Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2012 Dodge Charger Police with NHTSA between 2017 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2012 Dodge Charger Police
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
627.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 95,500 mi
Engine & Cooling
522.7%
Median failure at 119,000 miles
Steering
313.6%
Median failure at 78,490 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
29.1%
Brakes
29.1%
Median failure at 44,721 miles
Stability & Traction Control
14.5%
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
14.5%
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Suspension
14.5%
Median failure at 48,250 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.5%
Median failure at 120,351 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
735.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
630.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
420.0%
150,000+ miles
315.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 3Jun 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Dodge Charger Police
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesColumbus, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLE. WHILE PARKED AT A GAS STATION, SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED SHE TRIED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT THE LATCH WAS MELTED AND FAILED TO OPEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V739000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER, WHERE IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11221015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesColumbus, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLE. WHILE PARKED AT A GAS STATION, SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED SHE TRIED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT THE LATCH WAS MELTED AND FAILED TO OPEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V739000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER, WHERE IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11221015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,490 milesBlacksburg, VA
STEERING
SHOP HAS REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP TWICE AND THE POWER STEERING STILL LOCKS UP AND IS HARD TO TURN. THIS OCCURS DAILY ON PATROL. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OFF THE ROAD DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11220439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,500 milesClearfield, PA
STEERING
POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED ON HIGHWAY WHILE TURNING INTO REST STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11183800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesThomson, GA
ENGINE
FOR SOME REASON IN THE WINTER TIME MY CAR STARTED MISFIRING AND TAPPING AT WORK NOT IN MOTION JUST WARMING THE CAR BEFORE LEAVING. WENT TO THE SHOP COME TO FIND OUT THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS ARE BAD OUT OF NOWHERE. OIL WAS GOOD, MILES ARE LOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE 5.7 I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS COMMON IN THE TRUCKS AND CARS WITH THE 5.7
NHTSA complaint #11171100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWetumpka, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY 14 ME AND MY 1-YEAR OLD. A LIGHTNING BOLT SYMBOL POPPED UP ON THE DASH AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE A LOT OF RECALLS ON THINGS I SEE THAT HAVEN'T BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11145205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWetumpka, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY 14 ME AND MY 1-YEAR OLD. A LIGHTNING BOLT SYMBOL POPPED UP ON THE DASH AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE A LOT OF RECALLS ON THINGS I SEE THAT HAVEN'T BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11145205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWetumpka, AL
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY 14 ME AND MY 1-YEAR OLD. A LIGHTNING BOLT SYMBOL POPPED UP ON THE DASH AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE A LOT OF RECALLS ON THINGS I SEE THAT HAVEN'T BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11145205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natchez, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE WIRING HARNESS ABOVE THE FUEL PUMP BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT A HOLD IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK COVER AND ALLOW FUEL TO ESCAPE OUT OF THE TANK, UNDER THE BACK SEAT, THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THIS WAS REPORTED TO CHYYLER SEPTEMBER 30, 2016, BY LETTER, AND TO NHTSA, FEBRUARY 7, 2017, BY LETTER.
NHTSA complaint #11114630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesStewart, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A HEAVY CLOUD OF SMOKE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE ON THE GROUND. WHEN THE CONTACT REFILLED THE RADIATOR WITH ANTI-FREEZE, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO LEAK OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JAY MALONE MOTORS AT 320-587-4748 (LOCATED AT 1165 MN-7, HUTCHINSON, MN 55350) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED WITH AN AFTERMARKET RADIATOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11109599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,250 milesOklahoma City, OK
SUSPENSION
WHY IS IT THAT THE MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION FOR SAFETY IN REGARDS TO SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT, FUSE BOX(S) REWIRING AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM ARE NOT RECALLS FOR THE LD POLICE PURSUIT MODELS. I'M TOLD BY DON DAVIS IN ARLINGTON TEXAS THAT THESE ARE NOT "RECALL ITEMS" AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE? EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE FLEET WAS TAKEN CARE OF. THIS, IF I WERE TO BE INJURED IN A CRASH/ACCIDENT WILL OPEN CHRYSLER UP TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SUIT FROM EVERY MODEL ON THE STREET WHICH YOU KNOW THAT IS A LOT. TO ME AND OTHERS THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY TO FIX A KNOWN PROBLEM PLACING PROFIT/LOSS ABOVE SAFETY WHICH IS A THE LEAST GROSS NEGLIGENCE. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME I'M DRIVING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11096854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,250 milesOklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHY IS IT THAT THE MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION FOR SAFETY IN REGARDS TO SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT, FUSE BOX(S) REWIRING AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM ARE NOT RECALLS FOR THE LD POLICE PURSUIT MODELS. I'M TOLD BY DON DAVIS IN ARLINGTON TEXAS THAT THESE ARE NOT "RECALL ITEMS" AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE? EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE FLEET WAS TAKEN CARE OF. THIS, IF I WERE TO BE INJURED IN A CRASH/ACCIDENT WILL OPEN CHRYSLER UP TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SUIT FROM EVERY MODEL ON THE STREET WHICH YOU KNOW THAT IS A LOT. TO ME AND OTHERS THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY TO FIX A KNOWN PROBLEM PLACING PROFIT/LOSS ABOVE SAFETY WHICH IS A THE LEAST GROSS NEGLIGENCE. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME I'M DRIVING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11096854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,250 milesOklahoma City, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
WHY IS IT THAT THE MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION FOR SAFETY IN REGARDS TO SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT, FUSE BOX(S) REWIRING AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM ARE NOT RECALLS FOR THE LD POLICE PURSUIT MODELS. I'M TOLD BY DON DAVIS IN ARLINGTON TEXAS THAT THESE ARE NOT "RECALL ITEMS" AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE? EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE FLEET WAS TAKEN CARE OF. THIS, IF I WERE TO BE INJURED IN A CRASH/ACCIDENT WILL OPEN CHRYSLER UP TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SUIT FROM EVERY MODEL ON THE STREET WHICH YOU KNOW THAT IS A LOT. TO ME AND OTHERS THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY TO FIX A KNOWN PROBLEM PLACING PROFIT/LOSS ABOVE SAFETY WHICH IS A THE LEAST GROSS NEGLIGENCE. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME I'M DRIVING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11096854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFort Mitchell, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COUNTY GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE OFFICER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND REFERRED THE OFFICER TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11076507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesFort Mitchell, KY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COUNTY GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE OFFICER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND REFERRED THE OFFICER TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11076507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesST Martinville, LA
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL 2012 DODGE CHARGER. DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH THEN CAR STARTED JUMPING. BATTERY LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. CAR STARTED TO KILL. HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD AND COULD BARELY TURN STEERING WHEEL. KEEP IN MIND I HAVE MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR. TRIED TO JUMP BATTERY AND IT STATED SMOKING AND JUMPER CABLES BECAME REALLY HOT. TOOK OUT BATTERY AND BRUNG IT IN TO GET CHECKED. HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY FOR $220. BRUNG CAR TO GET ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND MACHINE SAYS FAULTY ALTERNATOR. JUST DROPPED IT OFF AT DODGE CERTIFIED. NOT SURE WHAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE.
