Dodge›Challenger›2012›6.4L V8/dodge/challenger/2012/6-4l-v8/
LC platform

2012 Dodge Challenger — 6.4L V8

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Challenger 6.4L V8. Covers both the standard and High Output 6.4L V8.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 6.4L V8Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Dodge Challenger 6.4L V8 is a passenger car on the LC platform, pairing its 6.4-liter engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an EPA combined rating of 21 mpg, while requiring 7 quarts of 5W-40 API oil with a filter change. In the model’s complaint history spanning 2008 to 2023, the 2012 model year’s 253 owner complaints place it below the 2010 peak of 298 but far above the 2022 low of 9, with the electrical system as the top trouble area and six recalls on record. This positions the 2012 Challenger as a mid-range reliability year, avoiding the worst of the early issues but still carrying a notable electrical complaint pattern.

Model year201320122011

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity7 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-40 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 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 / combined18 / 27 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular 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.

4.2–4.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.20 sec — 2021 392 Scat Pack Widebody Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2011SRT8 392 Coupe 6.4L V84.50 sec12.90 sec470 hpRWD
2011SRT8 392 Coupe 6.4L V84.50 sec12.90 sec470 hpRWD
2011SRT8 392 Coupe 6.4L V84.60 sec13.00 sec470 hpRWD
2011SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition Coupe 6.4L V84.60 sec13.00 sec470 hpRWD
2015R/T Scat Pack 6.4 Coupe 6.4L V84.20 sec12.60 sec485 hpRWD
2015R/T Scat Pack 6.4 Coupe 6.4L V84.20 sec12.60 sec485 hpRWD
2015R/T Scat Pack 6.4 Coupe 6.4L V84.40 sec12.90 sec485 hpRWD
2015SRT 392 Coupe 6.4L V84.70 sec12.80 sec485 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-40 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.

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 Bolts192 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 70, MT: 55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts23 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts23 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 Resistance9
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 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
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6033 ft. lbs

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.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger sits near the peak of a complaint surge that began in 2009, with 253 complaints representing the second-highest level in the generation after 2010's 298. The trend shows complaints climbing sharply from 2008 through 2010, briefly dipping in 2011, then spiking again in 2012 before entering a steady decline from 2013 onward. Recall activity follows a similar arc, with 6 recalls in 2012 matching the elevated levels of 2009-2011 before gradually tapering. The 2012 model's top complaint area by far is the Electrical System (96 of 253 complaints), followed by Air Bags (37), with 11 crash-related and 8 fire-related complaints also recorded that year. Notably, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) rose consistently through this period, reaching 166 in 2012 and climbing further afterward, suggesting ongoing manufacturer attention to issues rather than a static problem. While the complaint trend was declining by 2013, the 2012 model year remains among the more problematic in the generation's lifecycle. A buyer should factor in thorough electrical system inspection and airbag system verification before purchase, as these were documented problem areas that could require future attention.

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 6.4L V8 take?

7 qt w/ filter of SYNTHETIC 5W-40 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS10725, 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 6.4L V8 get?

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