10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,764 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chrysler 300:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #37

Sep 262017

300

  • 731,000 miles
Alternator went out while driving. Service department had my vehicle for 7 days. We went back and forth as to who was going to pay for the repair that was covered under the T36 recall. 5 days after said repair, the A/C compressor is not working.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #36

Sep 282017

300

  • 60,000 miles
I was parking in a parking garage and the car went into low battery mode and the ABS light came on. I could smell burning from the engine. I was able to make it safely to park as I was in a parking garage. I was able to inspect under the hood and while facing the engine their was smoke/burning smell to the left of the engine. The dealer did confirm it is part of the T36 recall and is stating I have to pay up front.

- Renton, WA, USA

problem #35

Sep 172017

300

  • 83,000 miles
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.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #34

Sep 052017

300

  • 90,000 miles
The car started turning air and radio off by itself and all the lights came on than the windshield wipers came on. The backup camera stopped and the phone features. The car stopped after that wouldn't go in park until I held down the start button than it parked and would not start after that. The car smelled like something was burning.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #33

Aug 222017

300

  • 82,000 miles
Complete engine failure at 82,000 miles

- Annville, PA, USA

problem #32

Aug 172017

300

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 35 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the front of vehicle and a burning odor was coming from the vents. Also the ABS and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The noise grew louder when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Also, the transmission warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to stutter. As the contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the highway, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle failed to shift and engage into park. The emergency brake was engaged and the wiper blades inadvertently activated. The push to start/stop button failed to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle eventually turned itself off. The contact called a tow truck. The tow truck driver opened the hood and smoke was present. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the battery failed to hold a charge. The vehicle was towed to darcars Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of marlow heights (5060 auth way, suitland, md 20746 (301) 423-5111) where it was diagnosed with an alternator failure. The alternator and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired at darcars due to the cost; however, the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V240000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to pep boys auto parts & service (6333 marlboro pike, forestville, md 20747 (301) 967-9140) where the alternator and serpentine belt were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, but the contact as unaware if a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

- Upper Marlboro, MH, USA

problem #31

Jul 252017

300

  • 63,911 miles
As leaving my home and going no more than 15 mph because I was still in a residential neighborhood, I noticed that "battery saver mode" came on the dash. Within seconds, I noticed the radio turned off and the car was slowing down. I immediately turned around and as I was returning home (which would have taken about 60 seconds), the car completed stopped. I started to notice a burning smell, so I tried to put the car in park but it would not go. I tried to turn the car off, but no success. As I was smelling the burning smell, I decided to just open the car door to get out and it was at that time the car just turned off. I called the dealer and described what happened. They advised that it was something to do with alternator and would check for recall. They checked my VIN and advised I was not included in recall, but other 2012 Chrysler 300S had been included. As I researched online, many consumers were complaining about this same problem and being told they were not in recall. I read the symptoms of the problem as the recall was noted and I experienced the same thing. In addition, I was afraid the car was going to catch on fire by the smell that was coming in the car. Hopefully, this problem can be addressed.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #30

Apr 012017

300

  • 94,000 miles
Experienced total electrical failure after replacing alternator and battery- electrical failure affects everything- unsafe to drive

- Houma, LA, USA

problem #29

Dec 222016

300 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
On 12/22/16, I used my car for work and later christmas shopping with no problem. At 9:00 pm, my husband, granddaughter and I were on the freeway traveling about 60-65 mph when the battery save mode light came on. I smelled smoke so my husband merged over to the far right, still traveling about 50-55 mph. The car began to shut down, first the radio, then inside panel lights, headlights, airbag warning lights, brake lights, windshield wipers up, and car slammed into park while moving. Felt like we were rear ended. Very scary. Luckily, we were able to coast downhill off the side of the freeway, barely making it off, with the backend of the car in jeopardy of being hit. The three of us were stranded there on the side of the road until 1:30 am, in a not so lit area, until aaa arrived. None of us knew how to put the car in neutral so it had to be forced on and off the flat bed. The next day, I notified Chrysler and found out there was a recall on the alternator for this same make, model and year. My care # is 30764006. However, I was told that my car was not covered because it had a 180 amp alternator instead of 160 amp. I was told by [xxx] to have my car towed to motor village la for an official diagnosis and that she (Chrysler) would try to help me get it approved to be fixed under the recall. Motor village quoted me $1200 to fix and denied the recall claim. My family and I almost lost our lives that evening, and I wasted time with Chrysler recall. I had to get the car towed elsewhere because I could not afford $1200 for repair. Furthermore, when I called back, I was not able to speak with [xxx] and of course, the story had changed. They no longer offered help, only apologies. As a result, I lost time off work and was without a car for a week. I am requesting reimbursement for my $130 diagnostic charge paid to motor village. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Compton, CA, USA

problem #28

Dec 122016

300

  • 81,198 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While the vehicle was in reverse, the gear shifter shifted into park and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated when driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,198.

