Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
The contact owns a 2012 DODGE CHARGER. The contact stated that a fluid leak would circulate through the engine block. Due to this failure, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall out without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and each time the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that there were 2 recalls on his vehicle NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V197000(SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that his vehicle was then towed to the dealer for repair; however, the contact was informed that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacture was notified of the failure and have not given him an update. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 160,000.
My insuramce claim is [redacted]. [redacted] afternoon. My car was parked on hill parking lot. I put on drive, was getting ready to leave and go home. Car has no acceleration, start sliding down while i stepped on gas. So I stepped on brake and no brake, car kept sliding downhill and hit another subaru. Nothing worked then I stepped on e brake and saved my life. My car computer has a malfunctioning.This car and accident has causes me so much emotional stress, i was shaking up and i will not ever get into that car again. Please contact me [redacted] . Id like you guys to get into my car computer box to tell me what caused my car out of control before i take my car to dodge.
I have called the dealerships in Fresno Ca and Clovis Ca asked them to check out my car because of all the recalls that were done by them I'm having problems with it or had to replace it again. I also told them since it was a recall and they supposedly repaired it I wanted them to check into it to see if the wrong was done because anyone could falsify a document I was turned away from both dealerships. I have receipts for parts I have replaced that were recalled, as diagnostics tests. This has been going on since 2022 one after another and then affects other parts I even asked them to do a software update for the electronic monostable gear they said no.
Brake Light, ABS Light, and Traction Control Light lit up on dash. Took car to dealership and the issue was diagnosed as a faulty ABS module. This is MOPAR part 68160269AB, which is discontinued. I was also told that there were no after-market options, and that programming a used one might not work. So I have no option to get ABS functionality for my car. I am willing to pay for the part and labor to get this repaired, and Dodge is not even giving me the option.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle in front suddenly stopped and rear ended another vehicle as the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that he test drove the vehicle previously to purchasing and was informed that the brakes were just serviced as the reason for the brakes being slow to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that during the test drive the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision repair shop. The contact stated that he sustained bruising on the rear of the leg that required no medical attention. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the all recalls had been completed on the vehicle. …
Leaving work I noticed my radio suddenly turned off, display showed power saver mode. I contacted my husband by cell phone and he advised me to stop driving it because there had been reports of fires, crashes and loss of control. I was turning on to my street and I lost control of steering, brakes, and all power in the car. I was coasting to park and noticed that there was smoke coming out from under the hood. My husband came down to look at the vehicle and could not turn vehicle on at all. Now, I drive our car to and from work, a 15 minute trip 6 days a week. We regularly keep our vehicle serviced. This car is coming on a 2 year anniversay and I have paid for a new battery, parts/labor and diagnostic test. Dealership says that my car is safe to drive but the alternator is making a noise and that it can last from 6 months to a year or die a week from now. How dramatic is that? …
Complaint concerning: NHTSA preliminary evaluation #pe14022 on Saturday 9/13/14 I was driving home from the store on a residential road going 35 miles per hour and my vehicle began to flash the ABS light. Then the emergency brake light began to flash, the touch screen went blank. My radio and A/C shut off, the windows would not roll down. The mileage meter read 0, than started to read miles up to 80 miles per hour. I lost power steering, and the power brakes!! My car was 100% inoperable!!! I tried to coast to the side of the road, almost hitting several motorist and pedestrians as I had not control over the breaks!!! My daughter and I were almost killed b/c I was unable to stop or steer and almost had a head on collision!! I coasted to the side of the road, when my car completely died!! Would not recognize the key, could not open the trunk, etc. …
We had a catastrophic failure of the alternator which nearly caused a wreck with my entire family (infant daughter was in car at the time when the high heat came on and windows locked not allowing us to turn heat off or get out for a minute) while we were driving back home and had to have the vehicle towed and get it fixed at the dealership earlier this year around January. Now the air bag warning light is staying on constantly, and as of 3 days ago (08/21/2016) the radio stops working and yesterday (08/23/2016) the ABS & traction control lights came on and will not go off now (at 60 MPH that's scary when your family is with you and brake warning lights and airbag lights come on!!!!!!!). …
I bought my Dodge Charger in 2 years ago for a recall on the alternator p60. My car has been giving me problems wow. Little things here and there. Then a few months ago the car shut off while I was driving and after a few minutes and turned itself back on. Which is part of the recall for the p60. It's been sitting in my driveway for a few months now but I finally called Dodge because a friend of mine told me that alternator in my car is a p60 so maybe they forgot to do the recall they brought the car in and there was a mix-up. So I went over the Dodge and I got paperwork for the day and they show that they swapped my alternator out with a p 60. So why would they swap my alternator out with a defective one? But they won't do anything about it they told me that's not the recalled one but it is I have a p602aa alternator in my car. …
I had he exact same alternator failure as described by the Dodge Charger p60 recall. I was on the highway going about 60mph when my radio and front panel flickered, then cut off for a few seconds before coming back on. My traction control and ABS lights stayed on. About a minute later, I lost power and my car completely stalled. I was able to drift to the center lane before coming to a complete stop. This was frightening because it was dark outside, it's a poorly lit road and of course I had no electricity to turn on my hazard lights. With no way to pop the trunk, I had to crawl into it via the back seat to grab flares (luckily I had some-most people don't). I was almost struck by several cars during this time. Alas, the tow truck came and I was taken to a safe location. The average quote from mechanics in the dc area is about $800. The dealership wants $970. …
Brake complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Dodge Charger, 7% of the model year's 648 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › hydraulic › actuator (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Charger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.