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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-DODGE-CHARGERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Dodge
2012 Dodge Charger problems
The 2012 Dodge Charger has 648 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2012 Dodge Charger has 648 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 312 complaints, typically surfacing around 68,068 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Charger?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
35 fire-related complaints and 6 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 57 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–89,000 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★5/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Dodge Charger? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 312 owner reports
· tends to show around 68,068 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 82 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,712 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
powertrain — 57 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,090 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 53 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,738 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 68,068 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge charger. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
I was driving down the highway when the 'battery saver mode' indicator came on and I pressed the ok button on my steering wheel. I drove home and parked the car. The next day upon starting my car the indicator did not appear when starting the auto. As I left my house…
2012 Dodge charger ABS light, traction light came on and the vehicle shut off. *mw the consumer was informed the alternator had burned up and it would cost $ 891.00 to replace it. *jb
Had a problem with your 2012 Dodge Charger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps
Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 300 and Dodge charger vehicles
This could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 18, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge charger police vehicles
This could lead to loss of visibility and/or braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the power distribution center, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 2, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 648 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Dodge Charger has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Dodge Charger?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Dodge Charger is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 35 fire-related complaints and 6 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 57 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–89,000 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Dodge Charger?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 312 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,068 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Dodge Charger a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 648 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 68,068 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 312 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,068 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 68,068 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Charger has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Dodge Charger?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 648 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Dodge/Charger.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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