No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Challenger powertrain problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Dodge Challengers describe a range of powertrain failures that create serious safety hazards. The most critical issue is alternator failure—documented under recall—that causes total loss of electrical power, engine stall, and inability to restart. Multiple owners were stranded with dead vehicles; one experienced complete loss of control with no functioning hazard lights. Dealers replaced failed alternators with identical units also under recall, leaving owners at continued risk while waiting for back-ordered proper replacements.
Transmission problems appear frequently. Owners report inability to shift into intended gears starting as early as 6,000 miles, with difficulty increasing over time. Some vehicles refuse to shift from first to second gear; others shift forward when placed in neutral or reverse. One owner's transmission lost all linkage to the driveshaft during low-speed backing. A manual transmission owner reports the skip-shift feature forces fourth-gear engagement instead of second during normal traffic acceleration, causing engine knock and creating rear-end collision hazards.
A separate issue emerged after timing chain recall service: one owner's engine bearing failed catastrophically two weeks post-repair, with the connecting rod piercing the block at highway speed. Chrysler refused warranty coverage despite the recall documentation warning this could occur with improper repair.
Ancillary powertrain electrical issues include door latch defects causing repeated window cycling that drains batteries, and traction control sensor failures limiting acceleration.
Same Dodge Challenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure with complete power loss
Alternator fails, causing total loss of electrical power, stalling, and inability to restart. Multiple complaints reference a documented recall on this defect, with dealers installing replacement alternators that are also subject to the same recall.
When: Between 2-75,000 km/miles; one instance at 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at highway or city speeds; Loss of all electrical power; Unable to restart vehicle; Hazard lights inoperative; Windows lock closed; Sunroof secured; Navigation system shuts off; Battery and traction control warning lights flicker
Codes mentioned: Battery warning indicator, Unknown warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer installed replacement alternator; one repair cost $1,125 CAD (alternator and battery both replaced). Towing required; dealer refused to cover towing costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Documented recall exists; dealers report proper replacement parts on back order
Transmission shift failures and grinding
Transmission refuses to shift into intended gears or becomes stuck in gear, occurring at various speeds and especially when stopped or during low-speed maneuvers. Multiple owners report difficulty shifting as mileage increases; some cite Tremec transmission as the source.
When: From 6,000 miles onward; failure becomes more frequent as mileage increases; some cases appear around 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift from first to second gear; Difficulty shifting at various speeds; Inability to shift into gear when stopped; Transmission stuck in wrong gear; Increasing difficulty over time; Grinding or resistance during shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics identified transmission valve body issues in at least one case; diagnosis performed but vehicles not repaired by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned; dealership unable to diagnose in at least one case
Skip-shift feature preventing normal acceleration
Manual transmission's skip-shift feature forces driver to shift from first directly to fourth gear under certain conditions, blocking second gear and preventing smooth acceleration in traffic. Owner reports this creates dangerous situations and causes engine knock at low speeds.
When: Occurs when accelerating from stops or during slow-speed driving
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected shift from first to fourth gear instead of second; Unable to shift into second gear as desired; Engine knock and pinging at low speeds in fourth gear; Near-miss rear-end collisions due to reduced acceleration; Excessive strain on clutch and transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports frantically double-clutching to override feature; no factory disable option available
Transmission driveshaft linkage failure
Transmission loses mechanical linkage to driveshaft, resulting in loss of drivetrain control. Vehicle rolls freely regardless of gear selection, with emergency brake required to prevent rollaway.
When: Occurred during low-speed backing into driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang heard during operation; Vehicle rolls forward when in park, reverse, neutral, or drive; Loss of drivetrain engagement; Inability to control vehicle with transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to transmission repair shop for repair and safety investigation; driver yoke appears to be involved
Engine bearing failure after timing chain recall repair
Engine connecting rod bearing fails catastrophically after timing chain, casing, and guide recall service is performed, resulting in rod puncturing through engine block. Owner alleges improper recall repair work led to bearing failure.
When: 2 weeks after recall repair completion; failure occurred at 70 MPH during acceleration on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock or bearing noise before failure; Engine catastrophic failure with loud noise; Loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine block failure requiring replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler and dealership refuse to cover repair; owner cites recall documentation stating improper repair could cause this exact failure
Throttle body and starter issues causing stalls
Vehicle stalls at various speeds; independent diagnosis points to throttle body, starter, and transmission requiring replacement. Starter replacement performed but stalling continues.
When: Occurs on several occasions at various speeds; mileage 211,015
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at various speeds; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced; throttle body and transmission replacement recommended but not completed by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Traction control sensor failure limiting acceleration
Traction control warning light illuminates and vehicle will not accelerate above 40 MPH. Independent mechanic diagnosis indicates traction control sensor failure.
When: Failure mileage 140,000
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light illuminated; Vehicle speed limited to 40 MPH maximum; Loss of acceleration capability
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified traction control sensor as needing replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission neutral/reverse engagement failure
Transmission will not engage reverse or neutral properly; vehicle only moves forward regardless of gear selection. Known to be associated with transmission valve body defects.
When: Failure mileage 211,015
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves forward when shifted to reverse; Vehicle moves forward when shifted to neutral; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Two independent mechanics identified known transmission valve body issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no recall mentioned
Door latch malfunction causing window cycling and battery drain
Door latch defect causes windows to cycle up and down repeatedly (1/8 inch movements as if door opening/closing), draining battery prematurely. Owner reports multiple 2011-2012 Dodge owners experiencing same issue.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Windows cycling up and down repeatedly; Battery drains repeatedly; Symptom consistent across 2011-2012 model years
Repairs/costs cited: Window latch repair mentioned as solution for most customers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall in place; window latch repair appears to be known workaround
Shifter handle bracket separation from transmission
Shifter handle bracket breaks away from transmission housing during operation, leaving shifter inoperable. Occurs on 6-speed manual transmission.
When: Occurred while attempting to shift gears during highway transition
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter bracket breaks and separates from transmission; Shifter handle falls to side; Loss of shift control
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was driving along the road and approached a set of lights to make a left turn. While making the left turn, my ABS brake light and traction light started flickering, the interior instrument lights turned off, my sunroof and windows secured itself, my nav system shut off and the vehicle appeared to be failing. After pulling into a gas station and parking the vehicle, I shut the vehicle off and…
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and shut off. In addition, the battery, transmission, and another unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle restarted after a few minutes. The contact also heard clicking noises when the vehicle was started. Also, the driver's side window did not roll back up in the rain. The failure…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 42,242 and 101,450 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,242; a quarter make it past 101,450. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.