2012 Dodge Challenger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

The worst year for the modern Challenger’s TIPM electrical failures, random stalling and no-starts are widespread, plus Takata airbag recalls. Approach with caution. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2012 Dodge Challenger ranged from $25,195 to $44,125 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

The worst year for the modern Challenger’s TIPM electrical failures, random stalling and no-starts are widespread, plus Takata airbag recalls. Approach with caution.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Known issues

Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years.

widespread · 369 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn.

occasional · 68 NHTSA complaints · steering
Door windows and lock actuators cycle up and down on their own (reported across 2010-2017 cars), draining the battery overnight.

commonly reported · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=challen…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Comfortable long-distance cruiser ride.
Strong V8 performance (R/T 5.7, SRT8 392 6.4) plus a much-improved 3.6L Pentastar V6 from 2011.
Roomy, practical cabin and a big trunk for a coupe.
Distinctive retro styling.

Cons

High insurance costs on the performance trims.
Poor fuel economy, especially from the V8s.
Soft handling, heavy curb weight and limited rear visibility.
Serious electrical reliability problems centered on the TIPM (random stalling and no-starts).

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SXT	$25,195	discontinued	—	—
R/T	$29,995	discontinued	—	—
SRT8 392	$44,125	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2012-dodge-challenger-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $650–700/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/challenger

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2012 Dodge Challenger have?

Documented issue patterns include: Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure, random stalling while driving, crank-no-start, fuel-pump and ignition faults. The defining electrical defect of these years; Electronic power steering can stiffen or momentarily lock while driving, making the car hard to turn; Door windows and lock actuators cycle up and down on their own (reported across 2010-2017 cars), draining the battery overnight. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2012 Dodge Challenger reliable?

The worst year for the modern Challenger’s TIPM electrical failures, random stalling and no-starts are widespread, plus Takata airbag recalls. Approach with caution.

How much did the 2012 Dodge Challenger cost new?

Between $25,195 and $44,125 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Dodge Challenger expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.