2012 Dodge Challenger Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Challenger years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 16 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 6 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Challenger. That ranks 2nd out of 16 Challenger model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (138 complaints, 55%), typically at around 55,000 miles. Complaints mention 11 crashes, 8 fires, 8 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
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- 253owner complaints
- 6safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 11complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2012 Dodge Challenger problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 138 | 55% | 55,000 | “side window” (18%) | $840 |
| Air Bags | 47 | 19% | 35,578 | — | — |
| Engine | 25 | 10% | 61,500 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | 8% | 88,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 19 | 8% | 27,850 | — | — |
| Power Train | 17 | 7% | 55,605 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 4% | 68,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 3% | 38,467 | — | — |
| Suspension | 8 | 3% | 5,750 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 7 | 3% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 3% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 7 | 3% | 36,039 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 2% | 45,289 | — | — |
| Visibility | 5 | 2% | 36,348 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 1% | 32,600 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 1% | 80,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 1% | 42,524 | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 0% | 43,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 0% | 150,000 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 0% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 0% | 140,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 0% | 31,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2012 Dodge Challenger recalls (6)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not drive
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not drive
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not drive
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Air bags
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter, throttle body, and transmission needed to be…
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics and was advised that there were…
The contact leased a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with melted…
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with passengers inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that after further inspection in the morning, the contact became aware of a puddle…
The transmission stalled after driving it for 4000 miles. The car has 9 codes associated with the anti lock brakes, electric power steering, and transmission control. The car is available for inspection. This car creates an unsafe condition for the driver whose anti lock brakes fail, and the fact…
Other Dodge Challenger years
← 2011 Challenger · 2013 Challenger →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Challenger | 43 | 2 |
| 2022 Challenger | 9 | 2 |
| 2021 Challenger | 19 | 2 |
| 2020 Challenger | 20 | 1 |
| 2019 Challenger | 59 | 3 |
| 2018 Challenger | 75 | 3 |
| 2017 Challenger | 49 | 3 |
| 2016 Challenger | 78 | 1 |
| 2015 Challenger | 126 | 5 |
| 2014 Challenger | 149 | 4 |
| 2013 Challenger | 179 | 5 |
| 2012 | 253 | 6 |
| 2011 Challenger | 193 | 6 |
| 2010 Challenger | 299 | 7 |
| 2009 Challenger | 133 | 7 |
| 2008 Challenger | 10 | 3 |
See all Dodge Challenger problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
Owners most often report electrical system, air bags, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 138 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2012 Dodge Challenger a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Challenger model years, the 2012 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.