VehicleVerdict

2012 Chrysler 200 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,011 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median 200 year — the 2012 model ranks #2 of 9 200 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 42 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (169), engine (162), and airbags (136), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,011

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

43

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

42

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other 200 years?

200 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted3,411 complaints2010: 23 complaints2011: 518 complaints2012: 1,011 complaints2013: 1,004 complaints2014: 312 complaints2015: 3,411 complaints2016: 587 complaints2017: 77 complaints2018: 1 complaints
200 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 200 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chrysler 200 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System16917%
Engine16216%
Airbags13613%
Other10310%
Visibility & Wipers858%
Seat Belts717%
Transmission545%
Steering454%
Brakes424%
Lighting364%
Speed Control263%
Body & Structure192%
Seats182%
Fuel System182%
Suspension172%
Tires & Wheels61%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Driver Assistance10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2012 Chrysler 200 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V640000SeatsOctober 10, 2017 · 363,930 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Consequence

If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

16V668000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

13V282000AirbagsJuly 2, 2013 · 442,320 units

Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

11V487000EngineSeptember 29, 2011 · 667 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I AM AN OWNER OF A 2012 CHRYSLER 200 AND ON FEB. 1ST WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY A FIRE STARTED IN THE INTERNAL. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND I RECEIVED A LETTER THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MANUFACTURING OR ASSEMBLY ERROR. A WEEK PRIOR BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE THE HEAT WOULD ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER 200. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINS AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD BANGING NOISE, STEAM AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE PLASTIC RADIATOR HOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2017 · fire

“I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT IN MAY OF 2016. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AS THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THE SPEED I WAS GOING. I ALSO WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL UNTIL LATER THAT YEAR. I HAVE CALLED AND CHECKED ONLINE TO SEE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE IN TO HAVE THE RECALL ISSUE SOLVED AND I HAVE BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 26, 2016 · crash

“I AM AN OWNER OF A 2012 CHRYSLER 200 AND ON FEB. 1ST WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY A FIRE STARTED IN THE INTERNAL. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND I RECEIVED A LETTER THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MANUFACTURING OR ASSEMBLY ERROR. A WEEK PRIOR BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE THE HEAT WOULD ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 1, 2016 · fire

“The problem seems to be with the electrical system the TIPM is malfunctioning. Wipers will stop midstream or run constantly, any time power is engaged in the car the wipers will begin to work whether the switch is on or off and regardless if the key is even in the ignition or not. Airbag lights are…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 9, 2025

2012 Chrysler 200 — common questions

Is the 2012 Chrysler 200 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,011 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 9 200 years. It is one of the 200 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 200 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (169 complaints), engine (162 complaints), airbags (136 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chrysler 200 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chrysler 200. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Chrysler 200 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler 200 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 200 years to avoid are 2015, 2012, 2013. The cleanest record among 200 years belongs to 2018.

How safe is the 2012 Chrysler 200?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Chrysler 200 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.