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2012 Dodge Challenger Problems & Owner Complaints

253 NHTSA owner complaints
11 crash 8 fire 8 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~16.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 14 Dodge Challenger years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Dodge Challenger, cited in 138 of 253 filed complaints (55%).

Air Bags is next (47 complaints, 19%), followed by Engine (25), Steering (19), Power Train (17).

Across all complaints, 11 report a crash, 8 report a fire, 8 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 6 crash, 4 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 253.

Electrical System 138 1 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EMIT SMOKE OUT OF THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WITH A DIME LODGED IN THE HOLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER SAFELY TO ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO POUR SODA ON THE FLAMES ALONG WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO NO AVAIL. HOWEVER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER…”
NHTSA complaint #11302281, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TRACKTION LIGHT CAME ON(LITTLE CAR WITH TIRE TRACKS) THEN DEAD, WON'T HOLD A CHARGE.EXCACT SAME THING IS HAPPING TO THOUSANDS. ALTERNATOR REPLACED @ DODGE/$1,000. THERE'S A RECALL, (P60) 2011-2014/DODGE CHALLENGER'S THE ALTERNATER 160 AMP IS DEFECTIVE! SO WHY DID I HAVE TO PAY???? BECAUSE (THEY) ARE ONLY REPLACING THEM ON 3.6 L ENGINES NOT 5.7 L LIKE MINE!SO I GUESS IT'S ONLY DEFECTIVE WHEN U HAVE A SMALLER ENGINE? I PAID MORE$ FOR MY ENGINE SO I GUESS THEY THINK A DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR IS GOING TO SOME HOW WORK? WELL IT DOSNT! MY QUESTION IS DID THEY PUT THE NEW AND IMPROVED ALTERNATOR ON M…”
NHTSA complaint #10983835, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“FIRE: ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 MY CAR WAS IDLING OUTSIDE MY SISTERS HOUSE WHEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE TRUNK, WE RAN AND GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND THE BATTERY AND WIRING HARNESS BURNT. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND HENDRICKS HOVER DODGE TO GET IT REPAIRED. FIRST THEY COULDN'T FIND MY CAR FOR A BOUT A WEEK, THEN THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE DON'T THIS FRIDAY AND SINCE THEN I HAVE RECEIVER 2 SALES CALLS TRYING TO GET ME TO TRADE IN MY 2012 DODGE. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN AND WHY HAS IT BEEN AT HENDRICKS SINCE JANUARY 22 AND STILL NOT FIXED.”
NHTSA complaint #11072712, 2017 · fire

Air Bags 47 6 crash 4 injury

“INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION,THE OTHERS DRIVE WAS ON OUR SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT US HEAD ON , THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND SENT ME INTO THE DASH BOARD ALONG WITH THE DRIVER , I SUSTAINED SEVERE WHIPLASH AND SO DID THE DRIVER WE WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND I AM NOW J SERGIO G PHYSICAL THERAPY DUE TO THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, THE CAR WAS INVOLVE IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT WEEKS LATER WHERE THE CAR WAS HIT TWICE INTENTIONALLY AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY THEN EITHER .”
NHTSA complaint #10794550, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FLASHED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CORE AND AIR BAG AND CLEARED THE FAILURE CODE. DURING THE SECOND REPAIR, THE DEALER REPLACED A LOOSE WIRE AND THE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FLASHING WARNING SENSOR INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V…”
NHTSA complaint #10631510, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S FACE STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN A FRACTURED NOSE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10494591, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 25 3 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SMOKE FUMES STARTED TO EMIT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE LOST HER VOICE DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10679041, 2015 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“LEFT CYLINDER HEAD WAS REPLACED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY AT 144,XXX OCT 18 2018. CYLINDER HEAD WAS REPLACED AGAIN UNDER THE SAME WARRANTY AT 160XXX SEPTEMBER 2020. AFTER REPAIR DEALER STATED THAT THE RIGHT HEAD HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. CHRYSLER AUTHORIZES 9 HOURS OF SERVICE LABOR FOR DIAGNOSIS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY X56 . THE WARRANTY ALSO AUTHORIZES REPLACEMENT OF THE RIGHT HEAD COVER AND GASKET IF REQUIRED. WHEN I BROUGHT UP THIS FINE PRINT TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT CHRYSLER WOULD NOT COVER ANYTHING ELSE. IT TOOK CALLING FOR OVER A MONTH STRAIGHT FOR T…”
NHTSA complaint #11363648, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE WAS DETECTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND FLAMES WERE DETECTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWE…”
NHTSA complaint #11245469, 2019 · fire

