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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-DODGE-CHARGERNHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2012 · Dodge
Dodge Charger problems
648 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.2 / 10
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.
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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 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.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Dodge charger srt8 and the Chrysler 300 srt8 vehicles manufactured from may 2, 2011, through november 17, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 138, "tire pressure monitoring system" (TPMS)
Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will reprogram the vehicles TPMS. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 2, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
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'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 7 hours 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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