2012 CHRYSLER 300 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
618
Owner Complaints
9
Recalls
41
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
The 2012 CHRYSLER 300 has received a total of 618 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR. 41 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (187 complaints), Air Bags (81 complaints), and Power Train (76 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300, potentially affecting up to 8,436,198 vehicles.
Recall 19V018000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 1,413,222 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 the inflator to explode.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
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, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact...
View full details →Recall 18V021000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 328,177 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally,...
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact...
View full details →Recall 17V435000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 442,214 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's...
View full details →Recall 16V352000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 4,648,270 vehicles affected
Defect: 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, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012...
Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag...
View full details →Recall 16V240000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
| 811,290 vehicles affected
Defect: 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-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's...
Consequence: Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this...
View full details →Recall 14V634000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 435,081 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
View full details →Recall 13V118000 — AIR BAGS
| 119,497 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
View full details →Recall 12V197000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
| 119,072 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
View full details →Recall 12V197000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
| 119,072 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
View full details →Recall 12V004000 — TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
| 303 vehicles affected
Defect: 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). AS BUILT, THE TPMS DOES NOT WARN THE DRIVER WHEN A TIRE IS 25 PERCENT...
Consequence: UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLES TPMS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
618 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
Date: February 22, 2026 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL FCA US LLC Customer Care P.O. Box 21-8004 Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004 RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT – Safety Defect (Rearview Camera Failure) Vehicle 1: 2012 Chrysler 300S (VIN: 2C3CCABG8CH273163) Vehicle 2: 2018 Chrysler 300S (VIN: 2C3CCAGG1JH300032) To the Chrysler Customer Care Team: I am a loyal, multi-vehicle Chrysler owner currently residing in San Diego County. I am writing to formally report a persistent and dangerous safety defect affecting both of my Chrysler 300S vehicles. Description of Defect: In both vehicles, the factory-installed backup camera has failed completely. When the vehicles are shifted into reverse, the infotainment screen remains blank or black. This failure significantly reduces rearward visibility, creating a severe safety risk for pedestrians and property, especially given the known blind spots of the 300S model. Legal and Safety Context: As you are aware, Chrysler has issued multiple recent recalls (including Recall 24V-436) regarding rearview camera software failures. Furthermore, for the 2018 model, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 mandates a functional rear visibility system. The identical failure across two different model years suggests a fundamental defect in the camera hardware or wiring harnesses used in this vehicle line. Requested Resolution: As a long-term supporter of the Chrysler brand, I am requesting a Goodwill Repair for both vehicles. I ask that Chrysler authorize a local authorized dealer in San Diego (Chula Vista/National City) to inspect and repair these camera systems at no cost to me. Please respond to this request in writing within 10 business days. I have also opened a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to document these failures. Sincerely, Nicole Lam
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 vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it remained and was declared a total loss. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
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.
My car threw itself in neutral twice in the highway going home.
The Steering Wheel Lock up on me while Driving on the interstate without any warning. I could have been kill. I panic.
Safety Rating for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
The 2012 CHRYSLER 300 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 41 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
103239 — AIR BAGS
AIR BAG - SIDE CURTAIN
9003357 — BACK OVER PREVENTION
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet...
W50 Combo Rev2 — AIR BAGS
Customer Satisfaction Notification W50 Driver Air Bag
W50 Combo Rev1 — AIR BAGS
Customer Satisfaction Notification W50 Driver Air Bag
9004361 — POWER TRAIN
NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
08-083-19 — EQUIPMENT
Flash: Hands Free Module (HFM) Software Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the HFM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set: U0197-00 - Lost Communication With Hands Free...
Parts — EQUIPMENT
Fender Flare If you order a fender flare in prime and the part you receive is in color, this is not an error. Please repaint to color match vehicle.
18-102-15 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Flash: 6.4L Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has...
1810215 — POWER TRAIN
Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements.
18-067-15 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Flash: PCM Software Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find one of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set:...
Showing 10 of 41 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 CHRYSLER 300
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2012 CHRYSLER 300.
Investigation EA16002 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Closed
Opened:
Vehicle rollaway, engine on
Other Model Years of the CHRYSLER 300
- 2007 CHRYSLER 300 — 620 complaints
- 2008 CHRYSLER 300 — 956 complaints
- 2009 CHRYSLER 300 — 114 complaints
- 2010 CHRYSLER 300 — 148 complaints
- 2011 CHRYSLER 300 — 266 complaints
- 2012 CHRYSLER 300 (current)
- 2013 CHRYSLER 300 — 402 complaints
- 2014 CHRYSLER 300 — 319 complaints
- 2015 CHRYSLER 300 — 142 complaints
- 2016 CHRYSLER 300 — 100 complaints
- 2017 CHRYSLER 300 — 102 complaints
Other CHRYSLER Models
- CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY — 18,996 total complaints
- CHRYSLER PACIFICA — 10,103 total complaints
- CHRYSLER 200 — 6,913 total complaints
- CHRYSLER SEBRING — 4,094 total complaints
- CHRYSLER PT CRUISER — 3,417 total complaints
- CHRYSLER CONCORDE — 2,991 total complaints
- CHRYSLER 300C — 1,758 total complaints
- CHRYSLER LHS — 1,430 total complaints