Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 doge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, warning lights on the instrument panel suddenly displayed and the vehicles speed suddenly began to reduce. The contact indicated the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal and the speed would not exceed 10 MPH. Also while driving, smoke from the air vents was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. While driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a sudden loss of power and the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed. The brake pedal was applied with force, but the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed on the side of the road. The driver sustained injuries to the head, back, arm, chest, and was unconscious. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance for medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy and was uncertain as to which failure May or May not have been related to the collision. …
On 7-14-15, I started my vehicle. As it started, I heard a "ding" noise. I observed on my display two warning lights on. That being the ABS, and electronic stability control (ESC) lights came on. After doing some research, I discovered this May be the result of a speed sensor going out. (this also disrupts use of cruise control.) I contacted my local Dodge dealer, advising them I needed a "front left speed sensor". The service manager said that part is on national backorder. After going back to my main mechanic, he said he talked with his parts dealer about getting the part also for my car. His parts dealer also told him that they were on backorder. (close to 600 on backorder.) this is also when I learned that a speed sensor is not universal. Therefore, a speed sensor for the right rear wheel, won't fit on the front left speed sensor spot. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a rattling noise coming from underneath the vehicle, the contact coasted over to the side of the road and was able to resume driving. The engine stalled without warning, but the vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCM module failed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The dealer installed a PCM software, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
My car was working fine I was heading the freeway acceleration was forced some burnt smell came out of the air vent my traction control light turned on but before I wasn't able to set cruise control aswell I had to pull over to the side I turned my car off turned it on again I tried to accelerate but it seems my brakes were locked 2 days later a massage appear on my odemeter saying something about transmission shifter still can't drive it and it still smells burnt I tried to change gears and my car jumped the car hard
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. While driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to accelerate over 3,500 rpms. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
When starting my car the radio sometimes don't come on. I have to put the car in park shut off the car and restart it in order for the radio to come on. When driving and listening to the radio it goes in and out as if the dj is trying to block out profantiy but that's not the case. Also, when driving and I make a u-turn it feels as if the steering wheel is trying to lock up.
Power steering fails, making it difficult to maneuver hard turns. This has caused me to go off the road and nearly wreck/strike other cars. After much research this is a common issue in these cars. It occurs at city and highway speeds. It's hard to steer at high and low speeds.
Vehicle's ABS and traction control warning lights came on, battery saver mode turned on then off again, radio display screen shut off, RPM's spiked, dash display screen turned white then all power to vehicle shut off.
While I was driving around 20 MPH, my vehicle suddenly began to lose power. The ESC, ABS, etc and check engine light illuminated all at once and I had to quickly get to the side of the road without the use of gas. The gear shift was stuck and the screen on my dashboard informed me that I needed to push the start button to put my vehicle in park. I sat with my children on the side of the road for 10 minutes before the car started again. Lights on dashboard were still on but I was able to get the vehicle to the dealership. They diagnosed it as a faulty tire pressure sensor and some issue with a cylinder not functioning. I paid out of pocket for the cost of repair. A month later, I receive the p60 recall letter and it seems to describe the issue I had. I called the dealership and they made me feel like I was incompetent. …
Acceleration complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2012 Dodge Charger, 3% of the model year's 648 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Charger acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2012 Dodge Charger, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Charger acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.