Imagine a muscle car being recalled for being too quiet—sounds like a plot twist, right? But that’s exactly what’s happening with the 2024–2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. The iconic muscle car, known for its growling engines and fierce roar, is now getting attention for an issue that no one expected: its silence. Yes, you heard that right—this muscle car is too quiet for its own good.
For die-hard muscle car fans, the lack of engine noise in the all-electric Charger Daytona is a deal-breaker. These cars were once known for their thunderous V8 engines, which could be heard from miles away. But now, with electric powertrains, the car’s engine hums quietly, a far cry from the loud roar many fans are used to. While some embrace the smooth, quiet ride that electric vehicles (EVs) offer, this lack of noise doesn’t sit well with those who love the muscle car’s distinctive growl.
However, this "quiet" issue goes beyond mere personal preference. It’s about safety. While EVs are praised for their quiet operation, there is a critical requirement for them to emit at least some external noise when driving at low speeds. This is a necessary measure to ensure pedestrian safety. After all, electric vehicles can be nearly inaudible at low speeds, making them a potential hazard for blind or visually impaired individuals, or even distracted pedestrians who rely on the sound of an engine to alert them to approaching cars.
This brings us to the 2024–2025 Dodge Charger Daytona, which, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been recalled for not meeting this noise requirement. Apparently, the vehicle’s external noise maker may not have been properly installed or programmed, meaning that the car might not produce any sound other than the natural hum of the electric motor.
Fortunately, the solution is straightforward. The fix simply requires updating the software in the car’s external amplifier sound system, which will ensure that the vehicle emits the required noise. The process should take about 2.2 hours, according to the recall bulletin, and Stellantis (Dodge’s parent company) is making efforts to minimize inconvenience for customers. They’ve encouraged dealerships to provide alternative transportation options, such as shuttle services or loaner cars, while the repairs are made.
For those whose vehicles are already emitting the required noise, the inspection will only take a few minutes. Once it’s complete, drivers can get back on the road, and pedestrians will be able to hear the Charger Daytona approaching—whether or not the Fratzonic exhaust system is activated.
Imagine being a muscle car enthusiast, and having your beloved car recalled for being “too quiet.” It’s like something out of a comedy sketch. Think about a celebrity like Will Smith, who’s always been vocal about his love for loud, powerful cars. He once joked that he couldn't imagine driving a muscle car without that signature roar. The issue of sound is something that even Elon Musk and other EV fans can’t ignore. As technology evolves, the challenge of balancing performance with quiet operation will continue to be an ongoing conversation.
In the future, we might see more vehicles like the Dodge Charger Daytona finding a solution that allows them to maintain the essence of a muscle car—powerful, aggressive, and unmistakable—while embracing the quietude of electric driving. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a whole new kind of driving experience, where the sound of the engine is replaced with something equally thrilling.