The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Charger have filed 57 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 66,900 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Charger | 32 |
| 2009 Charger | 4 |
| 2010 Charger | 17 |
| 2011 Charger | 18 |
| 2012 Charger (this page) | 57 |
| 2013 Charger | 48 |
| 2014 Charger | 52 |
| 2015 Charger | 30 |
| 2016 Charger | 21 |
5crashes
1fire
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 57 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 15 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Shift Enhancements - Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Dodge Charger powertrain catalog reveals systemic failures that occur across multiple systems. Alternators fail early and prematurely, with owners reporting sudden loss of power while driving and burning smells. The transmission electronic shift lever frequently jams or locks, leaving owners unable to shift out of park or trapping them in neutral at highway speeds. Multiple owners report the vehicle rolling away from parked positions despite being in park, with one incident dragging the driver 50 feet and causing serious injury.
Engine stalls without warning occur at various speeds with or without check engine lights. The transmission drops into neutral unexpectedly mid-drive, forcing owners to coast to safety. Power steering and braking systems fail simultaneously in some cases, creating immediate crash hazard. Torque converter problems develop around 72,000–75,000 miles, causing jerking and forcing dealers to recommend complete transmission replacement.
Electrical system failures manifest as erratic warning lights, battery indicators, and radio malfunctions preceding sudden power loss. After dealer transmission repairs and recalls, check engine lights and transmission warning lights reappear, and vehicles cannot exceed 20 mph. Owners repeatedly encounter dealer and manufacturer refusals to cover issues under recall, citing VIN exclusions, mileage limits, or part unavailability. Multiple owners describe lengthy phone calls, dismissive representatives, and being told diagnostic work requires payment with no guarantee of reimbursement.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure and premature wear
Alternators fail prematurely or run hot, sometimes burning through the casing and melting nearby radiator hoses. Owners report the battery light illuminating, sudden loss of power while driving, and complete electrical shutdown. Some replacements occur as early as 2-3 years into ownership or shortly after purchase.
When: Early in ownership (months to a few years); one owner reports failure shortly after purchasing the vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: battery warning light illuminates; burning smell (burnt plastic); sudden loss of power while driving; electrical shutdown; vehicle dies without warning; melted radiator
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement cost cited as $300 out-of-pocket; one owner reports $876 for alternator, serpentine belt, and tensioner replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners cite 450,000+ recalls for alternator issues in 2010-2013 models; however, Dodge representatives claim many VINs are not included in the recall. One customer service supervisor was reportedly dismissive of warranty claims.
Transmission electronic shift lever failure (recurring)
Shift lever fails to engage or disengage properly, leaving the vehicle stuck in park or unable to shift into park. The problem recurs even after dealer repair. In one case, an exposed live wire under the front passenger airbag was initially suspected but later ruled out; subsequent diagnostic tests revealed ABS failure, and the vehicle remained unrepaired after three dealer visits.
When: Various mileages reported: 81,000 miles in one case; 24,166 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: fails to shift into park; fails to shift out of park; gear shifter will not lock into desired position; loud clonking noise from transmission
Repairs/costs cited: One owner purchased new transmission shifter modular and PCM ($4,200 estimated) after independent mechanic diagnosis; another case required dealer visits but parts were unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train); owners report parts unavailable for extended periods and dealers unable or unwilling to complete repairs. One owner was told to file a 'STAR PROCESS REQUEST' after multiple calls with no resolution.
Vehicle rolls away from park position (transmission/park mechanism failure)
Parked vehicle rolls backward or forward without the driver touching the accelerator. Occurs with transmission in park, engine on or off. Three separate incidents reported by one owner within short timeframe. One incident resulted in serious injury (vehicle dragged driver 50 feet and rolled over embankment).
When: While parked; incidents occur within minutes to a couple hours after parking
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolls away despite being in park; vehicle moves backward without driver input; no warning indicators illuminated (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve body replaced in one case (manufacturer-initiated after factory rep involvement); other cases not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case involved factory rep coordination with transmission manufacturer; most cases did not receive manufacturer response. Campaign 16V240000 referenced in some complaints.
Transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving
Transmission drops into neutral without driver input while vehicle is in motion at highway and city speeds. Vehicle coasts and becomes uncontrollable. After pulling over and turning off the engine, the vehicle will not restart immediately; the brake pedal feels locked. This problem is intermittent and unpredictable, occurring multiple times per week at speeds ranging 35-70 mph.
When: At various driving speeds; one owner experienced it on highway at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shifts to neutral without driver action; vehicle coasts; brake pedal feels locked after pulling over; delayed restart; no check engine light in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; one owner states dealership claimed a proprietary sensor may need replacement but could not identify the part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; one dealership performed software update with no lasting effect
Sudden loss of engine power and stalling while driving
Engine loses all power without warning while vehicle is in motion, forcing the driver to coast to safety. Stalling may occur at various speeds (35-65 mph). Restarting can be difficult or immediate, and the problem may recur. Warning indicators (check engine, lightning bolt, battery) may or may not illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle dies while parked.
When: During normal driving; variable speeds
Symptoms owners cite: sudden complete loss of power; engine stalls without warning; check engine light may illuminate; red lightning bolt symbol with parentheses appears (electrical warning); vehicle coasts to stop; difficult restart or delayed restart
Codes mentioned: P0741 (torque converter stuck off), P1DC7-00, P215C-00, P1DB6-00, U1412-00, P1915-00, U0002
Repairs/costs cited: No clear repairs completed in most cases; one owner mentions fuel pump replacement by dealership; transmission replacement recommended in some independent diagnoses
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case numbers in at least one instance with offer of rental vehicle and repair assistance, though vehicle was not repaired. Most cases show no manufacturer engagement.
Torque converter stuck (P0741 code); transmission jerking and loss of acceleration
Torque converter sticks in off position (code P0741), causing jerking, surging, and loss of power. Vehicle decelerates and jerks forward. Check engine light illuminates. Mechanics indicate transmission replacement is necessary, though owners dispute this based on low mileage (72,000-75,000 miles).
When: At 72,000–75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: jerking and surging forward; loss of power/acceleration; check engine light illuminates; difficulty accelerating; engine rattling noise
Codes mentioned: P0741
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics recommend full transmission replacement; owners report costs they cannot afford; one owner reports being told by dealer that parts were proprietary and sensor could not be identified without paying for diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number and offered rental vehicle and repair assistance in one case; vehicle was left at dealer for evaluation but not repaired or returned
Hard steering (power steering loss) and brake failure while driving
Power steering becomes difficult or locks up while vehicle is in motion, coinciding with loss of braking ability. One incident occurred at 35 mph, causing the driver to veer right, accelerate uncontrollably, and crash. Another occurred at 55 mph. Loss of steering and brake function creates serious safety hazard.
When: During normal driving at highway speeds (35–55 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: power steering becomes hard/locks up; loss of braking ability; vehicle veers to one side; loss of power steering warning indicator may illuminate; brake pedal becomes very hard to depress
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one incident resulted in hospitalization
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) and Campaign 17V435000 (Electrical System) referenced in narratives; no repairs completed in cases reviewed
Engine stall with power steering and electrical system failure
Engine stalls while power steering warning illuminates. Vehicle will not restart on first attempt; requires sitting for a period before restarting. Additional electrical issues occur: vehicle will not shut off normally, requiring battery removal. Gear shifter fails.
When: During normal driving at 40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: engine stalls while driving; power steering warning illuminates; delayed restart; vehicle will not shut off; electrical system malfunction; gear shifter fails
Repairs/costs cited: Owner avoided diagnostic fee at dealership; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 17V435000 (Electrical System) applies; dealer advised contact to schedule appointment
Electrical system malfunction: erratic warning lights and loss of power
While driving, various warning lights flash, battery and low voltage indicators illuminate, radio shorts out, and vehicle loses power and steering. Transmission shifts from park into another gear independently. Vehicle coasts and crashes into another vehicle. Multiple electrical warnings displayed.
