2012 Dodge Charger: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
High complaint count for lifter/timing-chain, battery-drain and transmission issues; strong powertrains but one of the LD years to scrutinize. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2012 Dodge Charger ranged from $25,595 to $45,925 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
High complaint count for lifter/timing-chain, battery-drain and transmission issues; strong powertrains but one of the LD years to scrutinize.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=charger…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/charger
Known issues
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Engine lifter and timing-chain wear causing ticking, metal debris and in some cases seizure
commonly reported · 85 NHTSA complaints · typically 49k–170k miles · engine
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Electrical faults: parasitic battery drain, alternator failure and recurring blown fuses (TIPM-related)
commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–165k miles · electrical
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Transmission shifts to neutral unexpectedly or cannot shift out of Park; addressed by control-module software updates
commonly reported · 65 NHTSA complaints · typically 35k–109k miles · transmission
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Power-steering pump failure, grinding and intermittent lock-up while turning
occasional · 45 NHTSA complaints · typically 84k–110k miles · steering
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Interior door panels warp and separate under heat, occasionally binding locks or windows
occasional · typically 38k–60k miles · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=dodge&model=charger…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/dodge-charger-reliability-and-common-problems/
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
- Genuinely roomy, comfortable full-size interior with a large trunk
- Available all-wheel drive on V6 models
- Broad engine range from the efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 to 5.7/6.4 and supercharged 6.2 HEMI V8s
- One of the last affordable rear-drive V8 sedans, with strong character and resale on V8 trims
Cons
- High insurance and fuel costs, especially on V8 trims
- Recurring electrical, HEMI lifter and door-panel-warp complaints
- Below-average reliability ranking for the full-size class
- Aging platform with dated infotainment on earlier years
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $25,595 | — | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | — |
| R/T | $29,995 | — | 5.7L HEMI V8 | — |
| SXT | $30,945 | — | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | — |
| R/T Plus | $31,995 | — | 5.7L HEMI V8 | — |
| SXT Plus | $32,945 | — | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | — |
| R/T Road and Track | $33,995 | — | 5.7L HEMI V8 | — |
| R/T Max | $36,195 | — | 5.7L HEMI V8 | — |
| SRT8 Super Bee | $41,625 | — | 6.4L HEMI V8 (392) | — |
| SRT8 | $45,925 | — | 6.4L HEMI V8 (392) | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2012-dodge-charger-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2012&make=Dodge…
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2013&make=Dodge…
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,595). Higher trims started higher (up to $45,925), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/dodge-charger/resale-value
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/charger
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2012 Dodge Charger have?
Documented issue patterns include: Engine lifter and timing-chain wear causing ticking, metal debris and in some cases seizure; Electrical faults: parasitic battery drain, alternator failure and recurring blown fuses (TIPM-related); Transmission shifts to neutral unexpectedly or cannot shift out of Park; addressed by control-module software updates; Power-steering pump failure, grinding and intermittent lock-up while turning. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2012 Dodge Charger reliable?
High complaint count for lifter/timing-chain, battery-drain and transmission issues; strong powertrains but one of the LD years to scrutinize.
How much did the 2012 Dodge Charger cost new?
Between $25,595 and $45,925 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 Charger 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.