2012 Dodge Charger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD R/T AWD, 4dr Sedan AWD Sxt AWD/Sxt Plus AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD R/T/R/T Road And Track/, 4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt/Sxt Plus
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 292–370 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 19 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 200 in
- Curb weight
- 3,962–4,449 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 15 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2012 large car (18.9 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 370 hp, versus about 292 hp for similar 2012 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Dodge Charger is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,449 lb (4dr Sedan AWD R/T AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 30 highway), 22% better than the 2012 large car average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 15 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 513 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 6.4L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Charger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Brampton, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Charger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD R/T AWD | 200 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,449 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan AWD Sxt AWD/Sxt Plus AWD | 200 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,151 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD R/T/R/T Road And Track/ | 200 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,253 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD Se/Sxt/Sxt Plus | 200 in | 75.2 in | 58.3 in | 120.1 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,962 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Charger | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Charger AWD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Charger | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | +1% | $4,000 | 468 |
| Charger AWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -5% | $4,200 | 494 |
| Charger SRT8 | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger.
Similar 2012 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Charger (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (15)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 13, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V739000 · 74,811 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that 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 replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Apr 25, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V240000 · 811,290 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
- Risk
- Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Structure · Jan 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V043000 · 441,578 vehicles
- Problem
- FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured August 23, 2010, to January 7, 2016. When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
- Risk
- A car that falls unexpectedly increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks and instructions for their use, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S03.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 27, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V467000 · 284,095 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 6, 2010, to June 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.
- Risk
- Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R35.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Oct 8, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 4, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V101000 · 43,431 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps. In the affected vehicles, a sub-harness for the headlights may overheat and cause the low beam headlights to go out.
- Risk
- Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.
Air Bags · Apr 3, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V118000 · 119,497 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers · May 2, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V197000 · 119,072 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical System › Wiring · Feb 7, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V042000 · 9,137 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 and 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS OF SOME VEHICLES COULD FAIL DUE TO AN OVERHEATED BULB HARNESS CONNECTOR. OTHER VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP JUMPER HARNESSES AND RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE WITHIN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Jan 6, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V004000 · 303 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 AND THE CHRYSLER 300 SRT8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). AS BUILT, THE TPMS DOES NOT WARN THE DRIVER WHEN A TIRE IS 25 PERCENT BELOW THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE. THE RECALLED VEHICLES NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE REACHES 22 PSI RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED 24 PSI.
- Risk
- UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLEÂS TPMS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 29, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2012 Dodge Charger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Dodge Charger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Electrical System — 258 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 87 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 81 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Charger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Charger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Charger | 267 mi | 206.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 Charger | 20 | 206.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Charger | 308 mi | 206.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 39 |
| 2024 Charger | 308 mi | 198.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2023 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 26 |
| 2022 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 16 |
| 2021 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 35 |
| 2020 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 58 |
| 2019 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 120 |
| 2018 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 122 |
| 2017 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 128 |
| 2016 Charger | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 182 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →