Reliable Auto DB

2012 Dodge Challenger reliability

Is it reliable?

Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Challenger over 15 years — 19 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Challenger years here — over the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has 6 recalls on file, including Inflator, Alternator, and Air bags.

2012 Dodge Challenger
Photo by Pierre André Leclercq, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

253

Per year

19

Recalls

6

Years on the road

15

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (138 of 253), then Air bags (47) and Engine (25). Those filings include 11 that report a crash, 8 that report a fire, and 7 that report an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Challenger has 179 complaints, 20 per year. The 2012 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Dodge Challenger. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (6)

Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2019-01-15 · NHTSA campaign 19V018000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2018-01-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V021000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2017-07-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2016-05-24 · NHTSA campaign 16V352000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall electrical system, alternator 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Air bags 2013-04-03 · NHTSA campaign 13V118000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (253 total)

Electrical system
138
Air bags
47
Engine
25
Steering
19
Powertrain
17
Service brakes
9
Seat belts
8
Suspension
8
Electronic stability control (ESC)
7
Exterior lighting
7
Structure
7
Speed control
6
Visibility
5
Fuel and propulsion system
3
Visibility and wipers
3
Latches, locks, and linkages
2
Adaptive and mobility equipment
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Parking brake
1
Traction control
1
Wheels
1
Show 13 more Show less
Crash-flagged

11

Fire-flagged

8

Injury reports

7

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

12011102012122013352014462015272016402017292018262019112020520212202212023420242202522026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-02-23
  • "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…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-02-23
  • "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…"
    Electrical system, Air bags, Engine · filed 2025-10-06
  • "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…"
    Fuel system, gasoline · filed 2025-01-23
  • "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…"
    Engine · filed 2024-09-24

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Challenger 5.7L, 8-cyl Manual 6-speed Rear-wheel drive 15 23 18 MPG $4450
Challenger 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 18 27 21 MPG $3100
Challenger 5.7L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 16 25 19 MPG $3900
Challenger SRT8 6.4L, 8-cyl Manual 6-speed Rear-wheel drive 14 23 17 MPG $4700
Challenger SRT8 6.4L, 8-cyl Automatic 5-speed Rear-wheel drive 14 23 17 MPG $4700

Specs and fitment

LC generation (3rd gen), 2012–2023
Body styles Coupe
Oil 5W-20 full synthetic (3.6L V6; Hemi V8 uses 5W-20 or 0W-40 per manual) , 7 qt capacity
Tire size 245/45R20 (many trims); staggered setups on wide-body and Hellcat models front / 245/45R20 (many trims); wider rear tires on staggered Hellcat and wide-body trims rear

Known issues for this generation

Recall 18V-280 covers certain 2018 Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Durango, Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, and Ram 1500 vehicles: an incorrect transmission park lock rod may allow the vehicle to move even when the shifter indicates Park. Dealers inspect and replace the park lock rod if needed. Recall 19V-203 covers certain 2019 Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles whose instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings; dealers update the instrument cluster software.

Compare

Next year 2013 Dodge Challenger See every Dodge Challenger model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Challenger over 15 years — 19 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Challenger years here — over the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has 6 recalls on file, including Inflator, Alternator, and Air bags.

What are common problems with a 2012 Dodge Challenger?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (138 of 253), then Air bags (47) and Engine (25). Those filings include 11 that report a crash, 8 that report a fire, and 7 that report an injury.

Is the 2012 Dodge Challenger more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Challenger has 179 complaints, 20 per year. The 2012 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2013.

Has the 2012 Dodge Challenger been recalled?

The 2012 Dodge Challenger has 6 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

Owners have filed 253 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Challenger with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Dodge Challenger get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Dodge Challenger is 18.4 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

When did Dodge stop making the Challenger?

The LC Challenger was built through the 2023 model year for the US market.

What oil does a Dodge Challenger with the 3.6L V6 take?

US notes list 5W-20 full synthetic for the 3.6L V6; Hemi V8 grades can differ (5W-20 or 0W-40 per the manual).

What tire sizes does a Dodge Challenger use?

Many trims list 245/45R20; wide-body and Hellcat models use staggered setups that differ front to rear.