When: After vehicle is started and put in motion; approximately 79,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: battery and low voltage warnings illuminate; multiple warning indicators flash; radio shorts; loss of power and steering; transmission shifts from park to another gear independently; vehicle crashes into another vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; no diagnosis or repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) and Campaign 16V352000 (Air Bags) apply; parts distribution disconnect noted—parts not available
Loss of performance and rough idle after M30 emissions recall
After M30 emissions recall (position valve/internal temperature diagnostics) is performed, owner experiences persistent loss of power, loss of fuel economy (23 mpg city drops to 15 mpg city), and rough idle/shudder at idle. Owner has taken vehicle to dealership multiple times since December 2012 with no resolution. No error codes are generated despite visual evidence of the problem.
When: Consistently since M30 recall performed in October 2012
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power/performance; loss of fuel economy; rough idle; shudder at idle; inability to pass confidently on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visits produce no fix; owner states the problem remains unfixed despite multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: M30 recall (emissions recall) performed; no post-repair support documented
Timing chain failure or lockup
Timing chain locks up or snaps, causing engine stall and loss of power while driving. Vehicle displays warning lights and the gear shifter becomes locked in park. One owner reports Mopar issued a campaign recall for over 50,000 vehicles for timing chain issues, but his vehicle was denied coverage due to mileage and non-first-owner status. Another owner attempts to turn on a main street when the issue occurs.
When: At various mileages; one case mentions vehicle had too many miles for recall coverage
Symptoms owners cite: timing chain locks up or snaps; engine stalls; loss of power while driving; warning lights illuminate; gear shifter locked in park
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports Mopar refused timing chain coverage under campaign recall; no repairs completed in cases reviewed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar campaign recall issued for over 50,000 vehicles but reportedly denied coverage to owner citing mileage and non-first-owner status
PCM (powertrain control module) failure or malfunction
PCM fails, causing various electrical and engine control issues. One independent mechanic diagnosed PCM module failure; a dealer then diagnosed throttle body cleaning as the issue and installed PCM software, but the failure recurred. Another case involves PCM corruption from alternator malfunction. In one case, after recall repair, check engine and transmission warning lights illuminate and vehicle cannot exceed 20 mph.
When: At various mileages; one case at 126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: PCM module failure; engine stalls without warning; rattling noise from underneath vehicle; check engine light; transmission warning lights; vehicle cannot exceed 20 mph after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: PCM software installed by dealer; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 16V240000 mentioned in one case; PCM reprogramming campaigns (December 2019, January 2016) referenced in narratives
Transmission sensor failure (rear passenger and driver speed sensors)
Speed sensors on the transmission fail, preventing the vehicle from shifting gears properly. Check engine light illuminates. After independent mechanic repairs the sensors, the failure recurs.
When: At approximately 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: unable to shift gears; check engine indicator illuminates; failure recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Rear passenger and driver speed sensors replaced; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no documented response
Transmission overheating and fluid issues (sealed transmission design)
Sealed transmission design makes it impossible for owners to adjust fluid levels to prevent transmission freezing or locking. Transmission overheats, producing horrible burning smell. Shifting becomes erratic, particularly after extended stops in traffic. Check engine light illuminates with P0208 code.
When: Occurs mostly in city driving after extended stops at traffic lights
Symptoms owners cite: horrible burning smell from transmission; erratic shifting; transmission overheating; fluid level cannot be checked or adjusted
Codes mentioned: P0208
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Electrical wiring defect (chafed bare wires causing shutdown)
Bare, chafed wires in the engine harness near the fuse box short out while vehicle is driving, triggering multiple fault codes and causing the engine to shut down suddenly. Occurs while driving at 55 mph; owner barely manages to pull over before engine dies and will not restart.
