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2012 Dodge Challenger problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Dodge Challenger has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 253owner complaints
- 11crash reports
- 8fire reports
- 8injuries reported
The most complained-about Dodge Challenger year on file: 253 complaints, against an average of 73 for the other 11 model years.
Every Dodge Challenger model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
The components named most often in the 253 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Dodge Challenger owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 253 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Dodge Challenger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?36 owners · 14.2%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?20 owners · 7.9% · Recall 19V018000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?16 owners · 6.3%
- Why does the battery keep dying on my 2012 Dodge Challenger?14 owners · 5.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?8 owners · 3.2%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Dodge Challenger engine?8 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2012 Dodge Challenger been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Is the 2012 Dodge Challenger recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: In the event that the airbag is activated excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the vehicle occupants and / or in worst cases a fatality. The concern is caused by moisture in the air getting past faulty seals and being absorbed by the pyrotechnic biscuits in the inflator. As a result it is more likely to occur sooner in areas of high humidity and high temperature difference.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the passenger front air bag module which includes the inflator.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: The front passenger airbag inflator (PAB) may contain propellant that could possibly degrade over a period of time. This may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed which may result in injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a deployment event.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator assembly.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: Passenger air bag may deploy incorrectly if activated.
Fix: Replace the passenger air bag inflator.
UK DVSAVehicle electronic systems may malfunction
Risk: On vehicles with Uconnect 8.4 screen radio the computer-controlled electronic systems may be at risk of unauthorized and/or unlawful access which may affect vehicle behaviour.
Fix: Update software on affected vehicles
EU Safety GateThe airbag could rupture when activated, leading to fragmentation of the airbag parts.These small parts could be projected towards the driver/occupants, potentially causing serious or even fatal injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025
EU Safety GateA defect in the gas generator of the passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated.As a result, small metal particles can be released, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in…A fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in small metal particles being released, which might injure the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA fault with the alternator can result in the failure of the electrical systems and cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2012 Dodge Challenger owners report?
12 of the 253 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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)…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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
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
SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE AND STATE INSPECTION FAILURE. *TR
ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IT'S HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ON A CITY STREET WITH A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. THE ROAD WAS DRY. NO INDICATIONS THAT THE CAR WAS HAVING AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THAT. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE BELT I DON'T HEAR A SOUND. I'VE ASKED SEVERAL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS AS BEING A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HIT THE CURB AND PEDESTRIANS ON THE SIDEWALK. THERE HAS TO BE A RESOLUTION BECAUSE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS DEFECTIVE, AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO AN ANTIFREEZE LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PREMIER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (13000 I-10 SERVICE RD, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70128) WHERE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE LEAK REPAIRED, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS WARRANTY WOULD NOT BE HONORED. AFTER THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS TURNED OFF, IT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AGAIN…
MY DOOR LATCH AND ALTERNATOR THAT ABOUT IT AND MY STRUTS
2012 Dodge Challenger: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Dodge Challenger reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Challenger; the most common categories were electrical system (138, 54.5%), air bags (47, 18.6%), engine (25, 9.9%). There are 6 safety recalls. 11 complaints mention a crash, 8 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?
Across 253 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (54.5% of complaints), air bags (18.6% of complaints), engine (9.9% of complaints), steering (7.5% of complaints), power train (6.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Challenger; the most recent (campaign 19V018000, 2019-01-15) concerns Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module. 3 recalls carry a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Dodge Challenger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
36 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (14.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11616231, September 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?
20 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (7.9%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 4 related recalls exist: campaign 19V018000 (air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module). The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11592384, June 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?
16 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (6.3%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11407298, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the battery keep dying on my 2012 Dodge Challenger?
14 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (5.5%) describe a dead or draining battery. One owner wrote: "Subject: door smart glass self cycling and/or battery drain the door smart glass feature cycles on its own which leads to battery drain. the condition typically occurs when the vehicle is parked and the ignition key is off." (NHTSA complaint 11190351, March 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Dodge Challenger?
8 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (3.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11485372, September 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2012 Dodge Challenger engine?
8 of the 253 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Dodge Challenger (3.2%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "I was driving home from work. my 2012 dodge challenger rt stalled and shut off. while driving 70 mph on the interstate. i had the car towed home. sent to the dealership. they did diagnostic tests. told me the car had jumped timing." (NHTSA complaint 11266901, October 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Challenger
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.