Most common 2012 Dodge Charger Police problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Charger Police complaints by model year
2012 Dodge Charger Police recalls (1)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Dodge Charger Police:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2012 Dodge Charger Police owners say
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Dodge Charger Police vehicle. While parked at a gas station, she saw smoke coming from the hood. The contact stated she tried to open the hood but the latch was melted and failed to open. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The contact mentioned that the entire front end of the vehicle was damaged due to the fire. A Police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a residence. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V739000 (electrical system). The vehicle was towed to unknown local dealer, where it was investigated by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Why is it that the manufacturer communication for safety in regards to suspension replacement, fuse box(s) rewiring and the braking system are not recalls for the ld Police pursuit models. I'm told by don davis in arlington texas that these are not "recall items" and I would have to pay for these? Even though the Police fleet was taken care of. This, if I were to be injured in a crash/accident will open Chrysler up to a class action lawsuit suit from every model on the street which you know that is a lot. To me and others this is all about money to fix a known problem placing profit/loss above safety which is a the least gross negligence. These problems happen all the time I'm driving this car.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger Police vehicle. While driving, the contact noticed a heavy cloud of smoke. The contact pulled the vehicle over to check under the hood and noticed anti-freeze on the ground. When the contact refilled the radiator with anti-freeze, it would continue to leak out. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called jay malone motors at [phone] (located at 1165 mn-7, hutchinson, mn 55350) and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to have the radiator replaced with an aftermarket radiator. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger Police. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road where the officer attempted to restart the vehicle, but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a county garage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the officer that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the officer to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Steering
Takata recall 2012 Dodge Charger. Driving about 50 MPH then car started jumping. Battery light, brake light, ABS light, traction light came on. Car started to kill. Had to pull off road and could barely turn steering wheel. Keep in mind I have my 2 kids in the car. Tried to jump battery and it stated smoking and jumper cables became really hot. Took out battery and brung it in to get checked. Had to buy a new battery for $220. Brung car to get alternator checked and machine says faulty alternator. Just dropped it off at Dodge certified. Not sure what the outcome will be.
Shop has replaced the power steering pump twice and the power steering still locks up and is hard to turn. This occurs daily on patrol. Vehicle is currently off the road due to this being a safety issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Charger Police a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Charger Police to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Charger Police?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Charger Police have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Dodge Charger Police, the most recent from October 13, 2016 (alternator/generator/regulator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Charger Police problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 27% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.