NHTSA complaint #11055296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesST Martinville, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL 2012 DODGE CHARGER. DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH THEN CAR STARTED JUMPING. BATTERY LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. CAR STARTED TO KILL. HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD AND COULD BARELY TURN STEERING WHEEL. KEEP IN MIND I HAVE MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR. TRIED TO JUMP BATTERY AND IT STATED SMOKING AND JUMPER CABLES BECAME REALLY HOT. TOOK OUT BATTERY AND BRUNG IT IN TO GET CHECKED. HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY FOR $220. BRUNG CAR TO GET ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND MACHINE SAYS FAULTY ALTERNATOR. JUST DROPPED IT OFF AT DODGE CERTIFIED. NOT SURE WHAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE.
NHTSA complaint #11055296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesST Martinville, LA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAKATA RECALL 2012 DODGE CHARGER. DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH THEN CAR STARTED JUMPING. BATTERY LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. CAR STARTED TO KILL. HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD AND COULD BARELY TURN STEERING WHEEL. KEEP IN MIND I HAVE MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR. TRIED TO JUMP BATTERY AND IT STATED SMOKING AND JUMPER CABLES BECAME REALLY HOT. TOOK OUT BATTERY AND BRUNG IT IN TO GET CHECKED. HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY FOR $220. BRUNG CAR TO GET ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND MACHINE SAYS FAULTY ALTERNATOR. JUST DROPPED IT OFF AT DODGE CERTIFIED. NOT SURE WHAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE.
NHTSA complaint #11055296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,351 milesHephzibah, GA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,351.
NHTSA complaint #10990920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natchez, MS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2012 DODGE CHARGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL PUMP ELECTRIC SHORT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A GAS LEAK THROUGH THE FUEL PUMP. THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10959209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,192 milesArlington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DODGE SERVICE BULLETIN #08-040-14 REV. A . SUBJECT "POLICE VECHICLE A/C INOPERATIVE" AND #08-001-12 SUBJECT LOSE OF ABS/ESP FUNCTIONALITY" WITH FUSE BOXES INVOLVES THE FRONT AND REAR FUSE BOX THAT REQUIRES RE-WIRING. SERVICE BULLETIN #02-006-12 GROUP=FRONT SUSPENSION, SUBJECT "FRONT LEAF SPRING OUT OF SPEC" DON DAVIS DODGE WILL NOT ADDRESS THESE AND OTHER SERVICE BULLETINS AND MANUFACTURE COMMUNICATIONS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR FIXING DEFECTIVE AND SAFETY PRONE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10953966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,192 milesArlington, TX
ENGINE
DODGE SERVICE BULLETIN #08-040-14 REV. A . SUBJECT "POLICE VECHICLE A/C INOPERATIVE" AND #08-001-12 SUBJECT LOSE OF ABS/ESP FUNCTIONALITY" WITH FUSE BOXES INVOLVES THE FRONT AND REAR FUSE BOX THAT REQUIRES RE-WIRING. SERVICE BULLETIN #02-006-12 GROUP=FRONT SUSPENSION, SUBJECT "FRONT LEAF SPRING OUT OF SPEC" DON DAVIS DODGE WILL NOT ADDRESS THESE AND OTHER SERVICE BULLETINS AND MANUFACTURE COMMUNICATIONS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR FIXING DEFECTIVE AND SAFETY PRONE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10953966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,192 milesArlington, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
DODGE SERVICE BULLETIN #08-040-14 REV. A . SUBJECT "POLICE VECHICLE A/C INOPERATIVE" AND #08-001-12 SUBJECT LOSE OF ABS/ESP FUNCTIONALITY" WITH FUSE BOXES INVOLVES THE FRONT AND REAR FUSE BOX THAT REQUIRES RE-WIRING. SERVICE BULLETIN #02-006-12 GROUP=FRONT SUSPENSION, SUBJECT "FRONT LEAF SPRING OUT OF SPEC" DON DAVIS DODGE WILL NOT ADDRESS THESE AND OTHER SERVICE BULLETINS AND MANUFACTURE COMMUNICATIONS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR FIXING DEFECTIVE AND SAFETY PRONE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10953966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.