Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Challenger electrical problems
severe 127 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
127
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
4fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 127 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Dodge Challenger we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 127.
Electrical accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Fuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. This bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical system is a minefield. The alternator (particularly the 160-amp unit in 3.6L V6 engines) fails without warning and kills all electrical power—steering locks, brakes fail, airbags disable. Owners report stalling at 40–70 mph on highways with zero warning. When it happens, you're stranded or in a ditch. The alternator smokes, the battery drains in days, and repair costs run $600–$1,300.
Dodge issued recalls (14V634000, 17V435000, T36) but dragged its feet shipping parts for months—dealers told owners "come back in October" or "we only have four alternators." Owners paid out of pocket and were promised reimbursement that never arrived or was refused outright. The V8 engine crowd got no recall at all despite identical symptoms.
The smart glass window switch is another nightmare: the driver's window cycles up and down every 10–30 seconds while the car sits, draining the battery dead overnight. This was noted in 2011 Challengers and fixed via recall; Dodge refused to apply the same fix to 2012 models made months apart. Owners unplugged batteries to prevent total drain, paid $350+ per door to replace latches, and still couldn't get warranty coverage.
Battery failures follow, along with burned wiring and fire risk. One vehicle caught fire in the trunk; another at the cigarette lighter. Service departments acknowledged the smart glass and latch problems on repair invoices but refused to fix them. You're buying a car with known defects Dodge never fully owned.
Same Dodge Challenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure
The 3.6L V6 alternator (160 amp) fails prematurely, causing complete loss of electrical power while driving. When the alternator fails, the battery drains within days with no warning. Owners report the alternator smoking, overheating, and burning. The vehicle stalls immediately upon failure, disabling power steering, brakes, lights, and airbags. Owners cite this as a recall issue (T36, 14V634000, 17V435000) but dealers say recall parts were unavailable for extended periods or not available at all for V8 engines. Some owners paid $1,000–$1,300 out of pocket before recall parts arrived or for vehicles outside recall eligibility.
When: 30,000 to 140,000 miles; typically within first 5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Alternator smoking or overheating; Burning smell from engine; ABS and traction control lights flashing; Instrument panel lights flashing or going dim; Radio cutting off; Loss of power steering and brakes; Engine stall with inability to restart; Whining or high-pitched noise before failure; Battery drains within days after alternator fails
Codes mentioned: 14V634000, 17V435000, T36 recall
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $600–$1,300. Some owners paid out of pocket; dealers initially denied coverage citing unavailable recall parts. Battery replacement often needed after alternator failure ($200+). Corroded battery cables and rewiring may be required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V634000 (Electrical System), 17V435000 (Electrical System), T36 recall. Chrysler issued recalls for 3.6L engines (V6) only; no recall issued for 5.7L V8 engines despite identical symptoms. Recall parts were unavailable or delayed for months (October 2017 delays noted). Some dealerships told owners to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement later, with no guarantee of approval. Dealers eventually replaced alternators when parts arrived or when warranty applied, but some owners still out of pocket.
Smart glass window switch malfunction (driver-side window)
The driver-side power window operates automatically without input from the driver or ignition being on. The window moves up and down repeatedly every 10–30 seconds, causing constant battery drain. The issue occurs when the vehicle is parked and off, or while driving. It was noted in 2011 Challenger recall (CSN M24) but Dodge refused to include 2012 and later models in the service bulletin despite identical symptoms and components. Owners report needing to unplug batteries or leave windows partially down to prevent total battery discharge overnight.
When: 60,000 miles or less; occurred as early as warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side window moves up and down automatically every 10–30 seconds when parked; Window operates without ignition on and no one in vehicle; Window makes clicking sounds during malfunction; Battery completely drains overnight due to window cycling; Vehicle cannot start without jumper cables; Passenger-side window may also cycle; Window seal degrades from repeated cycling; Water and debris enter vehicle interior when window left down
Codes mentioned: CSN M24 (2011 models only; not applied to 2012)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis $140+. Smart glass switch or door module replacement required. Owners report replacement costs not disclosed by dealers upfront; $350 per door latch mentioned. New battery often needed after drain ($200). Service centers refused to repair under recall coverage for 2012 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSN M24 (Customer Satisfaction Notification) issued October 2012 for 2011 Challenger only. Dodge refused to extend recall to 2012 and later models despite identical parts and symptoms. Owners told to pay out of pocket for diagnosis and repair. TSB M24 did not cover 2012 models.
Battery failure and corrosion
Battery fails prematurely, often related to alternator failure or smart glass switch drain. Heavy corrosion appears on battery posts and terminals. Battery will not hold charge after alternator failure and drains completely overnight due to window cycling or other electrical parasitic draw. Replacement batteries needed within 1–2 years of purchase on low-mileage vehicles.
When: Within 2 years of purchase; 23,000–65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery will not hold charge; Cannot jump-start vehicle; Heavy corrosion on battery posts and terminals; Battery drains overnight; Vehicle completely dead in the morning after parking
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement $200–$600. Owners report having to purchase multiple batteries in short timeframe. Corroded battery posts and positive cable replacement also needed ($200+). Dealers initially blamed battery as sole cause before identifying alternator failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension for battery failure. Dealers replaced batteries as out-of-pocket repairs or under extended warranty if purchased. No root-cause service bulletin issued.
Instrument cluster and lighting malfunction
Instrument panel lights, gauge needles, and warning lights malfunction during electrical failure events. Gauges move erratically, lights flash unpredictably, and speedometer/tachometer stop working. Headlights dim or cut off while driving without warning. Interior illumination fails during daytime operation. Dashboard gauges are difficult to read during daylight.
When: Any mileage during alternator failure events; design issue from new
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument cluster lights flash simultaneously; Gauge needles spike then fall flat; Speedometer and tachometer stop working; Warning lights (ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, airbag) illuminate unexpectedly; Headlights dim or cut off while driving; Headlights flicker when brakes depressed; Interior lights turn off and on; Dash illumination absent during daytime driving; Gauges only visible when headlamps on
Repairs/costs cited: No standalone repair; occurs as secondary effect of alternator/electrical failure. Cluster repair only after alternator replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted. No TSB or recall for dashboard illumination design or gauge malfunction.
Complete electrical shutdown while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while operating at highway speeds (40–70 mph), causing power steering to lock, brakes to fail, and airbag systems to disable. Owners lose ability to steer, brake, or maneuver. One owner had rear tire blow out from excessive brake pressure during loss of power. Immediate safety hazard with no warning.
When: Any mileage; triggered by alternator failure
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Power steering locks up; Brakes become difficult or impossible to apply; No lights, horn, or airbag function; No ability to shift to neutral; Unable to activate hazard lights; Burning smell from engine; Vehicle coasts to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement after power restoration. Some owners incurred additional brake damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; treated as alternator failure consequence.
Door latch and seat control electrical issues
Driver-side door latches stick or malfunction, preventing door operation. Airbag warning light illuminates and remains on after alternator service. Horn stops working after alternator or electrical service. Brake light warning illuminates. Cruise control fails to function.
When: Any mileage; post-repair issues noted
Symptoms owners cite: Door latches stuck or difficult to open; Airbag warning light on after service; Horn non-functional; Brake warning light on; Cruise control non-functional; Windows will not lower automatically when door opens
Repairs/costs cited: Door latch replacement $350 per latch. Airbag and horn issues acknowledged by dealers but not repaired during alternator service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted. Dealers acknowledged issues on invoices but declined to repair.
Electrical fire hazard
Two narratives report vehicle fires or fire risk. One owner reported battery and wiring harness burned in trunk while vehicle idling; another reported fire starting at cigarette lighter. Burned insulation and melted jumper cable handles reported. Risk of fire from overheating alternator and corroded wiring.
When: Unpredictable; 200,000 miles and low mileage reported
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from trunk area; Smoke from cigarette lighter; Battery and wiring harness burned; Burning smell from engine; Melted jumper cable handles; Extreme heat in battery area; Vehicle engulfed in flames
Repairs/costs cited: Fire damage requires complete electrical system overhaul. Wiring harness replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; no recall issued for fire hazard. One owner worked with insurance company for repairs.
Power module and fuel delivery issues
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) malfunction causes random no-start conditions. Vehicle cranks but does not start, leaving owner stranded. Requires key cycling and fob attempts before vehicle starts. Vehicle may emit smoke from cigarette lighter. Fuel delivery issues and check engine light reported.
When: Low mileage (38,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Random no-start condition; Vehicle cranks but does not start; Stuck in off/on position; No pattern to failures; leaves owner stranded; Check engine warning light on; Vehicle fails to accelerate; Abnormal noise from front end
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement $1,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; no recall issued despite known issue.
Recall parts unavailability and service delays
Owners notified of recalls but dealers could not complete repairs because parts were unavailable for weeks or months. Owners faced demands to pay out of pocket with vague promises of reimbursement. Some dealers told owners to return in future months when parts arrived. Chrysler customer service gave conflicting information and representatives acknowledged attempting to avoid reimbursement.
When: 2017 and later notifications; delays extended into 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but parts unavailable; Dealer says recall parts won't arrive for months; Dealer demands payment and vague reimbursement promise; Chrysler avoids committing to reimbursement timeline; Some dealerships received minimal quantities (4 alternators for entire region)
Codes mentioned: 14V634000, 17V435000, T36
Repairs/costs cited: Owners paid $1,000–$1,300 out of pocket while awaiting recall parts. Reimbursement timeline unclear or denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 14V634000 and 17V435000 issued but parts not manufactured or distributed timely. Chrysler customer service contradicted reimbursement commitments. One representative admitted company was trying to avoid reimbursement.
Synthesized from 127 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Driving to work. Car starts to make a whining noise then the ABS and stability control lights come on, I drive the car up the road a little more and the radio turns off and the gauges start to move erratically and then the car just died, completely in the middle of the road, when the hood was raised you could clearly smell something burning. Car taken to the dealership where I am told that the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…
Window keeps going up and down fixed it at the shop the door lock actuator is the problem had passenger side fixed now the driver side is doing it which is draining my battery seems like a lot of cars have this issue
On november 1st I was driving on the highway and my driver side window kept going up and down about 3-4 inches by itself and would repeat it over and over. Now my car when it is parked and locked the driver side window goes up and down by itself until it drains my battery dead..
My dashboard is flickering. My speedometer sometimes drops to zero and then back to the original speed. My headlights also flicker. When I'm behind another car at night, I see them moving as if I have speakers in the truck.
Driver side window going up and down and it drained my battery. Now I have to pay 500 dollars to get the door latch fixed because it's 'bad'. It's an electrical problem that obviously is happening to many people. Please do a recall on this problem!
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the battery was replaced. The failure recurred multiple times and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the key module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator had failed. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number:…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the system shutting down light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of…
Shortly after 70k miles on the car I started experiencing driver side smart window malfunction, going up and down while driving and parked. It has now started doing it with power off and no fob around draining my battery.
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Dodge Challenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 127 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 95 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 76,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 76,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Dodge/Challenger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.