2012 Dodge Charger engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
23 owners have reported engine problems with the 2012 Dodge Charger, 29% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 133,535 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 23
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 1
- Median mileage
- 133,535 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 22 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor | 1 |
Engine complaints across Dodge Charger years
Mileage when the problem appeared
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. 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.
What owners say
- Filed Jan 26, 2025CABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11638645 · source - Filed Sep 12, 2024140,000 miTXTowedEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11614286 · source - Filed Jul 3, 2024170,000 miPAEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11598587 · source - Filed Jun 4, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11592404 · source - Filed Jun 2, 2024TNDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
Was just driving and the engine just cut off now it want start. I carried it to a certified mechanic he said the motor locked up. He also said it's common for this 3.6 to do this. Something about stuff getting in the engine and causes the bearings to mess up and the pistons.
NHTSA complaint #11591963 · source - Filed Feb 15, 2024TXEngine
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
NHTSA complaint #11572263 · source - Filed Jul 12, 2023NYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
I am experiencing the same issue as identified with NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11525511, June 5, 2023. Dodge has a known issue with the wiring for the fuse for the a/c located in the front PDC. Technical Service Bulletin NUMBER: 08-040-14 REV. A. On or around June 2020, I took my 2012 Dodge Charger to my local dealership during the COVID pandemic for an issue with my AC not working. I had the car inspected by numerous mechanics who indicated there was an issue with the fuse for the…
NHTSA complaint #11531762 · source - Filed Feb 14, 2023CAFireElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11507318 · source - Filed Aug 29, 2022KSEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11481855 · source - Filed Aug 7, 2022CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
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…
NHTSA complaint #11478077 · source - Filed Oct 2, 2021WAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11435186 · source - Filed Sep 28, 2021147,957 miSCEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11434649 · source
Other 2012 Dodge Charger problem areas
- Electrical System (32)
- Airbags (14)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (13)
- Steering (12)
- Brakes (11)
- Other / Unknown (7)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (4)
- Wheels & Tires (3)
- Suspension (3)
- Lighting (3)
- Visibility & Wipers (2)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
- Body & Structure (1)
- Seats & Seat Belts (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology