2012 Dodge Challenger

Do not drive

Owners filed 253 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

188 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 53,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System115
142
Air Bags43
403
Power Train16
000
Engine14
031
Unknown or Other12
100
Steering10
000
Seat Belts7
101
Service Brakes6
000
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator6
000
Structure › Body5
100

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 20191,413,222 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module18V021000Do not drive
Filed Jan 9, 2018328,177 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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/Regulator17V435000
Filed Jul 10, 2017442,214 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module16V352000Do not drive
Filed May 24, 20164,648,270 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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/Regulator14V634000
Filed Oct 8, 2014435,081 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Bags13V118000
Filed Apr 3, 2013119,497 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Feb 23, 2026211,015 milesCA

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 replaced. The contact stated that the starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.

Power Train
Filed Feb 23, 2026211,015 milesCA

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 known issues associated with the transmission valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 6, 2025140,000 milesMI

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 wiring. Additionally, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. Additionally, the contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V018000 (Air Bags) and 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted for the recall repair, but no assistance was provided. The used car dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 23, 2025150,000 milesTX

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 of fuel on the driveway by the rear driver’s side tire. The check warning light was then illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. There was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent local dealer for a second opinion, and it was determined that an unstated seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2024MD

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 that the transmission is bad.

Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 2024FL

While backing into my driveway garage I heard a loud bang and my car's transmission lost its linkage to the drive shaft. The car rolled forward regardless of shifting the car in park, reverse, neutral, drive, etc. I had to stop the car with my brakes and then park the car with my emergency brake enabled to stop the car from rolling on its own. A driver could easily be killed by not reacting right to the car when it loses its driving shaft. The driver yoke looks like it could be part of the problem. The car is currently at the transmission repair shop for repair and a safety investigation.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 4, 2024WA

Air bag failure indicator is on after other clock spring related issue (radio volume increases when steering wheel turns) started. Air bags no longer appear to be in working order after apparent click spring failure. Part has not been replaced to confirm.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 12, 2024KY

My car has come to a complete halt several times when I pressed the gas trying to get onto the speedway it will just have no power to it like it’s in neutral and I will have to hurry up and get over to the side and turn it back into park and then back into drive and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power won’t even work. It’s an electric. and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should alternator all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power. Siri won’t even work. It’s an electrical nobody can get anything to fix it and now we’re out of state and it broke down again. It is so dangerous recently, the belt came off of it while I was driving and it caused liquids to explode and almost caused fire

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 2023140,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2022ID

Car randomly stalls while driving. Does NOT show CHECK ENGINE light, nor have any codes been recorded as checked by dealer obd reader. 2 Dodge Dealerships unable to diagnose because of no codes. Both dealerships claim they have not heard of this problem before I appeared. I saw in online forums that other owners have been dealing with this issue since at least 2011, so it appears the manufacturer is ducking their responsibility.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2022TX

2012 Challenger SRT8 TIPM is this issue and there is no recall for this, while it should due to being a major part of the electrical system that controls all aspects of the safety system. Also now I am being told Dodge does NOT make this part any longer....how is that possible. This IS a recall for other Dodge models, why not mine

Electrical System
Filed Dec 27, 2021CA

Window keeps going up and down fixed it at the shop the door lock actuator is the problem had passenger side fixed now the driver side is doing it which is draining my battery seems like a lot of cars have this issue

Engine
Filed May 21, 2021125,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 2021130,000 milesNJ

MY CAR KEEPS GOING FROM 60 OR HOWEVER FAST I'M DRIVING TO SMOKING TIRES AND MY CAR IS HALTED CAUSING ME TO ALMOST WRECK WAY TOO MANY TIMES.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 2021IN

THIS WOULD BE THE 3 OR 4 TIME WITH THIS ISSUE AND I HADE TO REPLACE PART AND FIX IT. DRIVER SIDE SMART WINDOW STOPS WORKING IT WON'T GO DOWN WHEN OPENING DOOR CAUSING YOU TO FORCE DOOR OPEN AND NOW DOOR CAN NOT CLOSE CORRECTLY

Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 202171,567 milesWA

THE WINDOW SENSORS GO OUT AND ALL OF THE CONTROLS AT THE STEERING WHEEL. WINDOWS STOP ROLLING UP ON THEIR OWN SO CLOSE THE DOOR AND LEAVES 1/4INCH GAP. SOMETIMES STAYS ALL THE WAY UP SO WINDOW HITS DOOR JAM. DOES THIS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTROL WON'T WORK, TURN SIGNALS WON'T WORK. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND TRIED HARD RESET SND THAT DIDN'T WORK. SOMETIMES THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN AND THEN JUST STOP AGAIN. TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 202065,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME SHE TURNED OFF HER VEHICLE SHE HAD TO UNPLUG HER BATTERY BECAUSE THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE SMART SWITCH IN HER WINDOWS. THE WINDOWS DID NOT COMPLETELY CLOSE AND AS A RESULT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVERHEATED THE VEHICLE AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FREEDOM CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BY ED MORSE 815 E CAMP WISDOM RD, DUNCANVILLE, TX 75116 888) 331-8981 AND THEY SAID TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WITH CONTACT HAVING TO BUY NEW BATTERIES TO BE ABLE TO START HER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER GAVE THE CONTACT A CASE NUMBER AND REFERRED HER TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 9, 2020160,903 milesNV

LEFT CYLINDER HEAD WAS REPLACED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY AT 144,XXX OCT 18 2018. CYLINDER HEAD WAS REPLACED AGAIN UNDER THE SAME WARRANTY AT 160XXX SEPTEMBER 2020. AFTER REPAIR DEALER STATED THAT THE RIGHT HEAD HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. CHRYSLER AUTHORIZES 9 HOURS OF SERVICE LABOR FOR DIAGNOSIS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY X56 . THE WARRANTY ALSO AUTHORIZES REPLACEMENT OF THE RIGHT HEAD COVER AND GASKET IF REQUIRED. WHEN I BROUGHT UP THIS FINE PRINT TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT CHRYSLER WOULD NOT COVER ANYTHING ELSE. IT TOOK CALLING FOR OVER A MONTH STRAIGHT FOR THEM TO FINALLY AUTHORIZE THE WARRANTY WORK BASED ON THE UPDATED 2014 BULLETIN THAT ADDED THE RIGHT SIDE TO THE WARRANTY.I WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET 2000$ TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME IT WASNT. I AGREED TO PAY AND THEY REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR IN. I ASKED THEM TO PUT IT IN WRITING THAT THEY WOULDN'T COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY AND I WAS TOLD I WAS NOT WELCOME THERE. I AM A DISABLED ARMY VETERAN AND I USE DRIVING AS MY THERAPY. MY CAR HAS BEEN NON OP FOR OVER A MONTH NOW. NOW THAT CHRYSLER HAS VERIFIED EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID THE WHOLE TIME IT'S TOO LATE BECAUSE NOW THE DEALERSHIPS AROUND TOWN WONT TOUCH THE CAR BASED ON THE BELIEF CHRYSLER WONT COVER IT. CHRYSLER SAID TO ME TONS OF TIMES THAT I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT TOOK THEM FINDING THE UPDATED BULLETIN. I DONT BLAME THE DEALERSHIPS I BLAME CHRYSLER. HOW CAN YOU REPLACE ONE HEAD AT 1

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 15, 202013,000 milesTX

DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN. WILL DO IT ANYTIME, DOESN'T MATTER IS THE CAR IS RUNNING OR NOT. POSSIBILITY OF GETTING STOLEN OR MAYBE THE DOOR WILL OPEN WHILE IN MOTION. HAPPENING AS I TYPE THIS...

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 202070,000 milesGA

AS I HAD GOT OFF FROM WORK TODAY AND INTO MY CAR I NOTICED MY REVIEW MIRROR HAD FALLEN OFF. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE HEAT IS THE REASON IT CAME OFF. HOWEVER, I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN CONYERS, GA AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD BRING THE CAR IN WITH THE ISSUE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT THERE AS I WAS ONLY A COUPLE MINUTES FROM THERE. WHEN I GET THERE SHE TELLS ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET MY REVIEW MIRROR FIXED. I WAS TIRED AND FRUSTRATED. I NOW CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR AND I HAVE TO BE TO WORK. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE FIXED QUICKLY AS I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF DODGE AND HAVE EVERY INTENTION ON BUYING MORE VEHICLES FROM YOU.

20 of 253 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202341200Routine
20229200Routine
202119210Routine
202020110Routine
201959330Routine
201875420Routine
201749320Routine
201678220Routine
2015126630Routine
2014149550Do not drive
20131795100Do not drive
2012 — this page253680Do not drive
2011193680Do not drive
2010299740Do not drive
2009133740Do not drive
200810310Do not drive

Compare every Challenger year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.