It’s not every day that a muscle car gets recalled for being too quiet—but that’s exactly what’s happening with the electric Dodge Charger Daytona. For enthusiasts of powerful, roaring engines, the very notion of a muscle car being too silent might sound strange. But this issue goes beyond just the subjective preference for a V8 growl.
For many muscle car fans, one of the main complaints about the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona revolves around its sound—or lack thereof. This is a two-part issue. Firstly, electric vehicles (EVs) are inherently quieter than their internal combustion counterparts, which means the iconic engine roar of a muscle car is absent. Secondly, while the Daytona comes equipped with the "Fratzonic exhaust" system—a feature that allows drivers to activate synthetic engine sounds at the push of a button—it’s still not quite the same as that spine-tingling V8 engine roar. For some, this creates a sense of loss, as the unmistakable sound of a muscle car is one of its defining characteristics.
However, the issue at hand is even more unusual. The 2024-2025 Dodge Charger Daytonas are being recalled due to a noise-related problem, but this time, it’s not about driver preference—it’s about safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has pointed out that these vehicles may not be producing the required external noise at low speeds, which is a safety regulation for electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are known for their silent operation, which is one of their key selling points. However, a safety requirement mandates that EVs must emit a certain level of noise—specifically externally—when driving at low speeds. This is crucial to pedestrian safety, especially for people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as for distracted pedestrians who might expect to hear the familiar hum of a combustion engine as a vehicle approaches.
According to NHTSA’s recall notice, the 2024-2025 Dodge Charger Daytonas may not be generating this required sound due to an issue with the vehicle's sound system programming. Essentially, the sound system might have been installed, but it wasn’t properly programmed, leaving only the natural noise generated by the electric motor.
Fortunately, the fix is simple. Any affected Charger Daytona will just need a software update to its external amplifier sound system. The update process is expected to take around 2.2 hours, according to the recall’s Technical Service Bulletin.
For drivers whose vehicles do not meet the sound requirement, they’ll need to take the car to an authorized dealership for the software update. The update will ensure the vehicle produces the required external noise, restoring its safety features. If the system is already working correctly, a quick inspection will suffice, and owners will be able to drive away with no further issues.
In an effort to minimize customer inconvenience, Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge) is advising dealerships to offer alternate transportation options while the vehicle is being serviced. This could include a dealer shuttle service or even a loaner vehicle, ensuring that drivers are not left stranded while their EV undergoes the necessary updates.
While the recall might seem unusual for a performance car, it highlights a unique challenge that electric vehicles face in terms of safety. As the popularity of EVs grows, manufacturers must balance the desire for quiet operation with the need for pedestrian safety. In a way, this problem underscores the growing pains that electric vehicles experience as they transition into mainstream use.
For traditional muscle car enthusiasts like Mark, a Los Angeles resident, the issue of sound is still a major point of contention. “When I’m driving my Charger, I miss that V8 engine rumble. It’s what makes a muscle car feel alive,” Mark explains. “Sure, the electric version is fast and fun, but it’s just not the same without the sound. Maybe that’s something we’ll have to get used to as EVs take over.”
Even with this “quiet” problem, the Dodge Charger Daytona remains a symbol of innovation in the electric car market. Its combination of speed, style, and futuristic features presents a new kind of muscle car experience, one that embraces the latest technology while pushing boundaries. Still, for those who can’t quite shake the need for the rumble of a real engine, the all-electric Charger Daytona might take a bit of getting used to.
In the future, we might see more electric vehicles adopting synthetic engine noises to satisfy both safety regulations and customer desires for a traditional “car sound.” However, as EV technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that manufacturers will need to balance safety and performance with the unique characteristics that define the driving experience—whether that includes a classic engine roar or a modern, futuristic hum.
So, while the Dodge Charger EV might be “too quiet” for some, it’s a sign of the times. As electric cars continue to replace traditional muscle cars, the debate over what makes a car truly “alive” will undoubtedly continue.