53 of the
957 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Charger are about the
steering — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
72,000 miles.
When I purchased the car it had been used as a police car in the state of Mississippi. So after I bought the car I checked for any recalls and found it to have 2 open recalls. 1 was a passenger side airbag and the other was the alternator. So I contacted Moss motor company in South Pittsburg Tennessee and they agreed to do the recalls. After they had finished installing the air bag they told me the alternator wasn't required for change out because the part number listed on it wasn't warranted. So I did some investigating and found my part number to be 7030. The part numbers not required for change out is 7051-7031-and 7170.. It's listed under the NHTSA S68/16v-739 recall. Since I've had the car I have had blinking headlight issues.. I have a little bit of automobile knowledge and I knew it had to be a grounding problem or a alternator problem. So I even added a couple of grounds from the engine to the chassis with no improvement. So I contacted a good friend of mine whom is a retired Dodge Chrysler master technician and he agreed to check my alternator for fluctuating amperage. He placed a device around the lead wire coming from the alternator to the battery and when he did the needle was constantly fluctuating very rapidly probably 2/3 across the entire dial. So there is no question whatsoever the alternator is the source of the problem. There's one more issue I would like to report. When I carried my car in for the recalls to be performed the technician didn't even bother to raise the hood of the car to check the part number on the alternator.. The reason I know this is because he didn't take my car to the shop area, he pulled my car in front of the high bay doors and installed the passenger side airbag.. I did witness this.. But not 1 time did I see him raise the hood. It took me a 30x magnifying glass and a flashlight to take the photo clearly showing the part number on my current alternator that was supposed to be changed. Photo attached is part number.
NHTSA complaint #11529695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita Falls, TX
STEERING
Service power steering warning comes on, causes my gauge cluster to go blank & dark, I lose A/C, power steering, headlights work intermittently, blinkers & all steering wheel button options stop working, and my transmission will start downshifting shifting erratically. It downshifts so hard I'm afraid I'll lose control of my car. Yesterday I had a message pop up saying it was going into Power Saving Mode. When the power steering warning is on, my A/C will have half the vents blowing cold air, the other half blowing hot heater air. During the winter my heated seats only worked intermittently. All of these issues are related to the past recalls on my car that were supposedly fixed; however, the problems are still occurring. Can somebody please contact me about these recalls and tell me what I should do? Thank you!
NHTSA complaint #11521197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
STEERING
Almost caused a accident because coming to a fast braking my wheels were uncontrollable and swerving .
NHTSA complaint #11456517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
STEERING
service shifter error and powerstwering warning light turned on
NHTSA complaint #11444876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LA
STEERING
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN
NHTSA complaint #11375365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesLauderhill, FL
STEERING
WHEN STARTING MY CAR THE RADIO SOMETIMES DON'T COME ON. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE RADIO TO COME ON. WHEN DRIVING AND LISTENING TO THE RADIO IT GOES IN AND OUT AS IF THE DJ IS TRYING TO BLOCK OUT PROFANTIY BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AND I MAKE A U-TURN IT FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS TRYING TO LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #11373473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,138 milesVernal, UT
STEERING
I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND AS I WAS TURNING THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN DIED AND THE WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD JUST TURN OVER BUT START FULLY.
NHTSA complaint #11349894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,000 milesFlint, MI
STEERING
WHENEVER I TRY AND TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IT IS VERY HARD HAVE TO USE ALOT OF KUSCLE. DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE STOPPED TRYING TO TURN OR GOING AN AVERAGE SPEED. IT IS WORSE WHEN NOT AT A COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA complaint #11344218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,400 milesRensselaer, NY
STEERING
MAY 25 2020, 2012 DODGE CHARGER SE. I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR, THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I'M NOT ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND HE CHANGED THE FUSE 4 DIFFERENT TIMES AND IT POPPED ON HIM. NO ONE HAS ANY REMEDIES TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE THAT'S OBVIOUSLY NOW AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH DODGE CHARGERS THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT YEARS AND MODELS. PLEASE HAVE A RECALL PERFORMED FOR THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11326007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesFort Worth, TX
STEERING
POWER STEERING FUSES KEEP BLOWING WHEN TURNING, WHICH CAUSING IT TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT .
