Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Dodge Charger
The 2012 Dodge Charger has numerous recalls and complaints, particularly concerning electrical systems and air bags. While these issues indicate potential risks, the data's volume does enable clear inspection guidelines. It's essential to examine electrical and airbag systems thoroughly before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Dodge Charger has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 648 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V018000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V021000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V352000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V240000 Driver may Exit Vehicle when it is not in PARK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V043000 Body-Side Sill may Give when Jacking Car NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V467000 Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V634000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V101000 Loss Of Low Beam Headlights NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V118000 Seat Airbag Wiring Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V197000 ABS/ESC FUSE AND HEADLAMP JUMPER WIRE HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V042000 ABS/ESC FUSE AND HEADLAMP JUMPER WIRE HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V004000 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V487000 ROD BEARING FAILURE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 359 complaints
- Air Bags 111 complaints
- Engine 94 complaints
- Power Train 65 complaints
- Steering 53 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 52 complaints
Of the 648 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 49 a fire; across all 648 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Alternator may fail
How to check: Inspect alternator and electrical connections for wear or damage.
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Ensure airbag system recalls have been serviced.
Headlight sub-harness overheating
How to check: Examine headlight wiring for overheating signs.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
Idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Soft brake pedal or grinding sound
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Note any hesitation or surging.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or jerking
- 05
Turning
What to check: Ensure smooth, responsive steering.
Red flag: Stiff or noisy steering
- 06
Stopping
What to check: Feel for steering wheel pull during braking.
Red flag: Steering wheel shakes or pulls
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the recall repairs been completed?
- Are there any ongoing electrical issues?
- Has the alternator been replaced?
- Have the airbags been serviced?
- Any history of overheating problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Vehicle title
- Previous inspection reports
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Dodge Charger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Dodge Charger? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.