Dodge Is Fighting Back Against Challenger And Charger Thieves

Aug. 17, 2021 6:33 PM ET by Jay Traugott Muscle Cars / 11 Comments

Owners can hopefully breathe a collective sigh of relief.

There's no doubt the Dodge Challenger and Charger are insanely cool cars, especially when powered by a loud V8. We're suckers for the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8, like mostly everyone else on this planet. Including car thieves. In fact, there have been high rates of theft among all Challengers and Chargers, regardless of trim. In March, we reported that over 1,000 Chargers had been stolen in Detroit last year alone.

Needless to say, this continues to be concerning for owners, and Dodge has listened carefully and taken action. The automaker has just announced additional security measures to protect those models against criminals.

2019-2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Front View

2021-2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Driving Front Angle

The first is called "Enhanced Security Valet Mode," a technology that uses a four-digit code in the radio to reduce engine output to less than 3 measly horsepower. Stealing a child's tricycle would be a better option. Owners can begin using this system right now by first visiting a Dodge dealer to receive a free flash upgrade for their cars equipped with the 392 cubic inch or Hellcat V8s. We first heard about this technology in March and, at the time, Dodge said it's pursuing "other enhancements."

Now they're here. Another new anti-theft system is called "Key Programming Lockdown," which is exactly what it is: preventing thieves from programming new key fobs once they've broken inside the car.

Owners can begin getting the feature in the first part of next year and the grand plan is to have it available for all 2015-to-current vehicles regardless of engine. Lastly, there's the "Intrusion Mode," offered on all 2022 models. It works just like a home alarm system in that it senses if the glass is broken or vehicle movement.

Unfortunately, there's no one piece of anti-theft technology capable of fully preventing theft. But car thieves operate fast because they need quick getaways. Encountering trouble also means precious getaway time is lost, and these systems are ideal deterrents.

Dodge Is Fighting Back Against Challenger And Charger Thieves

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Dodge Is Fighting Back Against Challenger And Charger Thieves

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