV (Daytona) 2024–2025 (of 62 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-02; keywords: 12v, 12 volt, dead, won t start, no start, wrench, electric vehicle system, brick). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In The frustration with Dodge Charger Daytona on Reddit r/DodgeChargerEV, an owner bought a 2025 Daytona, a former loaner with under 2,000 miles, and it was dead the next morning. They paid $140 to tow it to the dealer, where the 12V kept dying and the car sat for 24 days. Another owner said a firmware update didn't fix theirs and Dodge blamed the aftermarket charger.
• In BRICKED on Reddit r/DodgeChargerEV, a Stage 2 Daytona owner had 'electrical service needed' messages and starting trouble after charging, then the car went completely dead after an update. A YouTuber replied with a video on reviving it with a portable booster. The owner's update: Dodge replaced the 12V and did another software update, and the car came home.
• In Add me to the red wrench list on Reddit r/DodgeChargerEV, a 2025 Charger Daytona Scat Pack owner with about 5,000 miles got 'service electric drive' and the car wouldn't go into gear. After restarts it limped two blocks before being towed, yet it restarted fine on the truck. Replies said the 74D update should fix most things, one owner got the red wrench after the update, and another advised turning it off, locking it and walking away for 10 minutes.

Quick tip

Stay on top of software updates, and keep a jump pack in the trunk.

Vehicle focus: Dodge Charger Daytona EV (R/T and Scat Pack), 2024-2025.

Safety / mechanic note

A car that loses drive or accelerates unexpectedly is dangerous. One owner reported that. Report it to NHTSA too. An EV's high-voltage system can stay live with the car off. Leave the orange cables, the big battery and the charging hardware to a trained EV technician. Verify with a mechanic.