When: During normal driving at 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: all engine power suddenly lost; engine dies and will not restart; multiple OBD fault codes triggered (37 different codes)
Codes mentioned: 37 different OBD codes (specific codes not listed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified and repaired chafed bare wires in harness; repair corrected problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; dealer completed repair
Gearshift cable disengagement (column shifter vehicles)
Gearshift cable becomes disengaged from steering column mounting bracket, causing incorrect transmission gear position display. Chrysler issued a recall for 20,283 2006-2009 Charger and Magnum and 2012 vehicles built with police package and column shifter, but owner reports the same issue exists in 2012 non-police models and Chrysler and dealership refuse to fix under the original recall.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: gearshift cable disengages from steering column; incorrect transmission gear position display
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 2009 exists but reportedly not applied to 2012 non-police models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for 2006-2009 models and 2012 police package exists; dealership and Chrysler refused to apply to 2012 non-police model
Hard transmission shift and axle misalignment (early in ownership)
Vehicle exhibits hard shifts when moving between park, reverse, neutral, and drive gears. Loud popping sound heard during shifting. Diagnosis reveals a bad axle not fitting properly in the vehicle. Occurs within 6 months and under 2,500 miles on a brand-new vehicle, suggesting manufacturing defect.
When: Within 6 months of purchase and under 2,500 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: hard shift between gears; loud pop sound during shifting; axle not fitting properly
Repairs/costs cited: Axle requires replacement; dealer diagnosis indicates manufacturing defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Engine overheating (coolant system failure due to oil contamination)
Vehicle overheats to 264 degrees while driving at 55 mph, with owner smelling burnt oil. Inspection reveals the coolant reservoir hose is completely sucked in and the coolant reservoir is filling with oil. Dealership inspection finds metal shavings and debris in oil pan, necessitating complete engine replacement.
When: While driving at 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: engine overheats to 264 degrees; burning oil smell; coolant reservoir hose sucked in; coolant reservoir filling with oil; metal shavings and debris in oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Transmission issues post-recall repair (check engine and transmission warning lights)
After transmission repair under NHTSA Campaign 16V240000, check engine and transmission warning lights illuminate and vehicle cannot be driven over 20 mph. Dealership diagnosis is unknown. Manufacturer was notified.
When: Immediately after recall repair; at 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illuminates; transmission warning light illuminates; vehicle cannot exceed 20 mph; transmission failure diagnosis unknown
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train); manufacturer notified but no documented resolution
Transmission unable to shift gears; ABS malfunction after diagnostic attempts
Vehicle unable to shift gears with jerking motion at 55 mph. Multiple dealer visits result in contradictory diagnoses: first attributed to exposed live wire under passenger airbag, then to ABS failure. Vehicle remains unrepaired after three dealer visits. Owner given run-around by manufacturer who refuses to help beyond suggesting vehicle be taken to dealer.
When: At approximately 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: unable to shift into park; jerking motion while driving; loud noise from transmission; transmission fails to function
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle remains unrepaired after three dealer visits; parts availability issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 16V240000 applies; manufacturer instructed owner to take vehicle back to dealer multiple times; owner reports receiving 'run-around' and told to file 'STAR PROCESS REQUEST'
Vehicle unable to accelerate at low speed
When depressing the accelerator pedal at 10 mph, vehicle fails to accelerate. Vehicle was taken to dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At low speed (10 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle fails to accelerate despite pedal being depressed
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Abnormal noise and acceleration failure
Abnormal noise emits from front of vehicle, and vehicle fails to accelerate. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At 49,000 miles and 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal noise from front of vehicle; vehicle fails to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification or response documented
Instrument panel flickering and transmission jerking (battery issue or deeper electrical failure)
While driving at 45 mph in reverse, instrument panel illuminates intermittently and vehicle jerks. Dealer attributes problem to battery and replaces it; however, failure recurs.
When: At 81,000 miles and 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: instrument panel flickers intermittently; vehicle jerks in reverse; failure recurs after battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response
Electronics shutdown and transmission shift-to-park malfunction while driving
Vehicle electronics shut off while driving, preventing acceleration. Vehicle then shifts to park on its own in middle of street. Vehicle will not turn on without jump start and will not shift properly. Idle is rough before vehicle shuts off.
When: During normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: electronics shut off while driving; unable to accelerate; transmission shifts to park on its own; vehicle will not start without jump; will not shift properly; rough idle before shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Lifter failure is causing metal shavings from the cam to fall into the engine block and cause the engine to fail. This is a known problem with these cars and nothing is being done about it by the manufacturer.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 57 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 30,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 66,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.