10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,959 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Dodge Challenger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Dodge Challenger Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #90

Jan 122018

Challenger

  • 37,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Having issues with "heat stakes" in windows causing the smart glass switch to activate while vehicle is off and draining the battery causing for a jump every morning. There was a recall for the 2011 Challenger (M24) for the same exact issue.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #89

Aug 232017

Challenger

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Chrysler Jeep Dodge of mckinney (700 S central expy, mckinney, tx 75070) where the contact was advised that he would have to pay out of pocket for the engine to be taken apart. The contact was also advised that the recall parts were not available. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). The contact called the manufacturer and was advised that someone would return his call. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #88

Sep 082017

Challenger

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). While driving approximately 15 mph, the engine stalled and lost power. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel tightened and became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the ABS, traction control, and brake lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to cutter Chrysler Jeep Dodge of pearl city (905 kamehameha hwy, pearl city, hi 96782 (808) 564-9640) where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The dealer stated that the contact would pay to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available/parts distribution disconnect.

- Kapolei, HI, USA

problem #87

Aug 262017

Challenger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact received the notification August of 2017. The dealer (greenbrier motor company, 9841 seneca trail, lewisburg, wv, 24901) stated that the parts were unavailable for repair. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Renick, WV, USA

problem #86

Aug 242017

Challenger

  • 420,000 miles
Reference: T36 recall incident: On 22 August 2017 my vehicle shut down during operation, the ac began pushing warm air, and the electrical system experienced a complete failure. The alternator was smoking, and I called a tow truck to bring my vehicle to my resident dealer (ourisman Dodge of alxandria, va). The dealer requested $1100 for repairs, and I took the opportunity to conduct research, where I learned of the pending T36 recall, and other customer complaints. Customer service 1: I contacted Chrysler customer service on 23 August, and informed them of the pending T36 recall. They described that they had no awareness of such a recall. I called again on 24 August at 1:00 am est when I realized my VIN now reflected the T36 recall. The customer service representative informed me that I would incur no costs, and provided me with a reference number is case there were any issues (32257716). Customer service 2: I was informed on the morning of 24 August by the dealer that I would have to pay the repair costs because the T36 recall parts were not manufactured, and were not expected to arrive until October. I called customer service, and was told I would have to pay the repair costs for a faulty alternator, would have to request a reimbursement, and would then need to wait for the recall. When I insisted on an explanation, I was eventually told that Dodge wanted to reserve the right to refuse a reimbursement. When I clarified, and explained she was describing a loophole, she confirmed. She refused to let me talk to her supervisor, to provide a summary of the discussion like the previous service rep had, and made many other false claims as to her ability to document the matter. Clearly, most alarming, is Dodge/Chrysler's admittance that they are trying to avoid reimbursement fees. Please contact me for additional information into the experience.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #85

Aug 212017

Challenger

  • 65,000 miles
Alternator abruptly shorted out. Had no power steering, instruments, engine died. The care was in motion on the highway. The battery was total discharged. The alternator was very hot, burnt electrical smell, with discoloration.

- Liberty Hill, TX, USA

problem #84

May 162017

Challenger

  • 29,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At 29000 miles noticed by windows going up and down which drained the battery. After two weeks in the repair shop my handles were replaced. However, less than two months it is again in shop for same issue.

- Hurricane, WV, USA

problem #83

Jul 252017

Challenger

  • 36,000 miles
Vehicle mileage: Approx $36,000 V8 5.7L Dodge Challenger 2012 I was driving my vehicle yesterday and after about 20 minutes part highway driving and part city street drives, during motion all the lights on the dash and center navigation screen started to flash. My power steering and brakes were not working. I was lucky enough to be able to get into a driveway from the city streets. When I popped the hood it was warm and had a smoky smell. The Dodge dealership told me today that with only 36,000 miles my alternator is bad and needs to be replaced, other damage is still being accessed. I am now paying over $1,000 to get the alternator replaced.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #82

Jul 092017

Challenger

  • 84,000 miles
Smart glass. Keeps opening and closing. Causes dead battery.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #81

Jun 172017

Challenger

  • 104,000 miles
Smart windows go up and down on their own running the battery down.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #80

May 302017

Challenger

  • 60,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driver side window goes up and down about every 10-12 seconds when I parked in driveway. Car power is off and no one in car. Started where driver window would not close all the way when door shuts. Lasted about 10 days. I did not drive it as I am a disabled vet and could not climb over passenger seat to get out, or to let window up after door is closed. Mobility/flexibility not good. Rainy season in fla. Finally drove it, window began making clicking sound. Got home, got out of car, closed door and window began going up and down. Car parked with plastic bag over it. Had to leave window partially down to prevent further issues or battery to drain. Now car not secure from theft and interior damage. In search online, this is common problem for 2012 Challenger and recall issued for 2011 Challenger for same/similar problem. Problem is widespread and Dodge answer is take to service center. Service center charges min. $140 just to diagnose then I'm sure repair cost is high also. Its obviously a manufacturer problem and Dodge needs to own it. I just hope my car is not ruined from the daily rain/constant bad weather or stolen or inside damaged. I don't understand why recall is not for all vehicles effected by this issue. Its obvious it is related and very common. Car has 60200 miles. Of course happened just after warranty expired. This is an issue that needs to be addressed and fixed asap. Use to love my car, but now it is useless to me. Been informed also causes battery failure. That's not a good thing to happen while driving. Please help. Please look into the many complaints and issue a recall. Make Dodge own their faults. So now I'm paying for a $30,000 car I cant drive and is sitting outside with plastic over it.

