Upgrading the stereo system in your 2011-2023 Dodge Charger (2024)

Overview of the Dodge Charger

From its history-laden name to its classic rear-wheel drive layout, the Dodge Charger has always been a bit of a throwback. One could argue that since this basic package dates back to 2005, it’s kind of a throwback to itself. But this car isn’t one of those creaking relics that’s lingered on because of fleet sales or something – far from it. This Charger has only gotten better with age.

The body looks about the same as it always has, but 2011’s Gen 7 refresh thinned out the A-pillars and raked the windshield back a bit to make visibility a little less submarine-like. The interiors have evolved and improved, as has the in-car tech. And, of course, there have been plenty of special packages and fire-breathing performance models to keep things interesting and, in some cases, kind of nutso (but in the good way).

The stock stereo systems really weren’t bad, as far as these things go, But if you want your stereo to rumble and roar as nicely as the engine, an aftermarket upgrade is what you need. This article will tell you what you can do and give you some tips on how to do it.

The factory stereo system

The Charger has never been short on factory stereo choices. In addition to the 6-speaker base system, there’s also a 6-speaker Alpine system and 10-speaker Beats or Harman Kardon systems.

Stereos in 2011-2014 Chargers

For 2011-14 models, replacing the 4.3" LCD receiver is possible, though you will lose factory features like the AUX and USB inputs, along with satellite radio capability. All of that can be regained with the right aftermarket stereo and adapter, though, so that’s not a huge deal. The factory backup camera will continue to work with its dedicated display.

A nice selection of single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket radios will fit in that space, and you’ll get a nice discount on the dash kit/wiring adapter you’ll need to install your new receiver.

Stereos in 2015-up Chargers

Things changed a bit for the 2015-up Chargers. While you can still replace the factory radio, the process is a bit diifferent. There are dash kits and wiring adapters available, but depending on which one you choose, you might need to modify the dash a bit to make the new receiver/kit combo fit properly. Follow the instructions included with your dash kit for any additional disassembly and modification instructions.

Get better sound while keeping the factory radio

If you want to improve the audio in your Charger without replacing the radio, aftermarket speakers are the obvious way to go. Better speakers will give you better sound, even if you do have to stick with the factory “radio.” Adding an amplifier will add even more power and clarity to your music.

An aftermarket sound processor is the next step up. You might need to access the factory tuner/amp combo as part of this audio upgrade, and you'll find step-by-step disassembly info in the vehicle-specific instructions included with your Crutchfield car audio purchase.

To learn more about upgrading your sound while keeping the factory radio, check out this helpful guide to sound processors.

Removing the factory radio

The radio removal process is largely the same for all 2011-2023 Chargers, regardless of model year. As noted above, though, there are some different aspects to radio removal in 2015-up cars.

Before you start this project, there are a few important things you’ll need to do. First, check to make sure you haven’t forgotten about a CD in the stock stereo. Once you’ve done that, set the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts while you’re working.

First, use a panel tool to pry down the chrome collar on the gear shift knob. Pull the metal clip out from the passenger's side of the shift knob, then lift the knob and remove it.

Pry up the rubber mat below the disc slot and remove the mat. Pry up the gear shift trim panel to release the retaining clips, then lift the panel, disconnect the harness, and remove the trim panel. That’ll expose two Phillips screws, which you’ll need to remove. Using the exposed shift lock release, place the gear shift in lowest position. You did set the parking brake, didn’t you?

Pull out the power outlet/pocket assembly to release two clips, then disconnect the harness and remove the assembly. Pry out the receiver/climate control trim panel to release four clips, then disconnect that harness and remove the trim panel. Finally, remove the four Phillips screws securing the receiver chassis to the dash, then disconnect the harnesses and remove the chassis.

There might be a bit more to do on a 2015-up Charger. Your dash kit will come with its own instructions, so follow those closely to prepare the cavity for a new radio. This might involve drilling or cutting, so work carefully and wear eye protection. If you need help, remember to call Crutchfield tech support – this service is free and only available to Crutchfield customers.

Once you've installed and secured the new receiver, test it to make sure it’s working properly. If it is, you’re ready to put the dash back together by reversing the disassembly instructions.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Dodge Charger

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Charger's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

Removing the factory speakers

Whether you replace the radio or not, a speaker upgrade will bring better volume and clarity to any kind of music. Here's a quick overview of what's involved in the upgrade process.

Removing the corner/center dash speakers

The Charger’s stock systems include 3-1/2" speakers in the dash corners, and the 10-speaker systems add another 3-1/2" in the center of the dash. They’re all located under the same dash panel, so removal and replacement will be the same either way.

In vehicles equipped with the Alpine or Harman Kardon system, replacing the 1- or 2-ohm factory speaker with a higher-impedance aftermarket speaker will result in lower volume levels. Keep that in mind while you’re shopping. If you have questions, give us a call or chat. We can talk about your options, including adding an amplifier.

