repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
2012 Chrysler 300Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 427 owner complaints about the 2012 Chrysler 300, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-352 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Chrysler 300 has problems
427 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
212Electrical system31 crash/fire/injury
83Air bags15 crash/fire/injury
79Power train10 crash/fire/injury
58Engine9 crash/fire/injury
28Service brakes
28Steering
24Electronic stability control (ESC)
17Vehicle speed control
14Exterior lighting
5315 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 212 | 31 |
| Air bags | 83 | 15 |
| Power train | 79 | 10 |
| Engine | 58 | 9 |
| Service brakes | 28 | 4 |
| Steering | 28 | 4 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 24 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 17 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 53 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2012 Chrysler 300 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q1
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
no report yet
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chrysler.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
70kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 160 electrical system complaints. 88% were reported before 100,000 miles.
11under 30k miles141under 100k miles19100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other 300 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 300 median. How we score
'69'70'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Chrysler 300 safety ratings
2012 Chrysler 300 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Chrysler 300, and the recalls they led to.
- Vehicle rollaway, engine onLed to recall 16V-240
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 300 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Vehicle received passenger airbag inflator recall service at Viva CDJR in El Paso, TX. The dash disassembly disturbed adjacent wiring/BCM connections, and after driving, vibration caused a short/ground fault, creating runaway wipers, A/C failure, transmission limp mode, check engine and power…
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: [XXX] ) Vehicle 2: 2018 Chrysler 300S (VIN: [XXX] ) To the Chrysler Customer Care Team:…
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,…
Own a 2012 300?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.