Recall 12V197 affects 119,072 2011-2012 Dodge Charger and 300 vehicles for ABS/ESC function loss from overheated power distribution centers. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 119,072 2011-2012 Charger and 300 vehicles because an overheated power distribution center can shut down ABS/ESC system function. Loss of those systems can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On the 2011-2012 Charger and 300, the power distribution center is the fuse and relay hub that routes electrical power to major systems. That includes the anti-lock braking system, which helps keep wheels from locking during hard braking, and electronic stability control, which helps the vehicle stay on its intended path when traction drops.
In affected vehicles, the power distribution center overheats. When that happens, the electrical supply for the ABS and ESC system is interrupted, so those assist functions stop working. The recall filing identifies overheating in that power center as the defect and does not give a more detailed root cause.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner can lose ABS or ESC function without noticing a change first, so the VIN check and dealer repair path matter for this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers the Charger and 300 across the 2011 and 2012 model years, with both ABS and wiring components named.
| 2012 Dodge Charger | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
|---|---|
| 2012 Chrysler 300 | wiring |
| 2012 Chrysler 300 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2011 Chrysler 300 | wiring |
| 2011 Chrysler 300 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | wiring |
| Units affected | 119,072 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An ABS/ESC system fuse issue can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer completes it. Repair will be free at any franchised Dodge dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Charger or 300 is included in this recall.
- Wait for the Dodge owner letter if you have not received it, then contact a franchised Dodge dealer before scheduling service.
- Reference recall number 12V197 when you call the dealer.
- Ask the dealer about the free ABS/ESC fuse relocation that prevents overheated power distribution center damage and loss of ABS/ESC function.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, leave extra following distance, and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician relocates the ABS/ESC system fuse, the repair named in the recall remedy. The work is meant to restore proper fuse placement for the anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems. The recall covers the dealer repair free of charge, including parts and labor. Because the current remedy status is not listed in this input, confirm repair availability with the Dodge service desk before arranging the appointment.
Timeline
| May 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 18, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V197?
Recall 12V197 covers 119,072 2011-2012 Dodge Charger and 300 vehicles with an ABS/ESC fuse location issue that can overheat the power distribution center and disable ABS/ESC function. Loss of that function can lead to loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Dodge Charger or 300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V197. If it is, call a franchised Dodge dealer and ask for the ABS/ESC fuse relocation. Reference recall number 12V197 when you schedule the appointment. 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 12V197, the dealer relocates the ABS/ESC system fuse free of charge, and the safety recall began on May 18, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of ABS/ESC system function from an overheated power distribution center. ABS and ESC help the driver maintain braking and stability control. If those systems stop working, the vehicle can lose control and the risk of a crash increases.
What if I bought my Dodge Charger or 300 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Dodge dealer with recall number 12V197.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V197000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V197 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V197000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →