2012 Dodge Charger — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Dodge Charger is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 20–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Dodge Charger workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Dodge Charger: Fuel economy improves from 25 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2012: 6.4L 8-cyl. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl · 6.4L 8-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 8-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 105 cu ft (2,973 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 23 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 19 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2012 Dodge Charger across 3 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 17 to 23 mpg (US), or 20 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/27) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (19/30) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (15/23) | 307 | $4,200 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/25) | 291 | $4,000 |
| 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (14/23) | 325 | $4,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Dodge Charger
Running Costs: 2012 Dodge Charger
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Dodge Charger at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Dodge Charger Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Charger (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Electrical system (3), Power train (1). 3 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 19V018000, reported 15 January 2019. 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…
- Air bags — campaign 18V021000, reported 9 January 2018. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Electrical system — campaign 17V435000, reported 10 July 2017. 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.
- Electrical system — campaign 16V739000, reported 13 October 2016. 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 15 campaigns.
Owners have filed 661 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Charger. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (365), Air bags (111), Engine (98). Complaints include 20 reported crashes, 50 reported fires, 16 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 122 complaints across the 17 Dodge Charger model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Dodge Charger
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (3 recall campaigns · 365 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (5 recall campaigns · 111 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (98 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 66 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Dodge models in our database average about 25 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Dodge Charger's 28 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 269 g/km Dodge average.
Of the 15 Dodge Charger model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined). See every Dodge Charger year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Dodge Charger
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Dodge Charger have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Dodge Charger: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.6L 6-cyl with a automatic 8-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Dodge Charger?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 20 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Dodge Charger cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Dodge Charger have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Charger (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Electrical system (3), Power train (1). 3 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Charger?
Among the 661 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (365 complaints), Air bags (111 complaints), Engine (98 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Dodge Charger have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.