Unknown Or Other 20 1 crash

“I TIRED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GET OUT WHILE IT WAS RUNNING. BECAUSE OF THE SHIFTIER DESIGN IT WENT TO 'R' AND NOT PARK CAUSING THE CAR TO START REVERSING AS I WAS GETTING OUT. I WAS ABLE TO JUMP BACK IN AND HIT THE BREAKS BUT THE CAR DOOR HIT THE GARAGE WALL AND MESSED UP NOT ONLY MY CAR DOOR BUT THE WALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10950381, 2017 · crash

“MY CAR KEEPS GOING FROM 60 OR HOWEVER FAST I'M DRIVING TO SMOKING TIRES AND MY CAR IS HALTED CAUSING ME TO ALMOST WRECK WAY TOO MANY TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11414597, 2021

“AS I HAD GOT OFF FROM WORK TODAY AND INTO MY CAR I NOTICED MY REVIEW MIRROR HAD FALLEN OFF. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE HEAT IS THE REASON IT CAME OFF. HOWEVER, I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN CONYERS, GA AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD BRING THE CAR IN WITH THE ISSUE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT THERE AS I WAS ONLY A COUPLE MINUTES FROM THERE. WHEN I GET THERE SHE TELLS ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET MY REVIEW MIRROR FIXED. I WAS TIRED AND FRUSTRATED. I NOW CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR AND I HAVE TO BE TO WORK. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE FIXED QUICKLY AS I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF DODGE AND HAVE EVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11339206, 2020

Steering 19 1 crash

“2012 DODGE CHALLENGER GOING 10 MPH IN PARKING LOT, TURNING RIGHT INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, AND STUCK ITSELF AT FULL THROTTLE SPEED, BRAKES FAILED, POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR HIT AND WENT UP ON CONCRETE BARRIER. BOUNCED BACK, STALLED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10487955, 2012 · crash

“My car has come to a complete halt several times when I pressed the gas trying to get onto the speedway it will just have no power to it like it’s in neutral and I will have to hurry up and get over to the side and turn it back into park and then back into drive and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power won’t even work. It’s an electric. and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should alternator all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on…”
NHTSA complaint #11582712, 2024

“ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IT'S HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ON A CITY STREET WITH A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. THE ROAD WAS DRY. NO INDICATIONS THAT THE CAR WAS HAVING AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THAT. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE BELT I DON'T HEAR A SOUND. I'VE ASKED SEVERAL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS AS BEING A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HIT THE CURB AND PEDESTRIANS ON THE SIDEWALK. THERE HAS TO BE A RESOLUTION BECAUSE TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11312288, 2020

Power Train 17

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the starter, throttle body, and transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.”
NHTSA complaint #11719962, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics and was advised that there were known issues associated with the transmission valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,015.”
NHTSA complaint #11719969, 2025

“While backing into my driveway garage I heard a loud bang and my car's transmission lost its linkage to the drive shaft. The car rolled forward regardless of shifting the car in park, reverse, neutral, drive, etc. I had to stop the car with my brakes and then park the car with my emergency brake enabled to stop the car from rolling on its own. A driver could easily be killed by not reacting right to the car when it loses its driving shaft. The driver yoke looks like it could be part of the problem. The car is currently at the transmission repair shop for repair and a safety investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11615645, 2024

