Dodge›Charger›2012›3.6L/dodge/charger/2012/3-6l/
LD platform

2012 Dodge Charger — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Charger 3.6L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Dodge Charger 3.6L sits on the LD platform as a full‑size passenger car and is powered by a 3.6‑liter engine mated to a five‑speed automatic transmission, drawing 6 qt of 5W‑20 API‑specified oil each service. Its EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and a combined 21 mpg provide a practical baseline for a vehicle of its size, while the 5‑speed gearbox balances performance and efficiency. In terms of reliability, the model recorded 648 owner complaints—most frequently tied to the electrical system—and was subject to 14 recalls, positioning it well below the program’s peak complaint year of 2006 (1,293 complaints) yet above the recent low of 2024, indicating a moderate but improving track record within the 2001‑2024 span.

Model year201920182017201620152014201320122011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/27/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R - EX. POLICE · 730 - EX. POLICE CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R - EX. POLICE · 730 - EX. POLICE CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-65R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter04861746AB
Spark plugSPLZFR5C11 alt SP149125AF
BatteryBBH7F001AA alt BBH8A001AA
Front wiper blades05182439AB alt 68194930AB
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length200 in
Overall width75.2 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase120.1 in
Curb weight4449 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 27 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume105 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.6–6.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 2012 SXT Plus Sedan
292 hpHorsepower (as tested)
260 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.60 sec15.10 sec292 hpRWD
2012SXT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.70 sec15.30 sec292 hpRWD
2011Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V67.20 sec15.70 sec292 hpRWD
2011Rallye Plus Sedan 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec292 hpRWD
2013SXT Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec15.00 sec292 hpRWD
2016SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V66.20 sec14.70 sec292 hpRWD
2016SXT Blacktop Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec14.80 sec292 hpRWD
20184 GT Plus Sedan 3.6L V66.40 sec14.90 sec300 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.5
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.3 Pints,
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.5 Pints
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub184 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.56-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R - EX. POLICE
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 - EX. POLICE cca
Optional BCI Group Number49 - POLICE

Service checks

Pressure Test15, Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief16-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure30-139 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES
Torque Caliper to Bracket44 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs / 44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle98 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.389 in / 1.097 in / 0.861 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., step 2: 10530 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
375 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.75 degrees
450 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.50 degrees
5Loosen bolts in reverse sequence
622.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
870 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.70 degrees
970 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.; Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.70 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 8,000 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
At 16,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 16,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 24,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 miParking Brake System (adjust)
Every 32,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 48,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Dodge Charger represents a peak in federal regulatory activity within this dataset, recording the highest recall count of 14 and sustaining high complaint volumes at 648, just below the 2011 model's 692. While Technical Service Bulletins surged from 33 in 2010 to 219 in 2012, indicating a sharp increase in recognized service issues, both complaints and recalls drop significantly in the 2013 model year to 358 and 8 respectively. The data identifies the Electrical System as the primary complaint category with 207 reports, alongside 49 fire complaints, though the record does not specify the root cause for these failures. This placement at the apex of the recall and complaint arc implies that early production issues were still prevalent before stabilizing in later years. Given the higher regulatory burden and specific safety concerns compared to subsequent models, this is not a good year to buy relative to 2013 or newer alternatives.

14
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
219
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
648
Owner complaints
20 involved a crash · 49 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’01’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 648 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System207
Air Bags77
Engine35
Exterior Lighting31
Power Train26
Steering17
Electrical System,Engine15
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting14

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V018000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/01/2019

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… 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…

17V435000Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorReported 10/07/2017

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 219 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2621000003 REV.A2026-03-09Power TrainThe vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the…
1084632025-11-18Service BrakesPAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
1084642025-11-17Service BrakesPAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
1032392025-02-05Air BagsAIR BAG - SIDE CURTAIN
91002292023-09-20SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Charger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R batteryVehicles taking 6 qt w/ filterLD-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 04884899ACEngine air filter 04861746ABSpark plug SPLZFR5C11Battery BBH7F001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Charger 3.6L take?

6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Charger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined mpg.