CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Dodge Charger has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 648 complaints with NHTSA, including 20 crashes, 49 fires, 16 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (365 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Dodge Charger recalls
Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can build up excessive internal pressure when the driver's airbag deploys, and the inflator may then rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash
The passenger frontal airbag inflator can rupture in a crash that deploys the airbag.
Alternator May Fail Suddenly, Causing Stalls or Fire
Certain vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering and a 3.6L or 5.7L engine, equipped with a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator, may have an alternator that suddenly fails.
Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture over time.
Shifter Can Let Driver Exit While Car Still in Gear
Some of these vehicles may not give an adequate warning when the driver's door is opened while the transmission is not in PARK.
Charger Can Fall When Lifted With Tire Jack
When a Dodge Charger from these model years is lifted with the supplied tire jack and the wheels are not chocked, the body-side sill may give way.
Side Airbags May Deploy Unexpectedly
Some 2011-2014 Dodge Charger vehicles built between May 2010 and June 2014 have side impact sensors that may be overly sensitive.
Most common 2012 Dodge Charger problems
Problem areas named in the 648 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 365 |
| Air Bags | 111 |
| Engine | 94 |
| Power Train | 65 |
| Steering | 53 |
| Exterior Lighting | 52 |
| Service Brakes | 43 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 35 |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 |
What owners report
My airbag light comes on intermittently and when I called the dealership and told them they brushed it off as nothing. My car already had open recalls for the airbag and got fixed but itâs still having the same issues. I had the car since October of 2025 and there was no lights on when I financed it. The car has had 2 airbag related recalls done in 2015, 2019. Is there any way of getting my vehicle fixed by the dealership or manufacturer due to a safety concern of the airbag light randomly coming on. The dealership and manufacturer is claiming out of date for the work and itâs my job to pay for the diagnostic fee for the airbag light/getting it fixed.
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.
Headlight pigtail assembly burned out as described in the 2014 safety recall. 14V-101 / P08 Recall Summary The wiring sub-harnesses for the headlights may overheat, and the low beam headlights may fail. Dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs or the headlight assemblies as needed free of charge to resolve the concern.
While driving my 2012 dodge charger at times it pops out of driving going into neutral. It happens when I'm on the hwy or in town. And the air bags has illuminated on the dash and it is at the dealership, and I was told, I have to pay for everything out of pocket.To replace it, popping out of gear while driving and the airbags. The dealership is not going to warranty anything because it's past. It does it off and on, and I don't know when it's going to happen. Popping in and out of gear. So I took it to the [XXX] 4025 Cleveland Blvd Caldwell Idaho. 83605. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Can not put car into park i have took it to normals dealership and referred to me that it's a recall issue.
2012 Dodge Charger safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 5 (10.1% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 5 (10.1% rollover risk) |
2012 Dodge Charger questions
Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge Charger: Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash; Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash; Alternator May Fail Suddenly, Causing Stalls or Fire; Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments; Shifter Can Let Driver Exit While Car Still in Gear. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Charger?
Based on 648 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (365), Air Bags (111), Engine (94).
How safe is the 2012 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Dodge Charger up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Dodge Charger has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.