Dodge Charger Daytona EV Has a Fragile Hood Latch Issue

Turns out the electric Dodge Charger Daytona isn't a fan of tough love when it comes to closing its hood.

Dodge's new electric muscle car comes with an unusual quirk – an official procedure for closing the hood without damaging it. Service technician Jordan Rose has already seen two Chargers come in with the same issue: broken hood latches likely caused by owners slamming them shut.

The hood release mechanism is designed to pop open after pressing an interior button, but slamming it closed can apparently bend a metal component inside the latch. When that happens, the electronic release stops working (though there's still a manual release cable as backup).

According to Dodge's workshop manual, owners should gently lower the hood until it rests on the latch, then press down firmly with both hands at the center. The manual specifically warns against dropping or forcefully closing the hood.

This quirk adds to the mixed reception the Charger Daytona has faced since launch. Despite boasting 670 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque in Scat Pack form (good for 0-60 in 3.3 seconds), the electric Charger has been criticized for its driving dynamics and inability to perform burnouts. Stellantis sold fewer than 2,000 units in the first quarter of 2025.

While replacing the hood latch isn't particularly complex, DIY repairs could void the warranty on these brand-new vehicles.