NHTSA complaint #11318068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEllenwood, GA
STEERING
IVE HAD TO HAVE BRAKE WORK THREE TIMES. THE CAR ACTS LIKE IT DOESNT W ANT TO STOP.. NOW IM GETTINGG THIS CLICKING GRINDING SOUND WHEN IA RE TURN LEFT OR RIGHT.REALLY. IVE HAD THIS ISSUE FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS. KNOW BODY WANTEDA RECALL TO LISTEN. I GUESS MY FAMILY WILL REAP THE BENIFITS ONCE I GET KILL FOR DRINING A FAULTY CAR. LET ALL JOIN TO REPORT OUR CONCERNS. THIS IS A A RECALL. .
NHTSA complaint #11296715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLoxahatchee, FL
STEERING
THE POWER STEERING PUMP GRINDS WHEN TURNING AND SOMETIMES LOCKS UP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE FILED ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11292433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLoxahatchee, FL
STEERING
SO, I'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRIC P/S PUMP WITH IT MAKING GRINDING NOISES AS I TURN AND LOCKING UP. I DID END UP REPLACING IT BECAUSE THE DEALER NEAR ME NEGLECTED TO TELL ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME TO FIX IT. THE PUMP I REPLACED IT WITH IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN... I WANT IT REPLACED WITH A BRAND NEW OEM PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #11290624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCastle Rock, WA
STEERING
POWER STEERING FAILS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER HARD TURNS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND NEARLY WRECK/STRIKE OTHER CARS. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN THESE CARS. IT OCCURS AT CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT'S HARD TO STEER AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #11289068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP WHILE TURNING
NHTSA complaint #11252575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,260 milesWimauma, FL
STEERING
MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN! THIS IS NOW THE 3RD TIME! I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND MY STEERING WHEEL LIGHT CAME ON, THIS MADE MY STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN! THIS HAS BEEN A COMPLETE INCONVENIENCE TO KEEP HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS
NHTSA complaint #11241530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GLENDALE DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP (LOCATED AT 900 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204, (818) 839-2457), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DISABLED THE STEERING WHEEL AND CHANGED THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP ON HIS OWN. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11234895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesRiverview, FL
STEERING
MY POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT TWICE. MY STEERING LOCKS UP MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THIS IS COMPLETELY DANGEROUS AND HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #11221153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orleans, LA
STEERING
I GET A STRONG RESISTANT WHEN TRING TO TURN LEFT I CAN'T MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #11190453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCartersville, GA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN IT WAS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. ROBERT LOEHR CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (567 E MAIN ST, CARTERSVILLE, GA 30121, (770) 382-5885) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY. A LOANER VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK FOR THE STEERING WHEEL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED A STEERING RECALL REMEDY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY SERVICED THE VEHICLE FOR AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER STEERING RECALL CAMPAIGN AND ISSUED SEVEN TSBS FOR THE STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11185775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
STEERING
MY 2012 DODGE CHARGER (BOUGHT NEW) WHEN TURNING SHARP TO LEFT, U TURN IT GETS STUCK AND HARD TO TURN. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL DODGE CHARGER OWNERS, DIFFERENT YEAR BUT SAME MODEL AND MAKE CAR OWNERS WHO HAS OR HAD SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT COSTS THOUSANDS TO FIX AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH DODGE AND RECALL SENT OUT ON CARS IMMEDIATELY. THIS PROBLEM NOT TURNING AND STEERING GETTING STUCK COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT!
NHTSA complaint #11173457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesEllenwood, GA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT EXTRA STRENGTH WAS NEEDED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11161436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,800 milesJoliet, IL
STEERING
MY POWER STEERING PUMP HAS WENT OUT ON ME TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME WAS LAST YEAR AS I WAS DOING A LEGAL U-TURN ON A STREET. I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE MY CAR STRAIGHT ALMOST WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I GOT THE PUMP REPLACED AND THEN 4 MONTHS LATER AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON THE STREET, THE PUMP WENT OUT AGAIN. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AGAIN. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALLS ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #11113918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #11066485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesRichmond, VA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READINGS AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED INTO A SERVICED STATION WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN OFF AND THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO COME OUT OF DRIVE. THE CONTACT USED THE PARK BRAKE AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY CHRYSLER DODGE DEALER, LOCATED ON 5400 S LABURNUM AVE, RICHMOND VA 23231, PHONE NUMBER: (804) 663-5337, WHERE IT WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO THE REMEDY PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V240000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 17V435000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11023467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMedford, NY
STEERING
I BOUGHT MY DODGE CHARGER IN 2 YEARS AGO FOR A RECALL ON THE ALTERNATOR P60. MY CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WOW. LITTLE THINGS HERE AND THERE. THEN A FEW MONTHS AGO THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED ITSELF BACK ON. WHICH IS PART OF THE RECALL FOR THE P60. IT'S BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW BUT I FINALLY CALLED DODGE BECAUSE A FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME THAT ALTERNATOR IN MY CAR IS A P60 SO MAYBE THEY FORGOT TO DO THE RECALL THEY BROUGHT THE CAR IN AND THERE WAS A MIX-UP. SO I WENT OVER THE DODGE AND I GOT PAPERWORK FOR THE DAY AND THEY SHOW THAT THEY SWAPPED MY ALTERNATOR OUT WITH A P 60. SO WHY WOULD THEY SWAP MY ALTERNATOR OUT WITH A DEFECTIVE ONE? BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THEY TOLD ME THAT'S NOT THE RECALLED ONE BUT IT IS I HAVE A P602AA ALTERNATOR IN MY CAR. MY ABS BRAKES WEREN'T WORKING WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT AND A BUNCH OF STUFF THAT IT SAID HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T CHANGE THAT ALTERNATOR. I THINK THERE WAS A MIX-UP SOMEWHERE A FRIEND OF MINE WORKS FOR DODGE AND HE TOLD ME THAT'S A RECALLED ALTERNATOR. MAYBE HE SAID THERE WAS A MIX-UP ON THE SHELF AND SOMEBODY GRABBED THE WRONG ALTERNATOR BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT HE SAYS MISTAKES LIKE THAT HAPPEN BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEY WANT ME TO BRING THE CAR IN AND CHARGE ME $300 TO LOOK AT IT
NHTSA complaint #11022084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesRiverview, FL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO RESTART WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (CHRYSLER, JEEP DODGE, 9207 ADAMO DRIVE EAST, TAMPA, FLORIDA, 813-620-4300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V435000 (STEERING). VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11019373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,340 milesFlorence, SC
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME UNSTABLE AND THE ABS, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND ESC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EFIRD CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (LOCATED AT 1711 W LUCAS ST FLORENCE, SC 29501) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL AND POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,340...UPDATED10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER HEAT, SMOKED, AND THE AIR BLOWS EXTREMEMLY WARM. WATER POURS FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/17/2017
NHTSA complaint #11014214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesHawthorne, CAFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED SCOTT ROBINSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT 20900 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRENCE, CA 90503 AT PHONE NUMBER: (424) 299-8800 WHERE THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11010793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCibolo, TX
STEERING
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE COURSE OF MAYBE A WEEK, WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FROM EITHER A DEAD STOP OR SLOW ROLL THE CAR WOULD EITHER STALL OR HAVE A POWER SURGE CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. ONE EVENING AFTER STARTING THE CAR YOU COULD SMELL SMOKE AND THE INFORMATION LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING SYSTEM. I RESEARCHED THE SYMPTOMS AND FOUND AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE 3.6 L DODGE ALTERNATORS SO I CALLED DODGE. THEY BRUSHED IT OFF SO PURCHASED A NEW ALTERNATOR THE NEXT DAY AND INSTALLED IT. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR STALLING AND LOOSING STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #11006125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.