- Bradentonq, FL, USA

problem #79

Jun 152016

Challenger

  • 50,000 miles
Smart windows just begin opening and closing on their own. Windows will be down/wide open after sitting with car completely off all night leaving car unsecure to be stolen or vandalized, even leaving battery dead where car will not start. Windows also move up and down while driving on their own. This is a serious problem!

- Madison, TN, USA

problem #78

Apr 202017

Challenger

  • miles
Having issues with "heat stakes" in windows causing the smart glass switch to activate while vehicle is off and draining the battery causing for a jump every morning. There was a recall for the 2011 Challenger (M24) for the same exact issue.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #77

May 152017

Challenger

  • miles
The driver side window repeatedly moves up and down un-commanded. This happens when the vehicle is driven or stationary and causes the battery to be drained overnight. This issue was noted by Chrysler on the 2011 Challenger and addressed in the "customer satisfaction notification M24 smart glass switch". the same issues are present on the 2012 Challenger as evident in the amount NHTSA complaints filed against this vehicle (or a quick search on google for "smart glass switch issues"). however, they refuse to include these models in their distributor/dealer service instructions regarding M24 when they were only manufactured a few months apart and likely were assembled using the same faulty parts. So far, I was forced to pay out of pocket for a new battery, and will soon have to pay for the replacement smart glass switches and labor.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #76

May 152017

Challenger

  • 70,100 miles
Driver side window constantly goes up and down an inch by itself when car is off, window up, and doors are closed. Draining battery.

- Rochester, MI, USA

problem #75

Apr 262017

Challenger

  • 4,000 miles
Tracktion light came on(little car with tire tracks) then dead, won't hold a charge.excact same thing is happing to thousands. Alternator replaced @ Dodge/$1,000. There's a recall, (P60) 2011-2014/Dodge Challenger's the alternater 160 amp is defective! so why did I have to pay"??" because (they) are only replacing them on 3.6 L engines not 5.7 L like mine!so I guess it's only defective when U have a smaller engine" I paid more$ for my engine so I guess they think a defective alternator is going to some how work? well it dosnt! my question is did they put the new and improved alternator on mine? or do I just have to pray this one dosnt go out again, on the freeway again and cause a huge accident! ever been coming down the grapevine at 70 mph and your car goes dead" no steering no brakes, it's like an E ticket ride at disneyland😳'so if U buy a Challenger make sure U get 3.6L because they replace the defective alternator for free! if you don't cause an accident first! no one seems to B worried about this, but if U own a Challenger be careful....... I can't really answer the questions on form, they are yes and no, ,,,,,,,, this whole thing is very grey.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #74

Apr 282017

Challenger

  • 40,000 miles
Tracktion control light came on, I pulled into my driveway. Thank god because when I tried to start it about 5 min. Later it was dead. Would not hold a charge, could not jump start it, had it towed to haddad Dodge. Next morning they called and said it is the alternater and it's $1000😳'so I asked if that's all that's wrong because I know there were burned out fuses and I would think I would need a new battery. He said I would have to pay for the alternater before he could check to see if anything else was wrong, hmmmmmm I've checked the Dodge blog and I can't count how many people have had the excact same thing happen to there Challengers! I guess there going to wait till one of us gets killed before they do a recall on what ever is causing this to happen, because if ur on the freeway and it dies it's no fun at 70 with no brakes and no steering!,, I was actually rear ended at a stop light 6 months ago, maybe that had something to do with, because I have had one thing after another go wrong with this car since the accident. But if U ask anyone in this hillbilly town I live in, the reck had nothing to do with any of the problems my cars having! coman since tells me it has everything to do with it, since my car was perfect since the day I got it! not one problem ever, till that idiot hit me, but this town is full of men that know everything about everything 😏

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #73

May 012017

Challenger

  • 50,000 miles
Driver side window constantly goes up and down a few inches by itself when car is off and doors are closed.

- Leasburg, NC, USA

problem #72

Jan 072017

Challenger

  • 45,790 miles
The vehicle lost complete power while driving, was told it was the alternator (which was recalled). I had that fixed and a couple days after that both windows started to malfunction. They go down about a quarter inch by themselves while the car is not running and while driving. It completely drains my battery and the vehicle won't start without a jumper box or jumper cables (every time I turn it off.) I've taken the vehicle to frank shoop twice and they can't tell me what's wrong with it or have yet to fix it. Now it's starting to stall while driving and the horn continues to honk without being prompted, the battery has to die before the horn stops. The radio hasn't worked since the alternator was fixed. This vehicle only had 32,000 when I purchased it and has been nothing but trouble since.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

problem #71

Mar 122017

Challenger

  • 65,123 miles
When car is off and parked with window all the way up, driver side window goes up and down every few seconds which drains battery. Cannot get window to stop doing this and it continues to be a problem daily.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

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