wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Charger engine problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Charger have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 85,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Charger | 60 |
| 2009 Charger | 31 |
| 2010 Charger | 40 |
| 2011 Charger | 31 |
| 2012 Charger (this page) | 39 |
| 2013 Charger | 24 |
| 2014 Charger | 26 |
| 2015 Charger | 10 |
| 2016 Charger | 12 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 39 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Owners have filed 39 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 engine 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.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe lifter, cam, and rocker arm failures generating ticking, rustling, and clipping noises—particularly at idle and 900–1500 RPM—starting at 30,000 miles. Several report the noise worsening over months despite multiple repair attempts; one owner had eight separate dealership diagnostics without resolution. Misfire codes (P0303) and check engine lights typically follow. Two owners detail catastrophic seizures requiring full engine replacement; one had lifters and cam rebuilt, then saw identical symptoms recur at 71,000 miles.
Timing chain breaks or stretches, causing sudden loss of power at highway speeds without warning. One owner reports replacing the engine with a refurbished unit only to see the same failure recur, suspecting the MDS system.
Unexpected engine stalling at various speeds happens intermittently from 16,000 to 170,000 miles—some without warning lights, others with delayed check engine illumination after shutdown. Vehicles restart shortly after.
Cooling fan blades separate and damage radiators. Water intrusion through a low-mounted air intake causes hydro lock. Faulty thermostats or coolant sensors trigger overheating; one melted thermostat caused an engine fire. P0128 codes for coolant faults appear frequently.
One owner reports P06DD oil pump codes on Pentastar V6 causing acceleration failure above 3,000 RPM. Radiators corrode or split seams, sometimes requiring multiple replacements within months. Dealers and manufacturers have declined recalls or warranty coverage in most cases.
Same Dodge Charger engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter/Cam/Rocker Failure (HEMI and Pentastar)
Seized or damaged lifters, cam scorch, rocker arm failure, and rocker dowel pin shearing cause ticking, rustling, or clipping noises at idle and low RPMs. Can escalate to complete engine seizure, misfire codes, and loss of power.
When: Between 30,000 and 170,000 miles; some owners report recurring issues years after initial repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking, rustling, puttering, or clipping noise especially at 900–1500 RPM or at idle; RPM needle bouncing at idle; Misfire, check engine light; Loss of power or bucking under acceleration; Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0471 (Back pressure sensor error)
Repairs/costs cited: New lifters, cam, gasket kit, tappets, valve resurfacing; some shops recommend complete engine replacement. One owner reported 8+ dealership diagnostics without success; another quoted $10,000+ for engine replacement. Non-dealership shops report metal debris found in VVT systems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls noted in narratives. FCA told complainants lifter failure is uncommon with 5.7L Hemis, contradicting owner research. Multiple owners cite inability to secure recall. One owner mentioned references to forum discussions documenting the issue.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain and pulley break or stretch, causing loss of engine synchronization, power loss, and engine stall. Occurs without warning at highway speeds.
When: Between 70,000 and 140,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds; Engine stalling or shutting off; No warning lights before failure; Check engine light illumination after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Requires timing chain replacement. One owner replaced engine with refurbished unit but reports same failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner referenced existing recall on timing chain; another noted failure occurred despite prior recall work. No explicit TSB or coverage mentioned in narratives.
Engine Shutdown/Stalling (Intermittent)
Engine dies unexpectedly while driving at various speeds with or without warning. Vehicle restarts after brief delay or can be restarted immediately.
When: From 16,000 to 170,000 miles. Reported as intermittent behavior recurring over months or years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly stops running while driving; No check engine light or appears only after shutdown; Vehicle coasts to stop; Engine restarts shortly after or with immediate restart attempt; Loss of power on highway; in one case, no warning before ABS/traction light and stall at 35 mph
Codes mentioned: P0016 (Cam and Crank shaft signal error)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had cam shaft and oil sensors replaced; others saw no repairs completed. Dealers unable to diagnose or find stored codes in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers informed in some cases but no recalls or warranty coverage noted. One owner stated warranty expired at 170,000 miles.