You’ll need a hole-saw drill bit to flush-mount the tweeters into the brackets included with your order. Those brackets will only work with tweeters that can be flush-mounted.

Tools needed: Panel tool, right-angle Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver hole saw bit

Removing the front door speakers

Your Charger’s front door speakers are 6"x9" units that can be replaced by a variety of same-size or smaller aftermarket models. You’ll need mounting brackets for the smaller ones, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker order.

The removal/replacement process isn’t hard in this car, but there are some fiddly bits to the process. This is still a thoroughly do-able DIY project, though, so if you stay organized and follow our directions, you’ll be okay.

The same caveats about the Alpine and HK systems apply to these speakers, too, so shop wisely and ask questions if you have them.

Installation Tip: When you’re re-installing the door panel, carefully pry off the window weatherstrip and insert it into the window track in the door. The door panel will then snap onto clips in the weatherstrip.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-25 driver, needle-nose pliers

Removing the rear door speakers

In some of the upper-level systems, the Charger’s rear doors also sport 6"x9" factory speakers that can be replaced by a variety of same-size or smaller aftermarket models. Mounting brackets are required for the smaller ones, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker order.

The speaker removal/replacement process is basically the same for the front and rear doors, so we’ll skip the details here since they’re all included in your Crutchfield disassembly instructions anyway.

Be sure to test your new door speakers to make sure they’re working before you put the doors back together. Also make sure the wires aren’t interfering with window operation and test the door lock and release functions.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-25 driver, needle-nose pliers

Removing the rear deck speakers

Depending on the factory system, your Charger’s rear deck will house a pair of 6"x9" speakers and, in the case of the 10-speaker Beats or Harman Kardon systems, an 8" subwoofer.

In many cars, rear deck subwoofers are a challenge to reach and replace. In the Charger, it’s really not that bad. You’ll want to work carefully and you’ll need to stay organized, but you can very much do this.

First off, you’ll fold down the rear seat back. Remove one 10mm screw from each side bolster. Pry out the top of the bolster to release one large metal clip, then remove the bolster. Then pry out the two clips along the front edge of the rear deck panel.

Next, starting at the driver's side edge, pull the rear deck panel toward the front of vehicle, bowing the panel slightly in the center to remove. The panel will be tethered to the center seat belt.

Remove the four 8mm screws securing the speaker to the rear deck, then pry up the speaker, disconnect the harness and remove the speaker.

Depending on the aftermarket speaker you choose, you may need mounting brackets to secure it. If so, we’ll include them with your order.

And yes, if your Charger has one of the 10-speaker systems, replacing the 1- or 2-ohm factory speakers with a higher-impedance aftermarket speaker will result in lower volume levels. Not much lower, but lower. If you like it loud, we should talk about adding an amp.

Note: These instructions are for cars without the rear deck power sunshade.

Tools Needed: Panel tool, 8mm and 10mm sockets, ratchet and extension

Removing the trunk subwoofer

The Beats and Harman Kardon systems both include an 8" trunk-mounted dual voice coil subwoofer. This sub isn’t hard to get to, but because it has a 6-hole bolt pattern, you’ll need to drill new screw holes in order to mount a standard 8" aftermarket subwoofer.

That job’s not all that hard, really, but you are drilling new holes into a car, so think before you drill. You’ll want to work carefully, know what you’re drilling into, and wear eye protection.

This is a low-impedance subwoofer, so you’ll want to choose a low-impedance aftermarket sub. Installing a standard 4-ohm aftermarket model will result in lower volume levels, and who wants that with a new sub?

Complete disassembly info can be found in the vehicle-specific instructions included with your Crutchfield purchase.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Drill and 1/8" Bit, Torx T25 driver

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information

Shop for speakers that fit your Dodge Charger

More bass in your Charger

Want to charge up the bass performance in your Charger? There’s plenty of room in the trunk for a subwoofer box. The space available measures 39"W x 16"H x 36"/43"D, so you can stuff something pretty impressive back here.

If you want better sound without trunk lid-rattling force or space-eating size, a more compact powered subwoofer will be a nice choice for your Charger.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Other options for your Charger

There are plenty of other ways to improve your Charger. Here are just a few of them:

Protect the carpets with WeatherTech floor liners

It's easier than you think to mess up your Charger's comfy interior while you're going about your daily business. Floor mats and liners from WeatherTech will help protect your floors from dirt and damage.

Dynamat

The Dynamat 10435 Xtreme Door Kit is the perfect way to seal in sound. This heavy-duty insulating material is easy to install, and it really makes a difference. One kit will take care of the front doors. If you install a big sub, you might want to line the trunk lid as well.

Remote start and security systems

You can also talk to your Crutchfield Advisor about a security system. They’re not as easy to install (we usually suggest letting a professional do the job), but we can help you choose a system that’ll work in your vehicle.

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