Three New Ways Dodge is Trying to Stop the Theft of Dodge Challengers and Chargers

Vehicle theft has skyrocketed during the pandemic, with many thieves targeting the high-horsepower vehicles like the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Dodge is adding new technology to stop the thefts.

It appears no matter where you are in the country, vehicle theft is on the rise. Several large metropolitan areas like Detroit and Los Angeles have noted gangs targeting high-horsepower vehicles like the 2021 Dodge Challenger and 2021 Dodge Charger, especially the SRT Hellcat and Redeye versions. Dodge has now devised new technology to try and stop the thieves from getting away with the prized vehicles.

Enhanced Security Valet Mode

Just this week, Dodge is making available an Enhanced Security Valet Mode. The new technology uses a four-digit code in the radio to limit the engine power output to less than three horsepower. The new Valet mode would stop thieves from being able to make a quick getaway in the super-fast performance cars. The new technology is available free at dealers for 2021 Challengers and Chargers that are equipped with the 392-cubic-inch HEMI or the supercharged Hellcat HEMI engines. The technology will come as a flash software upgrade.

Key Programming Lockdown

The Key Programming Lockdown feature will help a greater number of Challenger and Charger owners. In fact, this upgrade will help anyone who owns a 2015-2022 Dodge Challenger or Charger when it becomes available early in 2022. The Key Programming Lockdown does just what it says. It prevents thieves from programming new key fobs to steal a vehicle. According to an article from the Dodge Garage, “Unfortunately, after smashing a window to gain access to the vehicle and its electrical system, thieves use a gadget to program a new key fob. Once this happens, they can unlock the doors, start the car and drive away as though they have your key.” Too often, thieves steal the car, reprogram the fobs and it is very difficult to recover, even if police spot it. This new feature will be available for all of the different Challengers and Chargers with any of the different engines.

However, there is one downside to the Key Programming Lockldown. Not only can thieves not reprogram the fob, but your dealer won’t be able to reprogram it or make you new keys either. If you lose all your keys, you will have to buy a new module and new keys. Dodge will let you buy two new keys at a discounted rate, when you go in to have this software installed or upgraded.

Intrusion Module

The third new technology is an Intrusion Module that will activate the vehicle alarm system if it detects glass breakage and vehicle movement. It will also detect if there is movement inside the car. This will be particularly helpful in situations where the bad guys use flat beds or tow trucks to steal vehicles. It is not uncommon for thieves to hit neighborhoods and steal a couple of vehicles at a time this way. Once the vehicle has been moved to a different location, the thieves can break in or dismantle it to sell for parts. The Intrusion Module will be available on all 2022 model year Dodge Challengers and Chargers, regardless of engine type.

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