Recall 12V042 affects 9,137 2011-2012 Dodge Charger police vehicles for headlamp and ABS/ESC electrical overheating. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 9,137 2011-2012 Charger police vehicles because overheated electrical connectors can disable the low beam headlamps or the ABS or ESC system. That can reduce visibility or braking ability and increase the risk of a crash; the Dodge dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2011-2012 Dodge Charger Police vehicles have two electrical areas tied to this recall. One is the low beam headlamp bulb harness connector, the plug that carries power to the headlight bulb for normal night lighting. The other is the power distribution center, the underhood fuse and relay box that sends protected power to systems such as ABS and ESC, which help control braking and stability.
In some Chargers, heat builds up at the headlamp connector until the connection is damaged and the low beam stops working. In other vehicles, heat in the power distribution center damages the electrical feed for ABS or ESC. When that happens, those systems lose function even though the basic brake system remains separate from the electronic assist.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner notice is a failed low beam headlamp or a loss of ABS/ESC function.
Who's affected?
The listed components span the hydraulic brake system, headlights, and wiring.
| 2011 Dodge Charger | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Charger | Headlights |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | Headlights |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 9,137 |
Not every 2011-2012 Dodge Charger sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of visibility or braking ability increases the risk of a crash. If the headlamps, brakes, ABS, or stability control act abnormally, stop driving and call a Dodge dealer for guidance. Schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Dodge dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Dodge Charger is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer with recall number 12V042 and ask for the free headlamp harness replacement and ABS/ESC fuse relocation.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge sent one, or bring your VIN and recall number 12V042 to the service desk.
- Avoid night driving and leave extra following distance until the headlamp and ABS/ESC repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician replaces the headlamp jumper harnesses. The technician also relocates the ABS and ESC system fuse inside the power distribution center, which addresses the overheated connector and fuse location described in the recall. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Owners can ask the service desk to confirm both operations are listed on the work order.
Timeline
| February 7, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V042?
Recall 12V042 covers 9,137 2011-2012 Dodge Charger police vehicles with electrical defects tied to the low-beam headlamp harness connector and the power distribution center. The defect can lead to loss of visibility or braking ability, increasing crash risk. Dodge dealers perform the repair for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Dodge Charger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Charger is included in recall 12V042. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the headlamp jumper harness replacement and ABS/ESC fuse relocation. Reference recall number 12V042 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 12V042, Dodge dealers replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the power distribution center free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Dodge Charger before the repair?
Treat this as a safety repair. The recall defect can cause loss of low-beam headlamps or loss of ABS/ESC system function, which can reduce visibility or braking ability and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Dodge Charger used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011-2012 Dodge Charger police vehicle is included, then contact a franchised Dodge dealer and reference recall number 12V042.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V042000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V042 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V042000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →