2012 Dodge Charger electrical problems

Loose fuse cavity in the power distribution center (PDC) for the AC clutch fuse (#12), causing intermittent AC failure and requiring repeated fuse replacements. Technical Service Bulletin 08-040-14 Rev. A addresses this but a repair kit is often unavailable at dealerships.

When: June 2020 onwards; reported at various mileages

Symptoms owners cite: AC blowing warm air or intermittent cooling; Fuse requiring repeated replacement; AC system intermittently functional when fuse is mechanically held in place

Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite TSB 08-040-14 Rev. A; repair kit Part No. 68235388AA (wire harness) often unavailable at dealerships. One owner paid $199 diagnostic fee without resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 08-040-14 Rev. A issued; repair kit Part No. 68235388AA referenced but dealers report unavailability. Dealerships attempt workarounds rather than proper repair.

Premature alternator failure in vehicles equipped with 160-amp alternators, typically failing suddenly without warning. Vehicles experience complete electrical shutdown, engine stalling, and inability to restart. Multiple reports indicate smoke or burning smell from alternator.

When: Between 20,000 and 92,000 miles; some occur within 2 years of ownership despite low mileage

Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode warning indicator; Radio/electrical systems cutting off; All dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously; Engine stalling without warning; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Transmission unable to shift or stuck in neutral/park; Smoke and burning electrical smell from engine compartment; Vehicle unable to restart after shutdown; Whirring/humming noise from alternator; Complete loss of all electrical power

Codes mentioned: P60 Recall (NHTSA 14V634000), 17V435000

Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite alternator replacement costs between $600–$988 including labor and battery. Many dealerships install replacement but warn failure may recur. Recall remedy parts frequently unavailable.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: P60 Recall (NHTSA 14V634000) issued for 160-amp alternators in 2011–2014 models with 3.6L engines. Recall 17V435000 issued later. Many vehicles with identical symptoms are excluded from recall due to VIN mismatch or production date. Owners report Chrysler stating replacement alternator is unavailable and refusing coverage outside recall parameters.

Alternators with 180-amp rating exhibit the same failure modes as recalled 160-amp units but are excluded from the P60 and 17V435 recalls. Owners report identical symptoms and burning alternators but are denied coverage.

When: Reported at 40,000 to 90,000 miles; some within first two years of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode warning; Electrical systems shutting down progressively; All warning lights illuminating; Engine stalling on highway; Loss of power steering; Smoke and burning smell from alternator; No warning prior to failure; Vehicle cannot be restarted

Codes mentioned: Alternator specification mismatch (180A vs 160A recalled)

Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $800–$1,000+ for alternator replacement ($500+ for part alone). One owner paid $500 for 180-amp alternator plus $200 battery plus labor.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to include 180-amp alternators in P60 or 17V435 recalls despite owners reporting identical failure modes. Company states recall is limited to 160-amp units. Owners left to pay out-of-pocket while identical part is recalled for other vehicles.

Owners of 5.7L-equipped 2012 Chargers report alternator failures identical to the recalled 3.6L models, but Chrysler has not issued a recall for this engine size. Vehicles experience complete electrical shutdown and stalling without warning.

When: Various mileages; some at 61,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode message; Loss of power and electrical systems; Dashboard warning lights illuminating; Engine stalling; Loss of steering power; Inability to accelerate; Loss of all electrical power

Codes mentioned: Alternator output failure (insufficient current to battery)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $800 for battery and alternator replacement. Alternator output insufficient; battery cannot hold charge.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledges recall P60 exists for 3.6L models but refuses to extend recall to 5.7L engines despite documented identical failures at similar mileages.

Vehicle experiences total loss of electrical power while in motion, including loss of hazard lights, power steering, braking assistance, and transmission function. Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate before shutdown. Vehicle may put itself into park or neutral in the middle of traffic.

When: Occurs while driving at various speeds (15 mph to 70 mph)

Symptoms owners cite: Radio cutting off first; Battery voltage warning light; Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously (ABS, traction control, transmission, check engine, brake); Speedometer and dashboard displays going haywire; Windshield wipers activating on their own; Loss of steering control; Inability to accelerate; Engine stalling mid-drive; Transmission grinding or shifting unexpectedly; Vehicle unable to shift into gear or stuck in neutral; Complete loss of all electrical power; Smoke from engine compartment

Codes mentioned: P60 Recall indicators, C0037-62, C003A-62, C121C-00 (ABS module DTCs)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,056.15 for alternator, battery, and towing. Multiple owners report $800–$970 repair bills. Dealerships attribute to alternator failure, but exact root cause often unclear (alternator, wiring, or computer).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (P60, 17V435000) but many affected VINs excluded. Dealers indicate remedy not yet fully developed in some cases. One dealer stated they would install replacement alternator but vehicle may require follow-up repair. Chrysler stated coolant capacity and overheating may also contribute.