- Clayton, LA, USA

problem #27

Nov 152016

300

  • miles
I was on my way home from the grocery store with my son, I was stopped at a red light when the light turned green I pressed on the gas to go and the car would not move the ABS light came on. The end car finally started to move slowly, then all the lights started to flash and everything went black, no power! I tried to get as close as possible to home, at that point I had no power steering no nothing and all the while the dashboard kept flickering and it said service transmission, malfunction indicator was lit up. This all happened in rush hour traffic. Smh I was going about 25mph and miles on vehicle was 55,900

- Inglewood, CA, USA

problem #26

Nov 062016

300

  • 68,000 miles
While driving about 30mpr, car suddenly loss all inside lights, including indicator lights. Within one minutes later, power dropped and car was barely driving. Within the two blocks I had to drive to get home, power continued to drop. No way to control the car; unable to turn off.ignition or put car in park it suddenly began to smoke profusely. Looked like all fluids leaked and car became hot. Then all dash lights came on flashing violently. Car smoked for about 20 minutes or more before it became quiet. Gears would not engage, so it remained in drive the whole time. I kept my foot on brake due to uncertain about what the car would do. It was completely dead but continued to smoke more than 30 more minutes. Was unable to control anything. Could not even operate trunk. I am totally afraid of this car. Towed to dealer. Alternator cost >$1100. Mileage is just over 68000. P60 recall was not assigned to my car due to amp value.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #25

Sep 302016

300

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. In addition, the ABS indicator remained illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. The VIN was not available.

- Redlands, CA, USA

problem #24

May 162016

300

  • 20,000 miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of park into the other gears without warning. The contact had to maneuver the gears to ensure that the gear had been changed over. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled more than once. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V352000 (air bags) and 16V240000 (power train). The contact was to check with the manufacturer to determine if they may be able to diagnose the failures and schedule the two recall repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #23

Sep 092016

300

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. When the brake pedal was depressed at 30 mph, the vehicle failed to respond and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle suddenly stalled, the instrument panel indicators illuminated, and the doors failed to unlock. The vehicle was restarted after the battery was charged; however, it only moved approximately ten feet. The vehicle stalled again and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #22

Aug 082016

300

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

problem #21

May 012016

300

  • 54,668 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as it jerked before moving forward. The ABS and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS sensor and wheel sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V240000 (power train). The failure mileage was 54,668.

- Waipahu, HI, USA

problem #20

Apr 182016

300

  • 58,000 miles
After being parked in shade for over an hour on warm (70) day, brake light came on, then engine and transmission light on and off while driving. While at stop, smell of burnt plastic and unable to shift from drive to park; was eventually able to shift into park, then vehicle died, including flashers. No power to anything, including doors. Was stopped at head of left turn lane during lunch hour traffic; out of car due to building heat and increased burning plastic smell and to direct traffic around the vehicle for over an hour until towed by aaa. Diagnosed by dealer (lithia Dodge in santa rosa, ca) as wire shorted in alternator, but they say not covered by recall #14V634000. Quoted repair is $1452 for new alternator and battery, plus approx. $500 in car rental costs. Mileage about 58,000.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

problem #19

Apr 212016

300

  • 75,600 miles
(P60/NHTSA 14V-634) I own a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving about 5 mph in a parking lot, the radio stated cutting on and off, the battery icon flashed on and off and I lost all power to the vehicle. I opened the hood and smoke was coming from the alternator. Aaa came and tried to jump -start the vehicle, but the battery was completely dead. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery was the cause of the failure. The batter and the alternator were replaced. In 2015, a letter was sent to certain Chrysler 300 owners whose vehicle was equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator to take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer and get the alternator replaced, free of charge. Those of us with a 180 amp alternator did not qualify. Those of us with the 180 amp alternator did not qualify. The same problem that existed with the 160 amp, also exist with the 180 amp alternator. I also have a life- time warranty, but I had to pay for the battery.

- Hephzibah, GA, USA

problem #18

Aug 262015

300

  • 60,000 miles
Was driving the vehicle and it started to stall. Managed to get it to a parking lot where it died out. Thought it was the battery got a new one to move from the parking lot. Proceeded to drive the car home from the parking lot about 1 mile away. It started to give out and stall again so I pulled over. Popped the hood open and the altanator was smoking so I turned the car off. Even after I turned it off it still smoked and sounded like it was cracklings like a fire luckily it did not catch on fire. My question is if there's recalls on 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 altanators why is there not one on my car?

- Pala, CA, USA

Read the next 17 complaints »