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severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Charger have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 83,097 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Charger | 6 |
| 2009 Charger | 3 |
| 2010 Charger | 3 |
| 2011 Charger | 19 |
| 2012 Charger (this page) | 10 |
| 2013 Charger | 7 |
| 2014 Charger | 11 |
| 2015 Charger | 6 |
| 2016 Charger | 3 |
All 2 active brakes recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
This could lead to loss of visibility and/or braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
This could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High has been set active or stored.Updating the software will correct the condition listed above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHRYSLER/DODGE: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS/ESP FUNCTIONALITY. ABS/ESP LAMP MIGHT ILLUMINATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of the 2012 Dodge Charger describe brake problems across the entire spectrum of severity. The most common complaint is a soft, low-pressure brake pedal requiring extreme force to stop the vehicle, sometimes extending stopping distance significantly or causing complete brake failure at low speeds. Three owners report master cylinder replacement; one says the problem came back afterward.
At the critical end, one owner experienced total brake failure at 60 mph—the brake pedal went down with no stopping effect, and the vehicle rear-ended another car. The dealer later disclosed the car had been a police vehicle previously.
A separate set of complaints involves the ABS module. Owners report ABS and brake warning lights flickering during stops, coinciding with harder-to-stop vehicles. One owner learned the ABS control module (MOPAR part 68160269AB) is discontinued, with no aftermarket parts available and uncertainty about reprogramming used units.
One owner reported intense heat from the rear brakes at highway speed; the dealer replaced rear brake assemblies. Related complaints mention fluid leaks circulating through the engine block, causing stalling.
Recall campaigns 12V197000 (brakes, air, electrical) and 17V435000 (electrical) are referenced, but owners have experienced delays waiting for backorder parts and vague manufacturer follow-up.
Same Dodge Charger brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014
Master cylinder loses ability to build brake pressure, requiring full pedal effort and extended stopping distance or complete brake failure at low speeds. Repeats after replacement in some cases.
When: 83,097 miles; 87,025 miles; 70,000 miles; also reported without specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires extreme force to stop vehicle; Extended stopping distance; Pedal sinks to floor without braking effect; ABS warning light illuminates; Brake performance returns briefly after turning off engine and pumping pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement performed at independent shops and dealers; failure recurred in at least one case; replacement cost not specified in narratives
ABS module malfunction causes warning lights and reduced braking responsiveness. Critical issue: manufacturer part 68160269AB is discontinued with no aftermarket alternatives and uncertainty whether used units can be reprogrammed.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates and flickers during braking; Vehicle difficult to stop when ABS engages; Brake light illuminates alongside ABS and traction control lights; Warning light persists after stopping
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module part MOPAR 68160269AB is discontinued; aftermarket options unavailable; used part reprogramming uncertain; no repair completed due to parts unavailability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls referenced (NHTSA 12V197000 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; 17V435000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) but repairs delayed due to backorder parts
Rear brake assemblies generate excessive heat during normal driving, indicating stuck calipers or contaminated pads causing friction and potential brake fade.
When: 32,733 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intense heat emerging from rear passenger side of vehicle while driving at 45 mph; No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: Rear driver and passenger side brake assemblies replaced at Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
Brake system loses all stopping ability while vehicle is moving. Vehicle fails to stop despite brake pedal being fully depressed, requiring collision with external object to cease motion. Documented traffic collision.
When: 49,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle continues moving; Complete failure to slow or stop at 60 mph; Brake warning light illuminated during test drive (prior to purchase)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to collision repair shop after rear-ending another vehicle; specific brake repair not detailed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 12V197000 mentioned; manufacturer stated all recalls completed; dealer noted vehicle was previously undercover police vehicle
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 49,000 and 87,025 miles, with the median around 83,097. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 87,025. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.