Alternator failure causes complete electrical discharge, damaging the battery as well. Vehicle will not hold a charge even after jump-starting. Both alternator and battery require replacement.

When: Typically discovered when attempting to restart or jump-start after initial electrical event

Symptoms owners cite: Battery will not take or hold a charge; Electrical capacity continues to diminish during diagnostic attempts; Vehicle will not start even with jump cables; All electrical systems dead

Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $800+ total repair cost including both alternator ($600–$700) and battery ($100–$200) replacement plus labor.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships confirm alternator failure caused battery damage. Replacement of both components required. Warranty typically does not cover due to exclusion terms.

Vehicle exhibits intermittent electrical problems including warning lights, instrument cluster failures, and electrical accessory activation/deactivation on their own. Problems occur at various speeds and may be preceded by battery saver mode warning.

When: Intermittent; may occur over extended period

Symptoms owners cite: Random dashboard warning lights (ABS, traction control, air bag, stability control); Radio/HVAC screen not working or flickering; Wipers activating unexpectedly; Interior lights flickering on and off; Transmission warning lights; Battery saver mode message; Drastic reduction in engine speed without cause; Inability to start in cold weather (below 40°F); Center display showing 'DO NOT PLACE THE CAR IN P'

Codes mentioned: P06DD (transmission/valve body related)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $2,500 for valve body work; issue recurred. Another owner attempted multiple repairs without confirmed cause or effective solution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspections conducted multiple times but no confirmed cause or effective remedy identified. Vehicles continue to experience failures despite service attempts.

Loose wiring connector (C102) for ABS/ESC systems causes simultaneous illumination of multiple warning lights and malfunction indicators. Connector requires reinstallation; however, recall notice arrives after repair, suggesting initial repair did not address the underlying recall condition.

When: Reported at under 900 miles; malfunction recurred after initial repair

Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction indicator light; ESC malfunction indicator; ABS lights; Alarms and chiming; Violent vehicle shaking; Warning lights on second occurrence despite first repair

Codes mentioned: ABS Module DTCs C0037-62, C003A-62, C121C-00, NHTSA 12V-197 (ABS/ESC Wiring)

Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: reconnected loose engine wire harness connector C102 and cleared codes. Vehicle repaired at dealer.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall M10/NHTSA 12V-197 issued for ABS/ESC wiring after owner's first repair. Recall notice received approximately 15 hours after first repair, suggesting the system was not fully checked during initial service.

When electrical system fails, doors lock unexpectedly and transmission becomes stuck (unable to shift to neutral or park). Vehicle may automatically put itself into park during electrical failure, stranding it in traffic.

When: Occurs during electrical shutdown events

Symptoms owners cite: Door locks engaging unexpectedly; Transmission unable to shift; Transmission stuck in current gear or park; Transmission displaying 'CAR MUST BE IN PARK TO TURN OFF' message when not in park; Emergency brake requires engagement to stop vehicle; Vehicle unable to be towed (must disengage transmission emergency disconnect)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to locate and use transmission emergency disconnect to allow vehicle to be pushed off roadway. Another owner could not shift into neutral for towing and waited for tow truck.

When alternator fails spectacularly, the electrical surge and fire damage the vehicle computer and wiring harness. Repairs require not only alternator replacement but also computer and wiring diagnostics/replacement.

When: Discovered after alternator fire

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from alternator; Burning electrical smell; Computer malfunction; Multiple electrical systems inoperative after alternator replaced

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported alternator caught fire; computer was also damaged and required dealer service. Dealership claims no warranty on alternator, computer, or other failed components.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships refuse warranty coverage on computer and wiring damaged by alternator failure, claiming no warranty exists on these components even though failure is cascading from known alternator defect.

Many owners report their vehicles exhibit identical symptoms to recalled models (P60, 17V435) but Chrysler refuses coverage because the VIN is not on the recall list. Exclusions are based on build date, part number mismatch (160A vs 180A), or engine size (5.7L vs 3.6L), even though failure modes are identical.

When: Ongoing; discovered when owner attempts to claim recall

Symptoms owners cite: All symptoms identical to recalled vehicles; Same alternator manufacturer; Same failure progression; Same burning/smoke signature

Codes mentioned: P60 Recall (excluded), 17V435000 (excluded)

Repairs/costs cited: Owners forced to pay out-of-pocket ($600–$1,000+) for repairs while identical part is recalled for other VINs. One owner had alternator and receipt showing recall number but was still denied coverage.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler states recalls are VIN-specific and determined by build date, parts used, and engine size. Company refuses to expand recalls despite identical failure reports. One representative told owner to file complaint with NHTSA and keep documentation for potential future reimbursement review.