Problems · by component

2012 Dodge Charger electrical system problems

359 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Charger cite electrical system, 55% of all 648 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
359
55% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
37
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Electrical systemCrash reportedODI 11701383
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 30, 2025Electrical systemODI 11657915
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 26, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11638645
“My insuramce claim is [XXX]. [XXX] afternoon. My car was parked on hill parking lot. I put on drive, was getting ready to leave and go home. Car has no acceleration, start sliding down while i stepped on gas. So I stepped on brake and no brake, car kept sliding downhill and hit another subaru. Nothing worked then I stepped on e brake and saved my life. My car computer has a malfunctioning.This car and accident has causes me so much emotional stress, i was shaking up and i will not ever get into that car again. Please contact me [XXX] . Id like you guys to get into my car computer box to tell me what caused my car out of control before i take my car to dodge.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 9, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11629738
“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the air conditioning system was inoperable. Additionally, the contact became aware that the 10-AMP air conditioning clutch fuse was loosened. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the loosened air conditioning clutch fuse. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2023Electrical systemODI 11548648
“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 a/c clutch (#12), They would replace the fuse numerous times, the AC would come on and blow warm air or cool air, but mostly warm. Replacing the fuse numerous of times did not resolve the issue. Neither did replacing all the cooling system and radiator and fan as well. My auto shop had a mechanic who specializes on the computer for cars take a look at my Charger and found technical service bulletins NUMBER: 08-040-14 and NUMBER: 08-040-14 REV. A which directly describes the issue I am experiencing with my vehicle. The mechanic has even placed a small nail in the cavity next to the fuse to hold it in its place and my AC is blowing fine and cold air until that fuse is moved or touched. This also…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 12, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11531762

Showing 6 of 359 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Electrical system: alternator

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Electrical systemReported Jul 10, 2017NHTSA 17V435000

Electrical system: alternator

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Electrical systemReported Oct 8, 2014NHTSA 14V634000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.