2012 model year · 1,082+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,082+ owner reports, the 2012 Dodge Challenger has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is OEM Radiator Premature Failure with 412 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2011-2023 Dodge Challenger 3.6L Pentastar V6, the plastic oil filter housing warps and cracks from heat cycling, causing oil leaks from front of engine near oil filter. In severe cases coolant and oil can mix. Common across all Pentastar 3.6L vehicles (Challenger, Charger, 300, Jeep, Ram).
Replace with Dorman aluminum aftermarket housing (926-959 with oil cooler, 2011-2023) for a permanent fix vs the OEM plastic housing that will crack again. Dorman 926-876 is the earlier version without cooler.
Parts and tips from 350+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2008-2023 Dodge Challenger, exhaust manifold bolts break due to thermal cycling causing the bolts to become brittle and snap, especially on the passenger side. Dissimilar metals (iron manifold, aluminum head) accelerate the process. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup. Common across all HEMI-powered LX/LC platform vehicles.
Extract broken bolts using ProMAXX drill template tool kit (PMXA200PROP). Replace with Mopar double-ended studs (6509863AA/6510141AA) and Grade 8 nuts instead of bolts. Apply anti-seize on new hardware. Felpro gasket set MS96692 for 2008-2014.
Parts and tips from 320+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2021 Dodge Challenger, the factory plastic-tank radiators on Challengers are prone to cracking and leaking, especially under spirited driving or in hot climates. The crimped plastic end tanks can fail at the seams. Many owners report needing radiator replacements between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Replace with an all-aluminum aftermarket radiator for long-term reliability. Mishimoto, Champion, and CSF offer direct-fit aluminum radiators with lifetime warranties. Also inspect radiator hoses and clamps during replacement. Consider adding a larger fan or oil cooler if tracking the car.
Parts and tips from 412+ owners who fixed this issue
PARKING BRAKE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The left rear seat back may not lock in the upright position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,082+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Dodge Challenger has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: OEM Radiator Premature Failure, Pentastar 3.6L Oil Filter Housing Leak, HEMI Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2012-2012 Dodge Challenger has 3 known issues documented across 1,082+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Dodge Challenger issues range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The factory plastic-tank radiators on Challengers are prone to cracking and leaking, especially under spirited driving or in hot climates. The crimped plastic end tanks can fail at the seams. Many owners report needing radiator replacements between 60,000-100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
The plastic oil filter housing warps and cracks from heat cycling, causing oil leaks from front of engine near oil filter. In severe cases coolant and oil can mix. Common across all Pentastar 3.6L vehicles (Challenger, Charger, 300, Jeep, Ram). Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
Exhaust manifold bolts break due to thermal cycling causing the bolts to become brittle and snap, especially on the passenger side. Dissimilar metals (iron manifold, aluminum head) accelerate the process. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup. Common across all HEMI-powered LX/… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
