YearToAvoid

2012 Chrysler 200 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 177 engine complaints for the 2012 Chrysler 200, 28% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 62,250 miles. A related recall (11V487000) covers engine replacement for certain 2012 models, though it predates the 2012 model year complaints filed.

Engine complaints
177
28% of 638
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
62,250 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine stalls unexpectedly at low speeds, including while idling, turning, or driving in parking lots, sometimes just after purchase.
  • Vehicle loses power or stalls at highway speed, causing loss of steering or braking assist and, in at least one case, a crash.
  • Owners report hesitation or stumbling on acceleration, especially merging onto highways or pulling out into traffic.
  • Engine has stalled repeatedly on the same vehicle, with dealers reproducing the failure without a lasting fix.
  • A radiator hose connector failure led to smoke and a loud noise from under the hood in one case.
  • One complaint describes complete loss of steering and brakes accompanying an engine shutdown at low speed.

When 2012 Chrysler 200 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 3, 2012, latest Apr 21, 2026.

2012 Chrysler 200 engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter92012 Q22013 Q42015 Q22016 Q42018 Q22019 Q42021 Q22023 Q2
177 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q4 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Chrysler 200

  1. NHTSA 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Engine667 vehicles

    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. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.

    Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.

    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 by 200 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20102 (15%)
  2. 2011142 (42%)
  3. 2012177 (28%)
  4. 2013175 (28%)
  5. 201444 (23%)
  6. 2015722 (36%)
  7. 2016140 (41%)
  8. 201725 (58%)
  9. 20181 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Chrysler 200?
NHTSA lists 177 engine complaints for the 2012 Chrysler 200, which is 28% of the 638 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Chrysler 200?
Yes. Recall campaign 11V487000 covers certain 2012 Chrysler 200 vehicles for an engine issue, with Chrysler replacing the engine free of charge; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do 2012 Chrysler 200 engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 62,250 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2012 200, though some owners reported stalling issues at much lower mileage in individual complaints.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to engine complaints?
NHTSA records show 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the 177 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Chrysler 200.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.