Chrysler · Known Issues
2012 Chrysler 300 Problems: 17 Known Issues
2012 model year · 25,020+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2012 model year · 25,020+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 25,020+ owner reports, the 2012 Chrysler 300 has 17 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are TIPM Electrical Failures ($200-$1,200 repair), Fuel Pump Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) ($200-$1,200 repair), HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure ($2,000-$6,000 repair), Alternator Failure (Multiple Recalls) ($0-$800 repair), Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks ($500-$900 repair), ABS Module Internal Failure ($300-$1,200 repair), Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure ($2,500-$4,500 repair), Starter Motor Failure ($300-$700 repair) and Monostable Shifter Rollaway Warning ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is TIPM Electrical Failures with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 25,020+ owner reports, the 2012 Chrysler 300 has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: TIPM Electrical Failures, Fuel Pump Relay Failure (TIPM-Related), HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 has 17 known issues documented across 25,020+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: TIPM Electrical Failures and Fuel Pump Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) and HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure and Alternator Failure (Multiple Recalls) and Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks and ABS Module Internal Failure and Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure and Starter Motor Failure and Monostable Shifter Rollaway Warning. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chrysler 300 issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, TIPM Electrical Failures, typically costs $200-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The TIPM main fuse and relay box circuit board traces blow from current spikes, shorts, or corrosion. Water intrusion common. Causes random electrical issues affecting fuel pump, lights, wipers, horn, windows, and safety systems. Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
Fuel pump relay inside TIPM fails, preventing fuel pump activation. Vehicle has full electrical power but won't start due to no fuel delivery. Related to broader TIPM issue, specifically affects ASD/Fuel Pump relay circuits. Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 suffers from MDS lifter design defect where needle bearings are undersized. Lifters can be starved of oil during idle, causing seizure and catastrophic camshaft wear leading to engine failure. Repairs typically run $2,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
Both 3.6L and 5.7L engines with 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators prone to sudden failure. Voltage regulator in PCM can fail. Internal diode failures cause battery drain, fires, and loss of power while driving. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.
Water pumps fail prematurely due to bearing and seal wear. Air pockets frequently form in cooling system after repairs. The 300 is difficult to properly bleed air from cooling system. Repairs typically run $500-$900. Severity: high.
ABS control module suffers internal failures due to short circuits in main circuit board. Prevents proper ABS operation and stores fault codes. While regular braking functions, vehicle loses anti-lock capability, traction control, and stability control. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
Left cylinder head on early Pentastar engines suffers valve seat failure in cylinder #2. Valve seats overheat and drop out of aluminum head causing catastrophic misfires and potential engine damage. Design flaw later addressed. Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.
Starter motors fail prematurely or intermittently. Grinding noise during starting indicates worn starter gear. Electrical issues including corroded battery terminals, failed neutral safety switch, and bad starter relay contribute to no-start. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
Vehicles with monostable electronic gear selector may not adequately warn driver when door opened and vehicle not in PARK. Shifter returns to center after each shift, making gear selection unclear. Led to rollaway incidents subject to NHTSA recall. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
The plastic oil filter housing develops cracks and gasket failures due to heat cycling. Chrysler discontinued original plastic part but never issued recall despite widespread problem. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
The ZF 8-speed automatic develops harsh shifting, especially in 2nd gear. Valve body is primary failure point. Cold shifting particularly problematic. Chrysler states "sealed for life" but failures occur before 150,000 miles. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.
OEM control arm bushings fail prematurely around 20,000-40,000 miles instead of typical 100,000+ lifespan. Bushings press-fitted into arms and cannot be replaced separately on most applications, requiring full control arm replacement. Repairs typically run $280-$800. Severity: medium.
Rear differential develops whining from failed pinion bearing or ring/pinion wear. LX platform differentials have inherent whine, but excessive noise indicates bearing failure. Front differentials on AWD fail at 40,000-60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The 5.7L HEMI is notorious for exhaust manifold bolts breaking, especially on the passenger side. Thermal cycling causes bolts to become brittle and snap. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup that partially diminishes as engine warms but never fully goes away. Broken bolts can… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Evaporative emission control system develops small leaks triggering P0456 code. Most commonly failed gas cap, chaffed EVAP purge pipe harness, or failed purge solenoid. Triggers check engine light and prevents emissions testing pass. Repairs typically run $20-$500. Severity: low.
Power window regulators and motors fail frequently, particularly rear doors. Cable in regulator breaks or motor burns out. Window stuck in down or up position. Motor and regulator sold as assembly, cannot be separated. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: low.
The Chrysler 300 uses Chrysler's proprietary natural-vacuum leak detection hardware instead of a conventional pressure-based leak detection pump. On 2005-2006 cars this is the NVLD (Natural Vacuum Leak Detection) valve/solenoid; from 2007 onward it is the ESIM (Evaporative System… Repairs typically run $40-$476. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.