YearToAvoid

2012 Chrysler 300C Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

57/100

#4 most-complained of 8 300C years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Chrysler 300C has a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 4th worst out of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 15 complaints, 2 fires, and 0 recalls, with the Electrical System as the top problem area at 47% of complaints.

Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
0 / 2
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2012 Chrysler 300C problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System7 (47%)
  2. Engine4 (27%)
  3. Other2 (13%)
  4. Brakes1 (7%)
  5. Steering1 (7%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (7%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the alternator overheating and wiring around it glowing red, sometimes producing smoke while driving at low speeds.
  • Some describe the alternator and battery failing simultaneously at highway speed, causing the radio, air conditioning, ABS brakes, power steering, and ignition to shut down together.
  • Multiple reports describe the vehicle failing to start after alternator failure, requiring towing.
  • One owner reported the timing chain breaking at highway speed, causing the engine to stall and requiring full engine replacement.
  • One owner described a power steering error message appearing while driving downhill, making the car difficult to steer or brake until it came to a stop.
  • Another reported the engine misfiring and shaking at low RPM with a loud ticking noise near 100,410 miles.
2012 Chrysler 300C complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2017Dec 2017May 2018Aug 2018Jan 2019Jul 2019
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Jul 2019; peak Jul 2017 (3).

2012 Chrysler 300C recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2012 compared with other 300C years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Caution71101 !—
2011Avoid86250—
2012Caution57150—
2013Avoid100350—
2014Good29110—

All Chrysler 300C years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Chrysler 300C reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2012 300C a Complaint Index of 57 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 8 model years covered. It's not the worst year, but it trails several later years like 2016, which scored a Best verdict with an index of 14.
What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Chrysler 300C?
The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 47% of complaints (7 of 15), including alternator failures that led to 2 reported fires. Median mileage at failure for electrical issues was 84,500.
Does the 2012 Chrysler 300C have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2012 300C, though sample complaints reference a Takata airbag recall and an alternator-related recall affecting other model years.
How does the 2012 300C compare to other years?
The 2012 300C's Complaint Index of 57 is lower than 2011 (86, Avoid) and 2013 (100, Avoid), but higher than 2014 (29), 2015 (43), and 2016 (14), which are rated better.
Were there any fires reported in the 2012 Chrysler 300C?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 fire reports for the 2012 300C, both tied to alternator and wiring problems in the Electrical System category.

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.