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 300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
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.
Was on my way home from work and car completely lost power as I was preceding to go after stopping at a stop sign. I was LITERALLY in the middle of the road. Car wouldn't crank AT ALL. Engine started OVERHEATING causing smoke to disburse from engine. NO WARNING LIGHTS before this occurred. A big truck was coming down the road and I had to exist the vehicle. Luckily a car wasn't in the other lane so the truck went on the other side of the road. I was terrified! I called 911 to get a deputy dispatch to direct traffic around my car to avoid mutiple COLLISION. I had to have my vehicle towed. I never want another Chrysler again these cars are UNSAFE. I could have died what if my child was in the car?! I took my car to a mechanic to put on computer scanner and it gave off SEVEN codes ALL due to ELECTRICAL ISSUES! CAR IS APPARENTLY STUCK IN LIMP MODE IDK I'M SO CONFUSED AND DISAPPOINTED. …
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted and stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and restarted the vehicle however, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to move forward. The vehicle was towed the residence. The following day the vehicle started and drove as designed; however, the vehicle would not reverse. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown
My vehicle stalls when placed from reverse to drive and the check engine light blinks and goes to Eco mode which makes the car shake. I've had a tuneup, oil change, brakes, O2 sensor and spark plugs replaced and the issues still exist. The car also will initiate skid control without warning or pressing the button which slows the car down and causes the engine to rev above 3-6rpm
Car was stalling and had electrical issues. I paid to get it fixed but never knew there was a recall for my vehicles alternator. The vehicle battery dies fairly quickly from time to time still and every know and then I have to call AAA to jump my car and they say my battery is good. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36. I never received a noticed.
I had just left my house and was approximately a quarter mile from home when my son and I noticed a strong smell of something burning. Then the radio turned off. I looked down and the message center said "battery saving mode". I had just put a new battery on less than 4 months ago. Then I heard a whirring noise under the hood and the vehicle would not accelerate up a hill. The red outline of a battery appeared on the dash. I took the car back home and parked it -- then had to have a new alternator installed the next day. Mechanic said there was definite evidence of the alternator burning up. After picking up the vehicle with the new alternator -- my heat would not blow out the front vents. Turns out the actuator had gone out. I am still trying to determine if this was caused by the electrical system or just a really strange coincidence. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and brake indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (dallas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, 11550 lyndon b johnson fwy, dallas, tx 75238) and the contact was informed that she must purchase a battery before the diagnostic testing would be completed. The contact declined. The failure mileage was 83,000.
This is a follow up to NHTSA id number 10713859 filed 04/30/2012. 2012 Chrysler 300c had just been serviced at autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep in spring, texas, service consisted of engine oil/filter replacement, balance/rotation of tires and replacement of windshield wiper blades. After driving out of the dealership parking lot approximately 3/4 mile the vehicle failed to accelerate when trying to increase speed while attempting to enter busy I-45 freeway. Engine RPM's were noted to ba about 1000 rpms, vehicle was immediately returned to dealership. Upon computer evaluation, the incident was noted to be second occurrence of fault. Dealer kept vehicle 7 days and drove 51 miles on for or five attempts to replicate incident. Incident was not replicated. …
Engine complaints in other 300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 15% of the model year's 426 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chrysler 300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Chrysler 300, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chrysler 300 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 8 fires and 1 injury 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.