Is window switch draining battery when vehicle is off a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

45 NHTSA complaints have been filed about window switch draining battery when vehicle is off on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-03 → 2021-12). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11321167): "THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GOES UP AND DOWN ABOUT A 1/4 OF AN INCH ON IT'S OWN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND NO ONE IS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS DRAINED THE BATTERY COMPLETELY AND I NEEDED TO BE JUMPED TO GET IT TO THE MECHANIC" Source: NHTSA.

Is alternator failure causing stall and loss of power a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

30 NHTSA complaints have been filed about alternator failure causing stall and loss of power on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-02 → 2019-09). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11018820): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is air bag warning light and takata inflator recall delays a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

35 NHTSA complaints have been filed about air bag warning light and takata inflator recall delays on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-01 → 2025-10). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11063086): "THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES. HAD THE DEALER PERFORM REPAIRS AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. LATER HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS" Source: NHTSA.

Is transmission failing to engage gear a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about transmission failing to engage gear on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-01 → 2026-02). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11719969): "The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward" Source: NHTSA.

Is power steering loss while driving a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power steering loss while driving on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-03 → 2024-04). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11312288): "ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IT'S HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ON A CITY STREET WITH A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. THE ROAD WAS DRY" Source: NHTSA.

2012 Dodge Challenger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is engine stall linked to timing chain failure a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Challenger?

14 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine stall linked to timing chain failure on the 2012 Dodge Challenger (2015-01 → 2024-09). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10993172): "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED WHILE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART" Source: NHTSA.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and alternator/generator/regulator. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Window switch draining battery when vehicle is off.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V018000 · Jan 15, 2019

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #17V435000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V021000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V352000 · May 24, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #13V118000 · Mar 4, 2013

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V634000 · Aug 10, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Dodge Challenger.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
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 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Window switch draining battery when vehicle is off

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

45 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2021-12

“THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GOES UP AND DOWN ABOUT A 1/4 OF AN INCH ON IT'S OWN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND NO ONE IS IN THE VEHICLE. THIS DRAINED THE BATTERY COMPLETELY AND I NEEDED TO BE JUMPED TO GET IT TO THE MECHANIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321167

“WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF WINDOW REPEATEDLY LOWERS AND RAISES ITSELF AS IF YOU WERE OPENING THE DOOR, DRAINING THE BATTERY AND RESULTING CAR NOT STARTING. REPLACING BATTERY DOES NOT FIX. PROBLEM HAS ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172953

“WITH THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOVES UP AND DOWN WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. IT CONTINUES TILL THE BATTERY IS DEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906205

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alternator failure causing stall and loss of power

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2019-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11018820

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH VOLTAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918752

“RECEIVED NOTICE OF ALTERNATOR RECALL IN DECEMBER 2014. ALTERNATOR FAILED IN OCTOBER AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER AT MY EXPENSE. NEW ALTERNATOR WAS INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693955

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and Takata inflator recall delays

AIR BAGS

35 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2025-10

“THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES. HAD THE DEALER PERFORM REPAIRS AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. LATER HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063086

“TAKATA RECALL. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10917683

“MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REPEATEDLY STAYS ON AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. IT'S STAYS ON CONSTANTLY. EVERYTIME I GO HAVE IT SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN TURN ON AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10670545

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall linked to timing chain failure

ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2024-09

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED WHILE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993172

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIFTERS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205755

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge challenger. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418070

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failing to engage gear

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2026-02

“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that when shifting the vehicle to reverse(R) or to neutral(N), the vehicle would only move forward”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719969

“SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS HIT 50.000 MILES THE TRANSMITION IS MESSING UP.CAN'T GET IT IN GUEAR OR CAN'T GET IT OUT OF GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10775908

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHILE IN NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT JUMPED IN THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885652

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss while driving

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2024-04

“ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IT'S HARD TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ON A CITY STREET WITH A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. THE ROAD WAS DRY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11312288

“PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT TURNING TO THE LEFT,WITH A SOUND OF RUBBER ON RUBBER IN THE FRONT END AND STEERING COLUMN. WHEN CAR WAS STRAIGHT AND ACCELERATING FORWARD THE STEERING BECAME NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104501

“REPLACE HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING PUMP AFTER THE STORM NOW MY CAR IS HARD TO TURN IT IS BAD IN PARKING LOTS. I HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS AND I'M A GUY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141376

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

43 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Dodge Challenger reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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