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Service Brakes 9 1 crash

“2012 DODGE CHALLENGER GOING 10 MPH IN PARKING LOT, TURNING RIGHT INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, AND STUCK ITSELF AT FULL THROTTLE SPEED, BRAKES FAILED, POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR HIT AND WENT UP ON CONCRETE BARRIER. BOUNCED BACK, STALLED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10487955, 2012 · crash

“2012 Challenger SRT8 TIPM is this issue and there is no recall for this, while it should due to being a major part of the electrical system that controls all aspects of the safety system. Also now I am being told Dodge does NOT make this part any longer....how is that possible. This IS a recall for other Dodge models, why not mine”
NHTSA complaint #11471169, 2021

“MY CAR KEEPS GOING FROM 60 OR HOWEVER FAST I'M DRIVING TO SMOKING TIRES AND MY CAR IS HALTED CAUSING ME TO ALMOST WRECK WAY TOO MANY TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11414597, 2021

Seat Belts 8 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S FACE STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN A FRACTURED NOSE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10494591, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE AND STATE INSPECTION FAILURE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11328490, 2020

“PASSENGER SEAT BELT KEEPS LOCKING UP WHEN DRIVING HAVE TO UNCLIP IT TO RELEASE”
NHTSA complaint #11182126, 2018

Suspension 8 2 crash 3 injury

“INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION,THE OTHERS DRIVE WAS ON OUR SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT US HEAD ON , THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND SENT ME INTO THE DASH BOARD ALONG WITH THE DRIVER , I SUSTAINED SEVERE WHIPLASH AND SO DID THE DRIVER WE WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND I AM NOW J SERGIO G PHYSICAL THERAPY DUE TO THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, THE CAR WAS INVOLVE IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT WEEKS LATER WHERE THE CAR WAS HIT TWICE INTENTIONALLY AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY THEN EITHER .”
NHTSA complaint #10794550, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER AND DOOR WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND RIB INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CASTING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10519825, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2012 Challenger SRT8 TIPM is this issue and there is no recall for this, while it should due to being a major part of the electrical system that controls all aspects of the safety system. Also now I am being told Dodge does NOT make this part any longer....how is that possible. This IS a recall for other Dodge models, why not mine”
NHTSA complaint #11471169, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 7

“I INITIALLY GOT MY ALTERNATOR CHANGED BY MY OWN MECHANIC BEFORE THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THE ALTERNATOR. THEN SOME TIME LAST YEAR 2018 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS. WHILE MY CAR WAS AT DODGE THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THE RECALL ON MY ALTERNATOR STILL HADN'T BEEN CLEARED SINCE I NEVER CHANGED IT WITH DODGE SO I WAS LIKE WHAT THE HECK WHY NOT JUST GET A BRAND NEW ONE THROUGH DODGE THIS TIME WHILE THEY'RE REPAIRING WHATEVER NEEDED TO BE DONE WITH MY AIR BAGS. FAST FORWARD TO JULY OF 2019 I TOOK MY CAR IN TO DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR SOME SHAKING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK AND FOR THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11254881, 2019

“DRIVING AND THE POWER SURGED, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON, NONE OF MY GAUGES WORKED AND STEERING FELT EXTREMELY LOOSE. HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE LAST SUMMER TO GET THIS FIXED L. AND NOW TWO MONTHS SINCE IT FINALLY WENT SOUTH AND HAVE STILL BEEN WAITING. WONDERFUL JOB BY THE COMPANY.”
NHTSA complaint #10860733, 2016

“ABOUT 2.5 MILES FROM HOME, MY CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A HUMMING/WHINING SOUND WHEN I WOULD PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR. I BEGAN TO PANIC AND CALLED MY DAD USING THE U-CONNECT BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE SYSTEM. ABOUT 1 OR 2 MINUTES INTO THE CALL, I LOST POWER TO THE RADIO. THEN THE ABS LIGHT AND THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING ON AND OFF. THE ODOMETER STOPPED READING MY SPEED AND ALL NEEDLES ON THE DASH SPIKED THEN FELL FLAT SHOWING NO READINGS AT ALL. AS I CONTINUED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL, I STARTED TO SMELL MELTING/BURNING. I TRIED TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND HAND NO POWER. THE CAR FINALLY DIED WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10702042, 2015

