Problems · by component

2012 Chrysler 3 Series engine problems

58 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Chrysler 3 Series cite engine, 14% of all 426 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
58
14% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the temperature gauge had independently increased levels. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road and was able to restart the vehicle as a temporary repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, white smoke had leaked through the air vent into the interior cabin before independently shifting the gear into neutral. In addition, a fire had started from under the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a couple of nearby pedestrians attempted to extinguish the fire, but were unsuccessful due to the size of the fire. The contact had COPD, which was impacted during the failure, and medical attention was sought for a heart-related issue. The fire department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. A report was filed; however, it was unclear if either the local Fire department or Police department had filed the report. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it remained and was declared a total loss. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2025EngineFire reportedODI 11676234
“this car was crashed June 10 2023, owner went to hospital and car was towed and took to an auto pound .After 24 hours they told us a private company tolled it or stole it .we reported it stolen and payed a report and that's how I got the info of an independent mechanic trying to fix it. im trying to find my car and the report told me you guys have it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2023Air bags, Unknown or other, EngineCrash reportedODI 11530885
“Car was stalling and had electrical issues. I paid to get it fixed but never knew there was a recall for my vehicles alternator. The vehicle battery dies fairly quickly from time to time still and every know and then I have to call AAA to jump my car and they say my battery is good. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36. I never received a noticed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2022Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11488273
“Was on my way home from work and car completely lost power as I was preceding to go after stopping at a stop sign. I was LITERALLY in the middle of the road. Car wouldn't crank AT ALL. Engine started OVERHEATING causing smoke to disburse from engine. NO WARNING LIGHTS before this occurred. A big truck was coming down the road and I had to exist the vehicle. Luckily a car wasn't in the other lane so the truck went on the other side of the road. I was terrified! I called 911 to get a deputy dispatch to direct traffic around my car to avoid mutiple COLLISION. I had to have my vehicle towed. I never want another Chrysler again these cars are UNSAFE. I could have died what if my child was in the car?! I took my car to a mechanic to put on computer scanner and it gave off SEVEN codes ALL due to ELECTRICAL ISSUES! CAR IS APPARENTLY STUCK IN LIMP MODE IDK I'M SO CONFUSED AND DISAPPOINTED. I reported the issue to Chrysler recall line and they did NOTHING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2022Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11479874
“My vehicle stalls when placed from reverse to drive and the check engine light blinks and goes to Eco mode which makes the car shake. I’ve had a tuneup, oil change, brakes, O2 sensor and spark plugs replaced and the issues still exist. The car also will initiate skid control without warning or pressing the button which slows the car down and causes the engine to rev above 3-6rpm”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2022Electrical system, EngineODI 11470321
“The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted and stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and restarted the vehicle however, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to move forward. The vehicle was towed the residence. The following day the vehicle started and drove as designed; however, the vehicle would not reverse. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2022Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11469715

Showing 6 of 58 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.