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.
2012 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
severe 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
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 16 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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.