Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chrysler 200 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (Electrical system, Air Bags), 16V668000 (Seat belts, Air Bags), and 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure still occurred. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 11V487000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the Emissions Recall Campaign: U67. The contact stated that the dealer determined that the check engine warning light failure was an Air Flow Circuit Sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact's wife stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that on five occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after an hour each time. The vehicle was towed to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
At first the car started making chirping sound on the right side when ever the car idles. One day I was driving and it shut down while I was driving and the check engine light and electrical light came on, i finance the car and they do the repairs under warranty no electrical repairs. They did repairs to the engine they claim and the problem still persists when the engine shuts off while I'm driving. the brakes lock up and the steering wheel locks up. And you can't change the gears to park the car. I literally drive with my hand on the emergency break out of anxiety, after it shuts off, the odometer and rpm meter both drop at the same time when it occurs, and after waiting for it to come back on the rpm struggles to go over the "1" I have to wait 20mins for the car to start back up every time. I got the car 03/25/2021 @ 130,800 miles. …
Numerous problems with vehicle refusing to start when ignition switch turned on. The dealership could not find a problem. The vehicle then ran for a period of time without additional issues. In April of 2022 the problem resurfaced. After trying for two days to start the vehicle, it started and I took it to a Chrysler dealership. The mechanic indicated the car needed a new starter. The starter was replaced on 4/20/2022. On 5/10/2022 the dealership inspected the vehicle and did an oil and filter change. No problems were found. On 5/13/2022 I was driving and the vehicle suddenly stopped in traffic and would not restart. Thankfully, a crash was avoided when the vehicle suddenly stopped in heavy traffic. The automatic windows and door locks still worked even though ignition would not engage. The vehicle had to be pushed out of traffic and was towed to a dealership. …
My vehicle just started this week to rough idle when braked at a red light. And when picking up speed in the city or highway it kicks back(rough idle/shaking) alot and the check engine light will flash and then dissappear. Nothing is getting picked up when checking for codes. But I believe it has to do with that safety recall: Chrysler Town & Country Engine Recall: 11V487000 Engine May Suffer Internal Damage and Stop Running I did get my oil change at the dealership I purchased but nothing came up to them about it as well(since they do inspection). This is my only transportation so I need this to get taken care of as I have 2 kids and appointments. Thank you. Consumer resolved the issue by changing the ignition coils.
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, numerous warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact lost power steering and power brakes and was unable to pull the vehicle off to side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle and he determined that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V487000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, Dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and Jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from August 31, 2011, through September 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 18, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine complaints in other 200 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chrysler 200?
NHTSA has 161 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Chrysler 200, 25% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chrysler 200 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-487 (engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Chrysler 200 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.