AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2012 Dodge Charger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 19V018000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 648 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Dodge Charger, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and engine categories. 14 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 219 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2018 | 5 | 526 |
| Jan 2019 | 2 | 528 |
| Feb 2019 | 4 | 532 |
| Mar 2019 | 6 | 538 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 539 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 540 |
| Jun 2019 | 5 | 545 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 548 |
| Aug 2019 | 3 | 551 |
| Sep 2019 | 4 | 555 |
| Oct 2019 | 6 | 561 |
| Nov 2019 | 3 | 564 |
| Dec 2019 | 5 | 569 |
| Jan 2020 | 7 | 576 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 577 |
| Mar 2020 | 5 | 582 |
| Apr 2020 | 3 | 585 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 586 |
| Jun 2020 | 2 | 588 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 590 |
| Aug 2020 | 4 | 594 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 595 |
| Nov 2020 | 3 | 598 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 600 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 601 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 602 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 603 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 604 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 605 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 606 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 607 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 608 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 609 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 610 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 611 |
| Aug 2022 | 4 | 615 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 616 |
| Nov 2022 | 2 | 618 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 619 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 620 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 622 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 623 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 625 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 626 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 627 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 629 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 630 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 631 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 632 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 634 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 636 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 638 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 640 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 642 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 643 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 644 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 645 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 646 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 647 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 648 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical35939.5%
- Airbags11112.2%
- Engine9610.5%
- Powertrain (other)647.0%
- Steering535.8%
- Driver assistance535.8%
- Exterior lighting525.7%
- Brakes465.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
14 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Vehicle rollaway, engine on
On April 22, 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automotive US LLC, (FCA) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in unattended vehicle rollaway with the engine running in approximately 811,586 model year (MY) 2012 to 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles and MY 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 8-speed transmissions and a monostable gear selector (NHTSA Recall #16V-240, FCA Recall #S27). According to FCA's DIR, The existing strategies built into these vehicles to deter drivers from exiting the vehicle after failing to put the transmission into PARK have not stopped some from doing so. Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.The vehicles recalled by FCA are equipped with Monostable electronic (shift-by-wire) gearshift assemblies supplied by ZF Group (see Figure 1).The subject Monostable shifter has a single neutral position that it snaps back to when the driver releases the shift knob.Although the Monostable gearshift has the familiar appearance of a conventional console mechanical gearshift assembly, it has an unfamiliar movement that does not provide the tactile or visual feedback that drivers are accustomed to receiving from conventional shifters.Consequently, the driver must take additional time to verify that the desired gear position was achieved by checking the PRNDL display on the shift knob or the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display.
Alternator failure
