2012 Dodge Charger Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 94about this part
- Share
- 15%of 648 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 94 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Dodge Charger, 15% of the 648 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 12 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving it and all of the sudden it shut down and I couldn't push the breaks and it started to smell like burnt wiring badly and I was in the middle of the road and ended up having to push it on to the side of the road and then leave it were it died for 2 days until finally I got ahold of a tow truck and now its sitting in my drive way dead.”
NHTSA complaint #11361040, filed 2020-09, 104,000 miles“I have an engine light took it to the mechanic, the oil sensor was changed 2 times, the check engine light was deleted twice and still come back on, as result I cant use the remote started and even the dealer don't know what to do. Am I the only one with this issue>?”
NHTSA complaint #11320291, filed 2020-04, 106,152 miles“Charger r/t. Battery saver mode came on and shuts off the car while driving. Not possible to restart. Took it to dealer 2months ago for the same issue, but they said everything is ok. It happened again today while I was driving and almost got into an accident. I've found a lot of people online with the same issue. This is very dangerous especially because it happens while in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11012353, filed 2017-08, 46,053 miles“Charge will not shut off. Dash says vehicle not in park, runs for hours and hours. Car is stationary sometimes I can come back anywhere from a few minutes to hours and use push button and turn off. When that fails I remove the relay as far fuse to shut off engine buy battery still runs”
NHTSA complaint #10960082, filed 2017-03, 121,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH, I smelled something burning. My battery light came on and the car shut down. I had it towed to the closest Dodge dealer. The dealership has reported that my alternator, serp belt & tensioner need to be replaced at a cost of $876!!!!! With all the other complaints that are very similar to mine, I feel a recall is in order!!!....updated 07/23/14”
NHTSA complaint #10593284, filed 2014-05, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10212290Mar 6, 2022Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter…
- 10180203Aug 1, 2020No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle
- 10162466May 3, 2019Oil Filter Adapter If replacing Oil Filter Adapter due to oil leak, please be aware a seal kit is available for repair. If replacing due to missing Spring Loaded Check Valve, a…
- 10148691Sep 29, 2015Flash: PCM Software Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers…
- 10144868Mar 31, 2015Idler Pulley Noise During Cold Start This bulletin involves replacing the idler pulley. The customer may describe a loud high frequency noise that happens within 20 seconds of…
- 10148573Jan 7, 2015Idler Pulley Noise During Cold Start This bulletin involves replacing the idler pulley. The customer may describe a loud high frequency noise that happens within 20 seconds of…
- 10055165Feb 1, 2014Dodge/chrysler: see document search button for owner letter. Due to an engine fractured timing chain guide, the timing chain in engine will break and would result in severe…
- 10128948Feb 6, 2013Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 19% |
| 2022 | 3 | 19% |
| 2021 | 3 | 9% |
| 2020 | 6 | 10% |
| 2019 | 10 | 8% |
| 2018 | 11 | 9% |
| 2017 | 18 | 14% |
| 2016 | 25 | 14% |
| 2015 | 24 | 18% |
| 2014 | 61 | 18% |
| 2013 | 50 | 14% |
| 2012 | 94 | 15% |
| 2011 | 77 | 11% |
| 2010 | 48 | 21% |
| 2009 | 32 | 18% |
| 2008 | 89 | 15% |
| 2007 | 82 | 15% |
| 2006 | 388 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge Charger
359 complaintsAir bags
111 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
65 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsExterior lighting
52 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsOther or unknown
38 complaintsElectronic stability control
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Charger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology