2012 Chrysler 300 Electrical System Problems
The 2012 Chrysler 300 has 221 electrical system complaints, 52% of its 426 total complaints, with 30 fires reported and a median failure mileage of 70,000. Two related recalls (17V435000, 14V634000) cover alternator failures tied to these reports.
- Electrical System complaints
- 221
- 52% of 426
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 30
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Alternator fails and smokes or catches fire under the hood, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell inside the cabin.
- Vehicle displays a 'battery saving mode' message while dashboard lights and gauges behave erratically before losing power.
- Car stalls without warning at low or highway speeds, with ABS, traction control, or stability warning lamps illuminating first.
- Instrument panel and radio shut off suddenly, followed by loss of power steering and interior lighting.
- Drivers report pulling over after smelling burnt wiring or seeing smoke coming from vents or the hood.
- Some owners had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the alternator was diagnosed as the failed part and replaced.
When 2012 Chrysler 300 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 29, 2011, latest Sep 6, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Chrysler 300
- NHTSA 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Risk: 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 number for this recall is T36.
- NHTSA 14V634000Oct 8, 2014Electrical System435,081 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 12V197000May 2, 2012Electrical System119,072 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
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.
Risk: 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.
Electrical System complaints by 300 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2012 Chrysler 300?
- NHTSA lists 221 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Chrysler 300, which is 52% of the 426 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Chrysler 300 electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 17V435000 addresses electro-hydraulic power steering and alternator issues, and recall 14V634000 covers alternator replacement on 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 vehicles built through January 2, 2014.
- Did the 2012 Chrysler 300 electrical issue cause fires?
- NHTSA complaint data shows 30 fires reported in the electrical system category for the 2012 Chrysler 300, along with 2 crashes and no reported injuries.
- At what mileage do these electrical failures usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for 2012 Chrysler 300 electrical system complaints is 70,000 miles.
- Is the 2012 Chrysler 300's electrical complaint rate worse than other years?
- Yes. The 2012 model's 52% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is higher than most other 300 model years, though 2011 was higher at 62%.