Exterior Lighting 7

“FUSE CONTINUES TO BLOW FOR BRAKE LIGHTS. WHENEVER THE FUSE IS REPLACED AND INSERTED, THE FUSE IS THEN BLOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11175140, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD DIM INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V634000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 6/3/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 7/7/2015*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10701915, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING HOME WITH MY 11YR OLD SON MY CAR STARTED MAKING A HIGH PITCH SOUND. THEN ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED. DUE TO NO ELECTRICAL POWER, I COULDN'T USE MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS. TO PREVENT REAR END CRASH, I HAD TO HAND SIGNAL TO CARS TO GO AROUND. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED AND WAS TOLD THE ALTERNATOR HAD WENT BAD. THE COST FOR PARTS AND LABOR IS 900-1000$. I HAVE NOT HAD THE VEHICLE FIXED. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD THE LIST WAS STILL BEING COMPILED OF VIN'S AFFECTED AND THEY WOULD BEGIN TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS DEC 5TH. CHRYSLER IS…”
NHTSA complaint #10660165, 2014

Structure 7 2 crash 2 injury

“INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION,THE OTHERS DRIVE WAS ON OUR SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT US HEAD ON , THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND SENT ME INTO THE DASH BOARD ALONG WITH THE DRIVER , I SUSTAINED SEVERE WHIPLASH AND SO DID THE DRIVER WE WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND I AM NOW J SERGIO G PHYSICAL THERAPY DUE TO THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, THE CAR WAS INVOLVE IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT WEEKS LATER WHERE THE CAR WAS HIT TWICE INTENTIONALLY AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY THEN EITHER .”
NHTSA complaint #10794550, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM "STOP LIGHT" AT 10 MPH WHEN I PRESSED THE THROTTLE JUST A LITTLE TO PROCEED WITH A SAFE TURN, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING QUICKLY AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND END UP HITTING THE LIGHT POLE. BUT BEFORE ALL THAT MY BUDDY WHO HAPPENS TO BE A CERTIFIED "NISSAN" MECHANIC HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A WEIRD NOISE ON THE ENGINE. SO YEAH, THIS WHAT HAPPENED WITH 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER SXT .( I APOLOGIZE FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ).P.S. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE UNFORTUNATELY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10564502, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO SEPARATE IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER BECK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (256 US-17, PALATKA, FL 32177) DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN WAS SHRINKING THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11065853, 2017

Vehicle Speed Control 6 3 crash

“I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT (45MPH) WHEN THE WHOLE PEDAL JUST SNAPPED. UPON SNAPPING THE ACCELERATOR HUNG UP. CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND GO DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND DAMAGING THE WHOLE CAR .”
NHTSA complaint #11031648, 2017 · crash

“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM "STOP LIGHT" AT 10 MPH WHEN I PRESSED THE THROTTLE JUST A LITTLE TO PROCEED WITH A SAFE TURN, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING QUICKLY AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND END UP HITTING THE LIGHT POLE. BUT BEFORE ALL THAT MY BUDDY WHO HAPPENS TO BE A CERTIFIED "NISSAN" MECHANIC HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A WEIRD NOISE ON THE ENGINE. SO YEAH, THIS WHAT HAPPENED WITH 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER SXT .( I APOLOGIZE FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ).P.S. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE UNFORTUNATELY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10564502, 2014 · crash

“2012 DODGE CHALLENGER GOING 10 MPH IN PARKING LOT, TURNING RIGHT INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, AND STUCK ITSELF AT FULL THROTTLE SPEED, BRAKES FAILED, POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR HIT AND WENT UP ON CONCRETE BARRIER. BOUNCED BACK, STALLED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10487955, 2012 · crash

