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2012 Dodge Charger lighting problems

severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$250
5fires

When does it fail?

Of the 32 lighting complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
1 (100%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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

Among the 8 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for lighting problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V101000 March 4, 2014

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.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

lighting · 148,000 mi · filed 12/26/2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge charger. While driving various speeds at night, the low beam headlights unintentionally went out. Duluth Dodge inc (4755 miller trunk hwy, duluth, mn 55811, (218) 720-6123) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v101000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…

lighting · filed 12/24/2020

NO LIGHTS

Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2012 Dodge Charger?

It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.

At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?

Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 40,300 and 61,850 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,300; a quarter make it past 61,850. 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting 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.

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.
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