On July 22, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-022 to investigate 14 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of alternator failure resulting in engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles.The MY 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles were sold with three different engine options:1) 3.6L V6 (VIN8 = G), 88,766 vehicles; 2) 5.7L V8 (VIN8 = T), 38,615 vehicles; and 3) 6.4L V8 (VIN8 = J), 2,406 MY 2012 vehicles.The 14 VOQs identified in the PE14-022 opening resume involve 13 vehicles with 3.6L V6 engines and 1 vehicle with unknown engine (no VIN provided).In an October 7, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler described a safety defect condition that could result in rapid alternator failure having limited or no detection in approximately 434,581 MY 2011 through 2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines and 160 amp alternators (NHTSA Recall No. 14V-634, Chrysler P60).The subject alternators are used in vehicles equipped with 3.6L V6 engines and without towing packages.According to Chrysler, the silicone diodes in the alternator rectifier bridge may experience thermal fatigue due to cyclic loading from the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) system, eventually resulting in no output, reduced output, or a fully shorted to ground condition.These failure modes vary in their time to failure and warning to the driver.Depending on the failure mode and timing, system voltage may drop to critically low levels, disabling systems such as the Anti-lock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control, Engine Control Module/Central Body Controller, or a total vehicle electrical system shut down (in the event of a short to ground failure mode).Analysis of complaints to ODI and Chrysler identified a total of 146 incidents of alternator failure resulting in engine stall while driving in MY 2011 through 2012 Dodge Charger vehicles, including 142 involving vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 engines (1.6 IPTV) that were included in 14V-634 and 4 involving vehicles with 5.7L V8 engines (0.1 IPTV), which are equipped with different alternators.Analysis of all alternator failure complaints found that approximately 48 percent of VOQs and 21 percent of Chrysler complaints involved allegations of engine stall.Many (98) complaints reported fire and/or smoke, but analysis of these determined that they involved thermal damage to the alternator diode and did not identify any incidents involving damage beyond the alternator assembly.One VOQ identified in the opening resume for PE14-022 alleged a crash, but further evaluation determined that this involved a minor rear-end impact with slight bumper damage.This investigation is closed based on Chrysler's decision to conduct a safety recall.The VOQs associated with this investigation are:10641479,10641366,10641349,10642017,10640770,10640687,10640553,10639692,10638810,10638356,10638175,10638143,10637460,10633806,10633304,10632943,10632006,10631704,10631613,10631420,10631088,10630991,10630854,10630844,10630108,10629623,10629603,10628228,10628150,10627941,10627342,10626452,10626254,10625962,10622385,10622340,10621603,10620961,10619481,10618950,10618948,10618539,10618476,10618334,10618081,10618107,10616834,10616461,10616456,10615754,10615719,10606580,10605090,10604958,10597295,10592085,10588675,10587141,10562463,10559730,10511407
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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 it’s 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 it’s my job to pay for the diagnostic fee for the airbag light/getting it fixed.
- NHTSA ID
- 11739394
- Incident
- May 21, 2026
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11713568
- Incident
- Jan 20, 2026
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11701383
- Incident
- Nov 12, 2025
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)
- NHTSA ID
- 11695547
- Incident
- Oct 18, 2025
Can not put car into park i have took it to normals dealership and referred to me that it's a recall issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11687977
- Incident
- Aug 11, 2025
My vehicle has been experiencing electrical issues causing my radio to cut off and my car to cut off and lose power while driving. When the car is moving and loses power it's causes the vehicle to shift into neutral.
- NHTSA ID
- 11657915
- Incident
- Apr 26, 2025
Says that my car is simply just dead smells like gas when trying to start up and shakes but doesn’t start up
- NHTSA ID
- 11640008
- Incident
- Jan 31, 2025
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 diagnostics tests. This has been going on since 2022 one after another and then affects other parts I even asked them to do a software update for the electronic monostable gear they said no.
- NHTSA ID
- 11638645
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
SERVICE BRAKES
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
SERVICE BRAKES
PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG - SIDE CURTAIN
SUSPENSION
LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
EQUIPMENT
LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2022 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 65.0 |
| 2021 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2020 | 57 | 3 | 0 | 63.8 |
| 2019 | 120 | 5 | 1 | 61.6 |
| 2018 | 122 | 6 | 1 | 55.1 |
| 2017 | 127 | 4 | 1 | 55.1 |
| 2016 | 182 | 6 | 1 | 58.7 |
| 2015 | 135 | 8 | 2 | 59.6 |
| 2014 | 343 | 10 | 2 | 63.9 |
| 2013 | 359 | 8 | 2 | 62.4 |
| 2012Viewing | 648 | 14 | 3 | 64.1 |
| 2011 | 694 | 11 | 2 | 63.6 |
| 2010 | 232 | 6 | 1 | 58.2 |
| 2009 | 174 | 6 | 2 | 57.2 |
| 2008 | 609 | 5 | 2 | 58.8 |
| 2007 | 554 | 5 | 4 | 58.6 |
| 2006 | 1,293 | 5 | 4 | 55.9 |
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1987 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1986 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1985 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1984 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 7 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.