Visibility 5

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE SMART GLASS DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW INDEPENDENTLY CONTINUED TO GO UP AND DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER (BENSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 400 W WADE HAMPTON BLVD, GREER, SC 29650, (864) 877-0161) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT PART OF THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11103369, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY, TRANSMISSION, AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD CLICKING NOISES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DID NOT ROLL BACK UP IN THE RAIN. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED LANDMARK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF MORROW AT 770-968-4900 (LOCATED AT 6850 MOUNT ZION BLVD, MORROW, GA 30260) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR D…”
NHTSA complaint #11288219, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOW INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,348. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10839730, 2015

Fuel/Propulsion System 3 1 crash 1 fire

“FUEL LEAK: AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP LEAKS WHEN OVER 14 GALLONS IN TANK. CAUSING FIRE TO ROAD, NOT VEHICLE. 62,000 MI WHEN LEAK WAS IDENTIFIED. *DT CONSUMER STATED SAW CRACKS IN THE FIBERGLASS, A TIRE BLOWOUT, WIRE WAS EXPOSED. UPDATED 12/6/18*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11101764, 2018 · fire

“2012 DODGE CHALLENGER GOING 10 MPH IN PARKING LOT, TURNING RIGHT INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, AND STUCK ITSELF AT FULL THROTTLE SPEED, BRAKES FAILED, POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR HIT AND WENT UP ON CONCRETE BARRIER. BOUNCED BACK, STALLED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10487955, 2012 · crash

“My car has come to a complete halt several times when I pressed the gas trying to get onto the speedway it will just have no power to it like it’s in neutral and I will have to hurry up and get over to the side and turn it back into park and then back into drive and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on repairs and my power won’t even work. It’s an electric. and pray that it goes. It doesn’t kick into gear like it should alternator all the time my battery is always a hit or miss. I just spent $1000 on…”
NHTSA complaint #11582712, 2024

Visibility/Wiper 3

“DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT THE DEFECTIVE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG HARNESS IS NOT RECALLED ONLY PASSENGER SIDE? AIRBAG HARNESS WAS DIAGNOSED DEFECTIVE AND IDIOT LIGHT IS ON. BECAUSE THIS IS RT MODEL IT IS OMITTED FROM RECALL??? PLEASE ADD RT MODEL TO RECALL! THANK YOU.”
NHTSA complaint #11171154, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE WITHIN THE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10894193, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS MOVED UP AND DOWN WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' BF”
NHTSA complaint #10818387, 2015

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES FOR BOTH DOORS BEGAN TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO I-5 CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (1560 NW STATE AVE, CHEHALIS, WA 98532) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,699.”
NHTSA complaint #11082183, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOW INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,348. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10839730, 2015

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WHEN I WAS ON THE ROAD CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH MY ALTERNATOR JUST SHUT DOWN”
NHTSA complaint #10764967, 2015

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with passengers inside the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that after further inspection in the morning, the contact became aware of a puddle of fuel on the driveway by the rear driver’s side tire. The check warning light was then illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. There was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent local dealer for a second opinion, a…”
NHTSA complaint #11638006, 2024

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS DEFECTIVE, AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO AN ANTIFREEZE LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PREMIER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (13000 I-10 SERVICE RD, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70128) WHERE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE LEAK REPAIRED, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS WARRANTY WOULD NOT BE HONORED. AFTER THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS TURNED OFF, IT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AGAIN.…”
NHTSA complaint #11290946, 2019

Traction Control System 1

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11561161, 2023

Wheels 1

“THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THUR. AFTERNOON ON THE 6TH. THIS CAR IS IN A ENCLOSED GARAGE THE WHOLE TIME. DRIVE IT ON THE 10TH AND THE BACK PASSENGER WHEEL IS CRACKED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID WE HIT A POTHOLE. COULD NOT HAVE BECAUSE ALL THE ROADS ARE PAVED. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS. THANKS *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10565161, 2014

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2012 Dodge Challenger draws about 16.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 14 among the Dodge Challenger model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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