Cooling Fan Failure
Engine cooling fan blades break or seize and separate from mounting, damaging radiator and scattering parts under vehicle. Occurs while parked or at low speeds.
When: Mileage not provided in available narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop from under hood; Engine shaking and stalling; Coolant leakage; Fan blades missing or scattered under hood and highway
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator and fan replacement required. One owner reported similar issues on other Dodge models with repair assistance offerings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated cooling fan failure is not a current recall issue for 2012 Charger, though similar issues on other makes/models have customer satisfaction notifications.
Water Ingestion (Hydro Lock)
Low-mounted air intake allows water to enter engine during driving through standing water, causing internal engine damage.
When: Occurred after driving through 5–6 inches of standing rainwater.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine noise after water ingestion; Engine failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine repair or replacement; one owner's insurance covered approximately $8,000 with $500 deductible. Dealer identified low intake design as root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer warranty coverage provided. Design flaw acknowledged by dealership but treated as warranty-excluded.
Thermostat/Coolant Issues
Faulty thermostat or coolant temperature sensor causes check engine light, overheating, and in one case, engine fire. P0128 codes indicate coolant fault.
When: Between 60,000 and 170,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Steam exiting engine hood; Engine overheating; Misfire conditions; In one case, engine fire while parked due to melted thermostat
Codes mentioned: P0128 (Coolant thermostat fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant temperature sensor (ECT) replacement is common fix. One case required complete engine replacement due to fire caused by melted thermostat. Water pump slow leaks reported burning coolant odor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service tech noted P0128 is very common on Mopar engines 2006–2012 but no recall enacted. No manufacturer assistance mentioned.
Oil Pump / Pentastar V6 P06DD Code
Oil pump malfunction in V6 Pentastar engine causes acceleration failure above 3,000 RPM and rough running. Affects multiple owners per online forums.
When: Not specified; complaint includes reference to 10+ pages of similar complaints online.
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot accelerate past 3,000 RPM; Vehicle bogs down during acceleration; Must wait until RPMs drop below 3,000 to regain power
Codes mentioned: P06DD (Oil pump)
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in narrative; owner references online forum discussion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned.
Engine Fire (Thermostat-Related)
Faulty thermostat melts and ignites on engine, causing fire while vehicle is parked after loss of power.
When: Around 60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no further details on recall or assistance provided.
Cylinder Head Failure / Metal Debris
Cylinder head damage or manufacturing defect causing metal shavings in engine or visible hole near piston area. Can result in catastrophic internal engine damage.
When: At 52,000 miles (visible hole case); another case at 138,000 after prior cylinder head replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Metal sound from engine while driving; Steam and oil leaking; Visible hole in engine near piston area
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement or engine replacement needed. One owner's dealer assessed potential need for lifter or cam shaft replacement but required engine teardown for diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case involved prior recall repair (cylinder head replacement) but failure recurred.
Engine Locked / Motor Seizing
Engine bearings and pistons fail due to contamination or lubrication failure, causing complete engine seizure and failure to start.
When: At 100,000 miles (one case); another at unknown mileage on 3.6L.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts off; Will not restart; Motor locks up
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced engine with refurbished unit but reports exact same problem recurred; suspects MDS system is root cause. Another owner noted mechanic said contamination of bearings is common on 3.6L engines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned.
Radiator Failure (Corrosion / Seam Splits)
Radiator develops seam splits or corrodes/rots out, causing coolant leaks and overheating. Can occur multiple times in short periods.
When: Multiple failures reported: one owner replaced radiator twice in 18 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaks; Seam splits in radiator core; Bottom of radiator rots out
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement with new parts from Chrysler dealer. One owner spent on two replacements within 18 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, radiator failure led to engine fire; warranty not honored.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My timing chain and pulley broke while on tthe freeway causing loss of power and stall.
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Dodge Charger?
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 engine problem on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 135,113 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 135,113. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/Charger.
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.