CHRYSLER 300 · model year

2012 CHRYSLER 300

617 NHTSA complaints, 33 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012CHRYSLER300 carries 617 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 33 crashes, 59 fires, 13 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 300 is electrical system with 186 filings, followed by air bags (81) and power train (76). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 88 investigation files overlapping the 2012 300, and 7 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

617
Complaints
33
Crashes
59
Fires
13
Injuries
1
Deaths
2012 CHRYSLER 300 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

617 filings

Crashes Reported

33 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM186
AIR BAGS81
POWER TRAIN76
ENGINE58
SERVICE BRAKES28
STEERING28
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)24
UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR22
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
EXTERIOR LIGHTING12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
SEAT BELTS5
SUSPENSION4

Recalls (9)

16V24000025/04/2016

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-sp

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2

19V01800015/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause t

17V43500010/07/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 o

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,

14V63400008/10/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicle

12V00400006/01/2012

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 AND THE CHRYSLER 300 SRT8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). A

13V11800003/04/2013

AIR BAGS

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may

12V19700002/05/2012

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Recent Complaints

20250725FireENGINE

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the temperature gauge had independently increased levels. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road and was able to restart the vehicle as a temporary repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, white smoke had leaked through the air vent into the interior cabin before independently shifting the gear into neutral. In addition, a fire had started from under the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a couple of nearby pedestrians attempted to extinguish the fire, but were unsuccessful due to the size of the fire. The contact had COPD, which was impacted during the failure, and medical attention was sought for a heart-related issue. The fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. A report was filed; however, it was unclear if either the local Fire department or Police department had filed the report. The

Mileage: 123,000

20250507CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a vehicle abruptly merged in front, causing the contact to T-bone the vehicle. The driver's side air bags did not fully deploy. The front passenger side air bag deployed, but there was no occupant. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained injuries to the left shoulder and additional bruises. In addition, the contact received a CT scan due to the contact's head hitting the front windshield. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Mileage: 195,000

20250425POWER TRAIN

My car threw itself in neutral twice in the highway going home.

20250406STEERING

The Steering Wheel Lock up on me while Driving on the interstate without any warning. I could have been kill. I panic.

20240529ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I lost all power to my car randomly, i replaced my alternator, battery, and pcm as well as the pigtail harness for my alternator. the car has no power inside at all besides my taillights and brake lights stay on. i keep blowing fuses left and right the fuses that keep blowing are - asd feed #1, trans/shifter, hvac module/ cluster, amplifier, radio screen - this is a major issue that needs to be recalled especially with everything else electrical that was already recalled. thanks for your time

20240301ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

goes into 4th gear and will not shift up or down DTC P1DD2 gas leaking from sending unit area and fan wont kick on untilk 230F also has electrical problems

20240301FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

goes into 4th gear and will not shift up or down DTC P1DD2 gas leaking from sending unit area and fan wont kick on untilk 230F also has electrical problems

20240301POWER TRAIN

goes into 4th gear and will not shift up or down DTC P1DD2 gas leaking from sending unit area and fan wont kick on untilk 230F also has electrical problems

20230808ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and examined under the hood of the vehicle and noticed there was smoke coming from the alternator. After the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The dealer was contact and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) and that the contact had to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

20230707CrashAIR BAGS

this car was crashed June 10 2023, owner went to hospital and car was towed and took to an auto pound .After 24 hours they told us a private company tolled it or stole it .we reported it stolen and payed a report and that's how I got the info of an independent mechanic trying to fix it. im trying to find my car and the report told me you guys have it.

20230707CrashENGINE

this car was crashed June 10 2023, owner went to hospital and car was towed and took to an auto pound .After 24 hours they told us a private company tolled it or stole it .we reported it stolen and payed a report and that's how I got the info of an independent mechanic trying to fix it. im trying to find my car and the report told me you guys have it.

20230707CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

this car was crashed June 10 2023, owner went to hospital and car was towed and took to an auto pound .After 24 hours they told us a private company tolled it or stole it .we reported it stolen and payed a report and that's how I got the info of an independent mechanic trying to fix it. im trying to find my car and the report told me you guys have it.

20230629SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

The contact owns 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

20230115AIR BAGS

The air bags were replaced in my vehicle due to a recall. Now my air bag light is on and the buttons and horn do not work. The airbag clock spring is broken. The air bags were replaced by the dealership. Should the clock spring be replaced covered due to this issue?

20230115ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air bags were replaced in my vehicle due to a recall. Now my air bag light is on and the buttons and horn do not work. The airbag clock spring is broken. The air bags were replaced by the dealership. Should the clock spring be replaced covered due to this issue?

20230104ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The contact stated she noticed oil on the garage floor. Upon opening the hood, she noticed there was oil over the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil leaking from the cooler adapter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. An independent mechanic informed the contact that antifreeze and oil had entered the engine. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Mileage: 151,000

20221126UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car accelerated on its own and refused to stop when brakes were applied. This occurrence jeopardized my safety and the safety of others on the road. Once I realized that no one was behind me I had to slam the car into neutral for it to stop moving abruptly so I wouldn't run into the the car in front of me, but the engine kept revving up high. I then turned it off. Which left me in a dangerous position and blocking traffic.

20221114POWER TRAIN

Esc off light comes on and transmission does not shift has loss of power gets extremely bad gas mileage. Whole engine shakes and bucks as if misfiring., cruise control nor sport mode engage.

20221114SUSPENSION

Esc off light comes on and transmission does not shift has loss of power gets extremely bad gas mileage. Whole engine shakes and bucks as if misfiring., cruise control nor sport mode engage.

20221114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Esc off light comes on and transmission does not shift has loss of power gets extremely bad gas mileage. Whole engine shakes and bucks as if misfiring., cruise control nor sport mode engage.

Compare 2012CHRYSLER300 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 7 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 CHRYSLER 300 have?
The 2012 CHRYSLER 300 has 617 NHTSA complaints, 33 crashes, 59 fires, 13 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300?
The 2012 CHRYSLER 300 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300?
Yes, the 2012 CHRYSLER 300 has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 CHRYSLER 300?
The most-complained component for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 186 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2012 CHRYSLER 300 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 CHRYSLER 300 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.