DODGE CHALLENGER · model year

2012 DODGE CHALLENGER

336 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012DODGECHALLENGER carries 336 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 8 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 CHALLENGER is electrical system with 131 filings, followed by air bags (47) and engine (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2012 CHALLENGER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

336
Complaints
19
Crashes
8
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

336 filings

Crashes Reported

19 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM131
AIR BAGS47
ENGINE25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
STEERING19
POWER TRAIN15
SERVICE BRAKES9
SUSPENSION8
SEAT BELTS8
STRUCTURE:BODY7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR7
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3

Recalls (6)

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2

19V01800015/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 t

17V43500010/07/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 o

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

14V63400008/10/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 vehicle

13V11800003/04/2013

AIR BAGS

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

Recent Complaints

20251006AIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20251006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20251006ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20250123FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 150,000

20240924ENGINE

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.

20240920POWER 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 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.

20240604AIR 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.

20240412ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20240412FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20240412STEERING

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

20231220POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20231220TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20220919ENGINE

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.

20220627SERVICE BRAKES

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

20220627ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20220627SUSPENSION

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

20211227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20210521ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 125,000

20210430SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20210430ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 130,000

Compare 2012DODGECHALLENGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER have?
The 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER has 336 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 8 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER?
Yes, the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER?
The most-complained component for the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 131 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ENGINE.
Is the 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.