Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2012 Dodge Charger, including Engine And Engine Cooling; Structure; Air Bags › Side/Window. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Charger problems?

Owners filed 648 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (359), air bags (111), engine (94), power train (65).

How much does a 2012 Dodge Charger cost to own for 5 years?

About $40,001 over 5 years ($667/month) at an estimated $10,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 Dodge Charger

The 2012 Dodge Charger earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 50/100. Expect about $40,001 to own it for five years, or $667 a month. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 648 complaints.

Recalls: 14
Complaints: 648
5-yr cost: $40k
MPG (EPA): 21

Weak

Ownership Score

2012 Dodge Charger vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Charger?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

14 recalls may apply

For the 2012 Dodge Charger. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning

What's wrong: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $10,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$40,001

$667/month · $0.67/mile

Depreciation	$2,376
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$9,570
Maintenance	$7,500
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,925
Taxes & fees	$1,630

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

648 complaints20 involved a crash49 involved a fire

Electrical System359
Air Bags111
Engine94
Power Train65
Steering53
Exterior Lighting52

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 4 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 5 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2012 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD

What to check on a used 2012 Dodge Charger

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Dodge Charger problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge Charger a good car to buy?: The 2012 Dodge Charger earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 50/100. Expect about $40,001 to own it for five years, or $667 a month. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 648 complaints.
Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have recalls?: NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2012 Dodge Charger, including Engine And Engine Cooling; Structure; Air Bags › Side/Window. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Charger problems?: Owners filed 648 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (359), air bags (111), engine (94), power train (65).
How much does a 2012 Dodge Charger cost to own for 5 years?: About $40,001 over 5 years ($667/month) at an estimated $10,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.