What You Get With a 2012 Dodge Charger

The 2012 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with a V8 engine standard across all trim levels. It seats five and comes in rear-wheel drive only. The base model runs a 3.6-liter V8 producing 292 horsepower; the R/T and SRT8 trims use a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 horsepower respectively. Fuel economy ranges from 16 city / 25 highway (base V8) to 15 city / 23 highway (R/T), measured in miles per gallon.

The 2012 model year was the second generation of the modern Charger, redesigned in 2011. It shares its platform with the Chrysler 300 and has a more angular, aggressive exterior than earlier versions. Inside, the cabin is more spacious than the previous generation, with a 16.2-cubic-foot trunk and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Key Takeaways

  • All 2012 Chargers use a V8 engine; the base model has 292 horsepower while the R/T and SRT8 produce 370 and 395 horsepower respectively.
  • Fuel economy is 16 city / 25 highway for the base model and 15 city / 23 highway for the R/T, with the SRT8 consuming more fuel.
  • The transmission is a 5-speed automatic on the base and R/T models; the SRT8 uses a 6-speed automatic.
  • Common issues include transmission shudder, water leaks around the sunroof, and premature brake wear on higher-performance trims.
  • Insurance costs are moderate to high due to the V8 engine and performance classification, especially for R/T and SRT8 models.

Engine and Transmission Breakdown

The base 2012 Charger uses a 3.6-liter V8 with 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine is shared with other Chrysler products and is known for reliability, though some owners report transmission shudder during acceleration from a stop.

The R/T trim steps up to a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, still paired with the 5-speed automatic. The SRT8 uses the same 5.7-liter engine but tuned to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SRT8 is noticeably quicker but also thirstier for fuel and more expensive to maintain.

All 2012 Chargers are rear-wheel drive. There is no all-wheel-drive option for this model year. Towing capacity is not rated for any trim level, as the Charger is designed as a passenger sedan.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Mileage

The EPA rates the base 2012 Charger at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined miles per gallon. The R/T achieves 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined. The SRT8 is rated at 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined. These are estimates; actual mileage varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.

Owners of base and R/T models often report real-world mileage within 1 to 2 miles per gallon of the EPA estimate under normal driving. SRT8 owners who drive aggressively may see mileage drop to 14 or 15 combined. Highway driving yields better mileage than city driving across all trims. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving a base model a theoretical range of around 350 miles on a full tank.

Common Mechanical Problems and Wear Items

Transmission shudder is the most frequently reported issue. It occurs during light acceleration from a stop, particularly in the base and R/T models with the 5-speed automatic. Some owners report it resolves after the transmission warms up; others have had the transmission serviced or replaced under warranty. If you are considering a used 2012 Charger, test the vehicle during a cold start and note any hesitation or vibration.

Water leaks around the sunroof affect some 2012 Chargers, particularly those with the optional panoramic sunroof. Water enters the cabin near the headliner or drips into the trunk. The issue is usually traced to clogged or misaligned drain tubes. Repair requires removal of the sunroof assembly and can cost $500 to $1,200 depending on the shop.

Brake wear is accelerated on R/T and SRT8 models due to their weight and performance use. Front brake pads may wear out by 30,000 to 50,000 miles if driven hard. Rotors often need replacement at the same time. Budget $400 to $800 for a complete front brake service on these trims.

The 3.6-liter V8 in the base model is generally durable. The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T and SRT8 is also proven, though it runs hotter and requires regular oil changes. Some owners report spark plug fouling if the vehicle is not driven regularly or if short trips dominate the driving pattern.

Interior Features and Comfort

The 2012 Charger interior is straightforward and functional. The base model includes cloth seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. The R/T adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a nine-speaker audio system. The SRT8 includes premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic on all trims. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped on R/T and SRT8 models. Cruise control is standard. The rear seat is spacious but the sloping roofline reduces headroom for taller passengers. Cargo space is 16.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up.

The Uconnect system is reliable and responsive. It supports USB audio input and Bluetooth streaming. Satellite radio is optional. The infotainment interface is simpler than modern systems but less prone to software glitches.

Safety Ratings and Equipment

The 2012 Charger earned a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four stars for frontal crash, four stars for side crash, and three stars for rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in frontal offset crash and "Acceptable" in side crash, but did not test it in rollover or roof strength.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The R/T and SRT8 add a backup camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors are optional. There is no forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking on any 2012 Charger trim.

Insurance and Registration Costs

Insurance rates for a 2012 Charger depend on the trim level, your age, driving record, and location. Base models typically cost less to insure than R/T or SRT8 models because they have lower horsepower and are less likely to be driven aggressively. An R/T or SRT8 may carry a 15 to 30 percent higher premium due to performance classification.

Registration costs vary by state. Some states charge based on vehicle weight and age; others use a flat fee. A 2012 Charger weighs between 3,800 and 4,100 pounds depending on trim. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact registration fee for your location.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but recommended if you have a loan or lease. Liability coverage is required in all states; minimum limits vary by state but typically start at 25/50/25 (meaning $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage).

Maintenance Schedule and Repair Costs

Dodge recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Transmission fluid should be checked at each service; a full transmission fluid and filter change is recommended every 60,000 miles. Air filter replacement is due around 30,000 miles. Spark plugs last 100,000 miles on the 3.6-liter V8 and 100,000 miles on the 5.7-liter V8.

Routine maintenance costs are moderate. An oil change runs $40 to $75 at an independent shop. A transmission fluid service costs $150 to $300. Brake pads on the base model cost $150 to $250 per axle; R/T and SRT8 pads are $200 to $350 per axle due to larger rotors. Parts are widely available and labor rates are competitive because the Charger is common.

Unexpected repairs are where costs climb. A transmission replacement can exceed $3,000. Engine work such as a water pump or thermostat housing replacement runs $400 to $800. Suspension repairs, including struts or control arms, cost $300 to $600 per component. Budget for these possibilities if you are buying a used 2012 Charger with higher mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2012 Charger reliable?

The 2012 Charger is generally reliable, particularly the base and R/T models. The V8 engines are proven Chrysler designs. The main recurring issue is transmission shudder in the 5-speed automatic, which affects some vehicles but not all. Regular maintenance and avoiding aggressive driving reduce the risk of major problems.

What is the difference between the R/T and SRT8?

The SRT8 has 25 more horsepower (395 versus 370), a 6-speed automatic instead of a 5-speed, and a more aggressive suspension tuned for performance. It also includes premium interior features like a heated steering wheel and a 19-speaker audio system. The SRT8 is faster but costs more to buy, insure, and maintain.

Can I tow with a 2012 Charger?

No. The 2012 Charger is not rated for towing. It is a passenger sedan without towing equipment or a transmission cooler. Attempting to tow will void the warranty and risk transmission damage.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission?

A transmission replacement typically costs $2,500 to $3,500 in labor and parts at an independent shop, or $3,500 to $4,500 at a Dodge dealership. A rebuilt transmission may be cheaper than a new one. Some shops offer warranties on rebuilt units.

What should I check when buying a used 2012 Charger?

Test the transmission during a cold start for shudder. Inspect the sunroof area for water stains or mold. Check the brake pads and rotors, especially on R/T and SRT8 models. Review the service history to confirm regular oil changes. Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic before committing to a purchase.