Dodge›Challenger›2012›5.7L V8/dodge/challenger/2012/5-7l-v8/
LC platform

2012 Dodge Challenger — 5.7L V8

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Challenger 5.7L V8. Covers both the standard and High Output 5.7L V8.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 5.7L V8Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Dodge Challenger rides on the LC platform as a passenger car powered by a 5.7L V8 paired with a five-speed automatic, returning 16/25/19 mpg and taking 7 quarts of 5W-20 API oil with filter. With 253 owner complaints logged and six recalls issued, its most reported trouble area is the electrical system, placing this model year well below the 2010 peak of 298 complaints but far above the 2022 low of nine across the 2008–2023 span. That middle-ground complaint volume suggests the 2012 carries notable but not worst-in-class electrical risk for researchers tracking long-term durability.

Model year20132012201120102009

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity7 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/25/19 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 filter04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter04861746AB
BatteryBBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades68015148AA
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 length197.6 in
Overall width75.6 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase116.1 in
Curb weight4083 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 25 / 19 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelMidgrade 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.

5.0–6.2 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.00 sec — 2011 R/T Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.00 sec13.50 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.60 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.60 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.40 sec13.80 sec372 hpRWD
2009R/T Coupe 5.7L V86.20 sec14.50 sec372 hpRWD
2015R/T Coupe 5.7L V85.10 sec13.70 sec375 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 7 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 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 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. 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+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.5 Pints, non_mvc
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.5 Pints, non_mvc
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 70, MT: 55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub157 AWD ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.540-.660 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance9240
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.50-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

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
Injector Primary Resistance12+-0.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression100
Engine Oil Pressure25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm

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
OtherPOLICE
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Brake ApplicationWITH 17 inch BASE BRAKES
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
1Bolts 1-1025 ft. lbs
2Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
3Bolts 1-1040 ft. lbs
4Bolts 11-1515 ft. lbs
5Bolts 1-1090 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)
Every 8,000 miEngine Oil Filter (replace)
At 12,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 16,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 18,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust)
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.

Across the generation, consumer complaints peaked early between 2010 and 2012 before trending downward, while Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) rose steadily from 34 in 2008 to a peak of 320 in 2020. The 2012 model year represents a high point in this arc with 253 complaints, which is significantly higher than the 192 reported in 2011 and 179 in 2013. Primary complaint areas for 2012 were the Electrical System (96) and Air Bags (37), though the data does not specify the root causes for these issues. This year also recorded 11 crash complaints, 8 fire complaints, and 166 TSBs, with 6 recalls. Because 2012 sits near the peak of the generation's complaint volume and precedes the general improvement in reliability seen in later years, this is not a recommended year to buy.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
166
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
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.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
91002292023-09-20SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…
91002292023-09-20EquipmentLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91001962023-07-27EquipmentLubrication 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 batteryVehicles taking 7 qt w/ filterLC-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 04884899ACEngine air filter 04861746ABBattery BBH7F001AAFront wiper blades 68015148AA

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 Challenger 5.7L V8 take?

7 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 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 5.7L V8 get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg.