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2012 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Challenger years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Challenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

189 reports with mileage · 64 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 138 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports

Steering complaints

19 reports
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25,700 miles · Sep 26, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I HAD OBSERVED A WHINING SOUND FOR SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS LIKE A POWER STEERING PUMP WITHOUT ANY FLUID IN IT. I TRIED TO LISTEN UNDER THE HOOD TO LOCATE THE SOUND BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM LOW IN THE ENGINE BAY ON THE LEFT SIDE, LOOKING AT IT. MY WIFE LEFT FOR WORK AND AS SHE PULLED OFF, THE NOI…

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I HAD OBSERVED A WHINING SOUND FOR SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS LIKE A POWER STEERING PUMP WITHOUT ANY FLUID IN IT. I TRIED TO LISTEN UNDER THE HOOD TO LOCATE THE SOUND BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM LOW IN THE ENGINE BAY ON THE LEFT SIDE, LOOKING AT IT. MY WIFE LEFT FOR WORK AND AS SHE PULLED OFF, THE NOISE WAS VERY LOUD AND WORSE THAN BEFORE. I HOPED SHE WAS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT AND MAKE IT TO WORK. SHE CALLED ME JUST AS SHE WAS GETTING TO WORK, WHEN THE VEHICLE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS LIT UP ALONG WITH A CONSTANT ALARM CHIME. SHE WAS ABLE TO PARK AND CALL ME. I LEFT HOME TO GO THERE. I STARTED THE CAR UP WHEN I GOT THERE AND ALL WAS NORMAL UNTIL I STARTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. ON THE WAY, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT ALARM CHIME. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS DURING THE RIDE TO LISTEN FOR NOISES. AS I APPROACHED THE DEALER AND PARKED, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LAMP LIT UP AS WELL AS SOME CHIMING. I TRIED PUSHING THE TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH WITH NO RESULT. I TRIED TO ROLL UP THE WINDOWS BUT THEY WOULD NOT WORK. AS I WAS GETTING READY TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, THE ENGINE DIED. THE SERVICE TECH WAS RIGHT THERE AND ASKED WHAT HAPPENED. I SAID I HAD AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. HE CHECKED ME IN AND GOT THE TABLET OUT TO READ THE ERROR LOG IN THE CAR. HE SAID I HAD AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE. WHEN THEY CHECKED THE CAR IN AND WERE TRYING TO MOVE IT, THE BATTERY HAD DIED AND THEY JUMPED IT TO GET IT GOING. I ASKED ABOUT ANOTHER NOISE AND SAID IT WAS THE WATER PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639354

30,000 miles · Aug 9, 2014
Steering

I HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING MY CAR. I HAVE THE ELECTRICAL HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING ON MY CAR. THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT MATCH THE CAR. I HAVE AFTER MARKET WHEELS ON MY CAR AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON THERE FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. THE DEALERSHIP SAY ITS MY AFTER MARKET RIMS BUT A LOT OF DODGE HAVE…

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I HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING MY CAR. I HAVE THE ELECTRICAL HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING ON MY CAR. THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT MATCH THE CAR. I HAVE AFTER MARKET WHEELS ON MY CAR AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON THERE FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. THE DEALERSHIP SAY ITS MY AFTER MARKET RIMS BUT A LOT OF DODGE HAVE AFTER MARKET RIMS AND DOES NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AND HAVE A LOT MORE MILES ON THERE CAR THAN I HAVE ON MINES. I THINK ITS A ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING AND DODGE WILL NOT TAKE OWNER SHIP OF IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621080

36,200 miles · Jun 25, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED GOING CRAZY, LIGHTS WERE COMING ON, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN, THEN MY RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONER SHUT DOWN, THEN I LOST POWER STEERING, AND ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER THE CAR DIED IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE NEXT DAY…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED GOING CRAZY, LIGHTS WERE COMING ON, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN, THEN MY RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONER SHUT DOWN, THEN I LOST POWER STEERING, AND ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER THE CAR DIED IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE NEXT DAY I WAS TOLD THAT FIRST I NEEDED TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE FOR A BATTERY SO THEY COULD GET IT TO COME ON, WHICH I DID. THEY CALLED BACK LATER AND TOLD ME MY PROBLEM WAS THAT MY IGNITION SWITCH WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION WHICH CAUSED IT TO FRY THE IGNITION SWITCH AND MY BATTERY. I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE # IN WHICH I FOLLOWED UP TODAY AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE SORRY THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. THEY EVEN TOLD ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT DODGE WAS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR NOW THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. ANOTHER THING THAT REALLY BOTHERED ME OTHER THAN MY CAR FLAKING OUT 200 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IS THAT I GET A LETTER IN THE MAIL THE SAME DAY FROM DODGE ABOUT EXTENDING MY WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605905

7,803 miles · Jan 2, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRONT HUB BEARING…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRONT HUB BEARINGS AND RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A SNAPPING SOUND COULD BE HEARD AND STEERING CONTROL DECREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE CONTACT FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,803 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,653.

