2012 Dodge Challenger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Dodge Challenger: 6 recalls, 253 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V118000 · 2013 · 119,497 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags May not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V634000 · 2014 · 435,081 vehicles
What's wrong: 6l engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator May suddenly fail.
Why it matters: If the alternator fails, the vehicle May stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V352000 · 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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…
The 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…
Electrical Vehicle recall #17V435000 · 2017 · 442,214 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V021000 · 2018 · 328,177 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V018000 · 2019 · 1,413,222 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to explode.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (138): the most common themes are electrical failure (100), stalls / loses power (35), door / lock issues (25).
- Airbags (47): the most common themes are warning light on (20).
- Engine (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), warning light on (12), electrical failure (5).
- Other / unknown (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (10).
The 2012 Dodge Challenger has 253 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Challenger model years for complaints (2.4× the average Challenger year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (46 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 53,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (193 complaints, 6 recalls), 2013 (179 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Midgrade |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Dodge Challenger.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Dodge Challenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Dodge Challenger. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Challenger problems?
Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (138), airbags (47), engine (25).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Challenger get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Dodge Challenger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.