2012 Dodge Charger Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 113 engine-area complaints for the 2012 Dodge Charger, 17% of all 648 complaints that year. Median mileage at failure is 77,500 miles, and a recall (11V487000) covers engine replacement on affected 2012 models.
- Engine complaints
- 113
- 17% of 648
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 13
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 77,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Alternator failure triggers dashboard warning lights, a burning smell, and smoke from under the hood, sometimes while driving at highway speed.
- Vehicle suddenly loses power or stalls without warning, in some cases while traveling around 60 to 65 mph, forcing the driver to coast to the shoulder.
- Engine compartment catches fire after stalling or after smoke is first noticed, in some cases while the car sits parked or is being towed.
- Owners report a faulty thermostat melting onto the engine, contributing to underhood fires.
- Loud abnormal noise from the engine precedes instrument panel flickering and eventual stalling.
- Some owners tie these failures to Takata/alternator recall notices they received but say were never completed by a dealer.
When 2012 Dodge Charger engine complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 20, 2013, latest Jan 31, 2025.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Charger
- NHTSA 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Engine667 vehicles
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. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
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 by Charger model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Charger engine reliable?
- NHTSA shows 113 engine-area complaints for the 2012 Charger, 17% of all 648 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 77,500 miles.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have an engine recall?
- Yes. Recall campaign 11V487000, reported in September 2011, covers the engine on certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles including the Charger, with a free engine replacement remedy.
- What engine problems do 2012 Charger owners report?
- Owners describe alternator failures with smoke and burning smells, sudden stalling at speed, and underhood fires, some linked to a melted thermostat or unresolved recall work.
- How many fires have been reported for the 2012 Charger's engine complaints?
- NHTSA data tied to this complaint area lists 13 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the reports.
- How does 2012 compare to other Charger years for engine complaints?
- The 2012 Charger's engine complaints are 17% of that year's total, lower than 2010's 30% and 2014's 24%, but higher than later years like 2018's 10% and 2019's 9%.