How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

NHTSA lists 139 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Challenger, which is 55% of the 253 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical system?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls covering the electrical system: campaign 17V435000 for electro-hydraulic power steering related electrical issues, and 14V634000, which covers alternator replacement, both reported by Chrysler.

Did the 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical problems cause fires?

NHTSA complaint data for this year records 4 fires and 2 injuries linked to the electrical system, along with 1 crash.

At what mileage do 2012 Challenger electrical failures typically happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component on the 2012 Challenger is 55,000 miles.

How does the 2012 Challenger compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2012 model's 55% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than most other years listed, including 2010 (23%), 2015 (25%), and 2016 (23%), though close to 2011 (53%) and 2013 (59%).

2012 Dodge Challenger Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 139 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, 55% of all complaints filed for the year, with 4 fires and 2 injuries reported. Two related alternator recalls (17V435000, 14V634000) address part of the pattern. Median mileage at failure was 55,000.

Electrical System complaints: 139; 55% of 253
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 55,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden alternator failure that drains and damages the battery, sometimes recurring after replacement.
Some report smoke or fire starting near the battery, wiring harness, or cigarette lighter, in a few cases fully engulfing the vehicle.
Headlights and instrument panel lights flicker or dim when the brakes are pressed, and high beams or one side's low beam sometimes fail to illuminate.
Power windows fail to auto-drop when opening the door, or roll down on their own after the driver walks away, requiring a reprogramming procedure.
Owners report intermittent airbag warning lights and cruise control failures that required repeated dealer visits.
Some vehicles experienced a full electrical shutdown, including loss of power windows, brake lights, and trunk release, after warning lights flashed.

When 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 28, 2011, latest Oct 6, 2025.

139 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2025 Q4; peak 2014 Q4 (16).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Dodge Challenger

NHTSA 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. 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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
NHTSA 14V634000Oct 8, 2014Electrical System435,081 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Electrical System complaints by Challenger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201068 (23%)
2011103 (53%)
2012139 (55%)
2013106 (59%)
201465 (44%)
201531 (25%)
201618 (23%)
201716 (33%)
201831 (41%)
201919 (32%)
20208 (40%)
20214 (21%)
20221 (11%)
20236 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Challenger?: NHTSA lists 139 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Challenger, which is 55% of the 253 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical system?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls covering the electrical system: campaign 17V435000 for electro-hydraulic power steering related electrical issues, and 14V634000, which covers alternator replacement, both reported by Chrysler.
Did the 2012 Dodge Challenger electrical problems cause fires?: NHTSA complaint data for this year records 4 fires and 2 injuries linked to the electrical system, along with 1 crash.
At what mileage do 2012 Challenger electrical failures typically happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component on the 2012 Challenger is 55,000 miles.
How does the 2012 Challenger compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2012 model's 55% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than most other years listed, including 2010 (23%), 2015 (25%), and 2016 (23%), though close to 2011 (53%) and 2013 (59%).