Dodge›Challenger›2012›3.6L V6/dodge/challenger/2012/3-6l-v6/

LC platform

2012 Dodge Challenger — 3.6L V6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Challenger 3.6L V6.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.6L V6Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6 is a passenger car built on the LC platform, powered by a 3.6L V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and rated by the EPA at 18/27/21 mpg, requiring 6 quarts of 5W-30 oil with filter changes. This model year recorded 253 owner complaints, placing it mid-range within the vehicle's broader complaint history spanning 2008-2023, where complaints peaked at 298 in 2010 and later fell to a low of 9 in 2022. With six recalls issued and the electrical system identified as the primary complaint area, the 2012 Challenger reflects the platform's early reliability challenges before subsequent model years showed meaningful improvement in owner-reported issues.

Model year2013 2012 2011

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 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 · 730 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 · 730 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP245-45ZR20OEM · verified

Wheel / rim9 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter	04861746AB
Spark plug	SP149125AF
Battery	BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades	68015148AA
Thermostat	52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter	68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	197.6 in
Overall width	75.6 in
Overall height	57.1 in
Wheelbase	116.1 in
Curb weight	4083 lb
Track (front / rear)	63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 27 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

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

No 2012 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

6.0–6.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2015 SXT Plus Coupe

305 hpHorsepower (as tested)

268 lb-ftTorque (as tested)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2011	SE Coupe 3.6L V6	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	305 hp	RWD
2011	SE Coupe 3.6L V6	6.40 sec	14.80 sec	305 hp	RWD
2015	SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V6	6.00 sec	14.50 sec	305 hp	RWD
2015	SXT Plus Coupe 3.6L V6	6.20 sec	14.70 sec	305 hp	RWD
2017	GT Coupe 3.6L V6	6.30 sec	14.80 sec	305 hp	AWD

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-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. 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 Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	5.3
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.5 Pints, non_mvc
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.5 Pints, non_mvc
Engine Coolant	HOAT · MS9769

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	157 AWD ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	157 AWD ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.50-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	16-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Engine Compression	100
Engine Oil Pressure	30-139 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES
Torque Caliper to Bracket	44 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	23 ft-lbs / 44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	98 ft-lbs
Other	POLICE
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Brake Application	WITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

30 ft. lbs., step 2: 105

30 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
3	75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.	75 degrees
4	50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.	50 degrees
5	Loosen bolts in reverse sequence
6	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
7	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
8	70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.	70 degrees
9	70 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 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 8,000 mi	Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 12,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 16,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 18,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust)
At 48,000 mi	Exhaust 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 required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter 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 needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The 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 Challenger sits near the top of this generation's federal complaint volume, with 253 complaints—second only to 2010's 298 and well above 2011's 192 and 2013's 179. Complaints trended upward from 2008 through 2010, dipped in 2011, then rebounded in 2012 before declining steadily through 2014 and beyond, placing 2012 at the tail end of the elevated-complaint arc rather than in the calmer later years. Recalls held steady at six for both 2011 and 2012, while TSBs climbed from 123 in 2011 to 166 in 2012 and continued rising afterward, indicating expanding service documentation as these cars aged. The leading 2012 complaint categories were Electrical System (96), Air Bags (37), Engine (13), and Unknown or Other (11), with 11 crash-related and 8 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify root causes for any of these. Given its elevated complaint count relative to adjacent years and its position after the 2010 peak, the 2012 model is not the cleanest year in this generation and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly of the electrical and air-bag systems.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

166

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

253

Owner complaints

11 involved a crash · 8 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 253 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System96

Air Bags37

Engine13

Unknown Or Other11

Power Train10

Steering7

Seat Belts6

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 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 166 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
9100229	2023-09-20	Suspension	LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…
9100229	2023-09-20	Equipment	LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9100196	2023-07-27	Equipment	Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily…

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 Challenger. 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 battery Vehicles taking 6 qt w/ filter LC-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04884899AC Engine air filter 04861746AB Spark plug SP149125AF Battery BBH7F001AA

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Challenger 3.6L V6 take?

6 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Challenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L V6 get?

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