Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Oct, 2022 my car did not shift out of park so I googled my car and the problem, So it said it was my monostable shifter modular. I towed it to A Transmission mechanic and they did a full body diagnostic test and I was told all I needed was to buy a new transmission shifter modular and a PCM to get my car running again. I did not have the $ 4,200 for them to fix my car so I had it towed back home. Now as of today my car is not running still because of the transmission shifter modular and PCM I bought brand new Installed myself and for some odd reason the electrical started flickering as if maybe the wiring is wrong or something. …
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she saw steam exiting the hood. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact stated she continued to see steam exiting from the engine. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine was misfiring and the ignition wire for cylinder #2 to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,957.
The contact's husband owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0016 (Cam and Crank shafts signals error). The vehicle was taken to the residence where the cam shaft and oil sensors were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: P01; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
My 2012 Dodge Charger was bought used and it had been recently repaired and recalls performed on it. (The dealership was nice to point that out to me.) in Dec 2020 Wa. state. I have had nothing but problems with it. About a month later I had smelled smoke. I had my car scanned and it said camshaft needed to be replaced. So I did. It has stalled and seized up without warning. I was only going 40 miles an hour when the steering went hard( could not move or control it) The dashboard went black and I tried to pull it to the shoulder. The engine was still on. I would put the gas on ... but it had died. There was one other vehicle on the road at that time following me. He went around just in time. This not only happened once but two times. Since the car was a dodge i went to that dealership. A couple of times telling then the problem. They just wanted to scan the vehicle for $85.00 PER SCAN. …
Having lifter failure on 2012 Dodge Charger srt8 6.4 mds hemi Loud ticking noise coming from passenger side head, can be heard in the engine bay but even more so from passenger side wheel well. Complete loss of power or bucking with any real kind of acceleration. No misfires also still idles smooth. Threw back pressure sensor code P0471. Was told by dodge it was warped exhaust manifold. Had full exhaust system replaced including all sensors just to be safe (3g$). Got car back still ticking but even louder now. Took car to non dealership and the mechanic said immediately that's lifter noise. VVT was pulled and checked for metal (it was present). Was told it's suggested to replace entire motor and with absolutely no help from dodge. …
I purchased a 2012 Dodge Charger shortly after tha it just stopped working. It was perfectly fine and then it just wouldn't start. It only turned on to accessory mode. The lights ,radio,ac, ect. turned on but the vehicle did no. The brake pedal was very hard couldn't be pushed down. On the dashboard a red lightning bolt symbol with two parentheses appeared. I got it towed the dealership send the problem was the battery and the key fob. I picked it up it was fine and then a few days later while driving on the highway it suddenly started to lose power and completely stopped. same red lightning bolt symbol appeared.I barely made it to the side of the road. I had my son with me. It was a very scary situation our lives were in danger as well as the other drivers behind me because of the sudden decrease in speed. I had to get it towed for the second time. …
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.
A licensed mechanic did a diagnostic test and the code P1DB7 came up. The reason for calling the mechanic was after driving my car the next day it didn't want to start, there was recalls already repaired apparently yet the code states that it's a Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM). there's still an electrical problem TPMS is still not reading the computer system correctly is just not right therefore it's not reading anything correctly. the original control arms w/ball JT including the steering column is all bad and will cause a wreck or someone killed caused of the instability.
Had catastrophic engine failure at 100k miles doing 70mph. I believe it was timing chain failure. Replaced the engine with a refurbished engine and now have the exact same problem. It seems like the MDS system is the main cause for this to keep happening so why isn't this a recall issue. These engines are not cheap to replace
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, Dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and Jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from August 31, 2011, through September 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 18, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Dodge Charger, 15% of the model year's 648 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Charger engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-487 (engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Charger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 12 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.