NHTSA ODI #10490696

3,200 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesSteeringCrash

2012 DODGE CHALLENGER GOING 10 MPH IN PARKING LOT, TURNING RIGHT INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, AND STUCK ITSELF AT FULL THROTTLE SPEED, BRAKES FAILED, POWER STEERING FAILED. CAR HIT AND WENT UP ON CONCRETE BARRIER. BOUNCED BACK, STALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10487955

4,500 miles · Oct 22, 2012
SteeringSuspension

SQUEAKING OR ELECTRIC MOTOR WHIRRING NOISE AT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS SUCH AS A PARKING LOT OR BACKING OUT OF A GARAGE.. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR IT'S 1ST OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE LOW PRICE & I WANTED TO CHECK ON THE STEERING NOISE TOO. I ALSO HAD A CLICKING NOISE IN THE PASSENGER WHEEL WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN…

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SQUEAKING OR ELECTRIC MOTOR WHIRRING NOISE AT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS SUCH AS A PARKING LOT OR BACKING OUT OF A GARAGE.. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR IT'S 1ST OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE LOW PRICE & I WANTED TO CHECK ON THE STEERING NOISE TOO. I ALSO HAD A CLICKING NOISE IN THE PASSENGER WHEEL WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE CARPORT ALSO WHICH THEY CLAIMED THEY NEVER HEARD ANYTHING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS LOOKING AROUND THE LOT WHILE THEY WERE AND HEARD MY CAR RUNNING AND ONE OF THE TECHS OUTSIDE THE CAR TOLD THE ONE BACKING OUT OF THE BAY "I HEAR IT!" NOW WHAT SOUND HE HEARD I DON'T KNOW, PROBABLY THE CLICKING WHICH WAS MUCH LOUDER. THE SQUEAK, IN MY OPINION, IS REALLY EMBARRASSING WHEN IN A QUIET AREA IT SOUNDS LIKE A BUSHING OR SUSPENSION THAT NEEDS LUBRICATING. THE SQUEAK WAS STILL THERE BUT IT WAS NEARLY INAUDIBLE WHEN AT MY DEALERSHIP DUE TO BUSY HIGHWAY AND SHOP NOISE. THE WORSE THING ABOUT THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS THE SERVICE WRITER WHO WAS OBVIOUSLY YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED, I ASKED ABOUT THE NOISE THE SQUEAKING NOISE AND HIS REPLY WAS "THEY ALL DO THAT." I WAS LIKE OK, I BETTER WALK OUT BEFORE I BLOW MY COOL BUT NOW I WONDER IF IT IS THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND IF THAT IS A KNOWN ANNOYANCE, PROBLEM OR IS IT REPAIRABLE? I'VE SEEN OTHER POSTS ABOUT THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR BEING LOUD ON SIMILAR CARS AND OTHER NON MOPAR VEHICLES. I HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS THE RUBBER BUSHING THAT MANY OLDER LX CARS HAD IN NEED OF SOME SILICONE LUBE BUT AFTER LOOKING AGAIN MYSELF AND MUCH CLOSER WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY DAD TURNING THE WHEEL IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE BLACK AS BEST I CAN TELL, AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED IT'S AN ELECTRIC MOTOR WHIRRING SOUND, NOT A RUBBER BUSHING OR TIE ROD END. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481488

3,200 miles · Aug 10, 2012
Steering

AT SLOW SPEED I CAN HEAR A WINDING NOISE, (NOISE SOUNDS LIKE POWERING STEERING FLUID IS LOW, EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL AND NO LEAKS). YOU CAN HEAR THE NOISE AT LOW SPEED FOR EXAMPLE BACKING UP AND TURNING THE WHEEL (EVEN IF THE WHEEL IS ONLY TURNED A QUARTER OF A TURN) OR WHEN YOU HAVE TO TURN IN TO A DRIVEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10470069

14 miles · May 24, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INFORM THE CONTACT OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED. THE FAIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INFORM THE CONTACT OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14.

NHTSA ODI #10459521

12 miles · Apr 26, 2012
SteeringSuspension

THE COMPONENTS CAUSING ISSUE ARE SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, SUCH AS THE STRUTS, STRUT PLATES, CONTROL ARM, BUSHINGS AND TIE ROD ENDS, THE AXLES, REAR SUSPENSION ARMS, AND THE U-JOINT CONNECTORS FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT, PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY CRISWELL DODGE IN GAITHERSBURG, MD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456526

Official recalls

6

19V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

18V021000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

17V435000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jul 10, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V634000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Oct 8, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

13V118000 · Air Bags

Apr 3, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.