🚗 AutoDefect IQ

2012 Dodge Challenger problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (91) · Air Bags (37) · Engine (18)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

44 /100
⚠ Known trouble spots — research carefully

Compared against other Dodge Challenger model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 34 complaints <25k 25–50k miles: 48 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 54 complaints 54 50–75k 75–100k miles: 19 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 15 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 10 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 9 complaints 150k+

189 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

253
Complaints
6
Recalls
166
Service bulletins
11
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (6)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 2019-01-15 · campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles ⚠ DO NOT DRIVE

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.

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 Module 2018-01-09 · campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles ⚠ DO NOT DRIVE

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 55

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 2017-07-10 · campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles

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.

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 Module 2016-05-24 · campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles ⚠ DO NOT DRIVE

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, 2006-201

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

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 2014-10-08 · campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles

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.

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 2013-04-03 · campaign 13V118000 · 119,497 vehicles

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.

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.

Service bulletins (166)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Equipment 2023-09-20 · 9100229 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

lifter, hydraulic roller deactivating please do not replace mds lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

Suspension 2023-09-20 · 9100229 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

lifter, hydraulic roller deactivating please do not replace mds lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use

Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use

Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-07-27 · 9100196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

lubrication and maintenance fluids if mopar fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review service library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

Fuel System, Gasoline 2023-06-23 · 0815223 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

fuel pump connector replacement the technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. this bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.

Showing the 6 most recent of 166 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-02-23 · Power Train · 211,015 mi

“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 replace…”

2026-02-23 · Power Train · 211,015 mi

“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 …”

2025-10-06 · Engine · 140,000 mi

“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 fr…”

2025-01-23 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 150,000 mi

“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 t…”

2024-09-24 · Engine

“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. …”

2024-09-20 · Power Train

“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…”

2024-06-04 · Air Bags

“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. …”

2024-04-12 · Steering

“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…”

2023-12-20 · Traction Control System · 140,000 mi

“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 manufact…”

2022-09-19 · Engine

“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 si…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Dodge Challenger years