Home · 2012 Chrysler 200 · Complaints

What 638 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Chrysler 200

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (638)Crash / fire / injury (37)Engine (146)Electrical system (140)Airbags (136)Visibility & wipers (81)Seat belts (71)Transmission & drivetrain (54)Steering (45)Brakes (41)Lights (36)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (26)

Newest first · 638 complaints · page 2 of 26

Dec 16, 2022Electrical system

I own a 2012 Chrysler 200, That I Purchased Used but in excellent condition from a reputable dealer, and had a private pre-purchase inspection by a Mechanic (showing no major issues, and I have that report). I drove my car for just around 10-14 months, performed regular maintenance, and had no issues mechanically or otherwise. On the date this Incident occurred I had travelled in the car throughout that day doing some shopping (and the vehicle ran perfectly). We got home around 8:45pm, I dropped my nana off, and got in the car to go get some dinner. While still on my road (which is dark, curvy, has drop offs and no shoulders) as I rounded a curve my car with NO WARNING, completely died. I lost engine power, power steering, lights, headlights, and my brakes became incredibly weak. I could not be seen be seen by other motorists could not use my hazards, and just by dumb luck I made it over the hill with my momentum and had to struggle( NO Pwr. Steeing) to steer across the other lane on a blind curve with no lights, I was nearly hit by another driver, and got into a vacant lot and required my brake + Emrg. Brake to get the car stopped before it hit the structure on the lot. (I know for a fact I had no warning either mechanically or warning light - because I was looking at my dash panel checking speed at the time of failure) I had to have it towed home. A mechanic diagnosed it as a TIPM failure. After researching I found that this was a widely known/occurring failure on several Chrysler branded vehicles, It is a serious safety hazard for obvious reasons - I nearly got hit myself. Chrysler even recalled the faulty TIPM's on some of their BRAND NEW models but refuses to help owners who's cars are 4-5+ years old. And I can't even spend the Ludacris amount of money for a new one because without a recall and resolution of the defect, I'm just buying another Defective TIPM for $1000+ dollars. This is not only a danger to those in defective cars but others on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11497830

Dec 9, 2022Electrical systemEngine

Vehicle will turn off while driving, causing steering wheel to lock up. This has happened 3 times. Engine light has come on this time and has codes U0100, U0121 and U11. I’ve had the vehicle checked at NTB, but was told these must be addressed by Chrysler. My safety has been affected while driving on the interstate and the vehicle shut down.

NHTSA ODI 11496702

Oct 5, 2022Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, numerous warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact lost power steering and power brakes and was unable to pull the vehicle off to side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle and he determined that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V487000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11488092

Sep 21, 2022Airbags

My head rest restraint deployed overnight whole the car was sitting in my driveway. I see multiple complaints of this and reached out to a dealership/Chrysler corporate and they said I have to pay for it out of pocket. They said the warranty for it was extended but I never received a notification of it being an issue or a warranty. The car was purchased in 2017 and had 2 recall, I took it to a dealership within a month and they said the recall was fixed. However less then 5 years later my head rest restraint deployed on it's own, there was no collision to my car while it sat in my driveway

NHTSA ODI 11485655

Aug 9, 2022Seats

Active Head Restraint deploy on their own and without warning. Unable to reset AHR due to broken cheap plastic.

NHTSA ODI 11478374

Aug 7, 2022Electrical system

While driving along a 40mph street, the convertible top started to pop open, causing me to have to grab it and pull it down, almost causing me to hit the curb, and having to hold it down until I got home. The instrument panel reading said "CONVERTIBLE TOP MALFUNCTION" and "TOP NOT SECURED". After calling a repair facility, I was advised how to get the top to re-latch closed, but now the top will no longer work, and i'm still not sure that although closed, that the top still isn't locked shut.

NHTSA ODI 11478080

May 19, 2022Electrical systemEngine

Numerous problems with vehicle refusing to start when ignition switch turned on. The dealership could not find a problem. The vehicle then ran for a period of time without additional issues. In April of 2022 the problem resurfaced. After trying for two days to start the vehicle, it started and I took it to a Chrysler dealership. The mechanic indicated the car needed a new starter. The starter was replaced on 4/20/2022. On 5/10/2022 the dealership inspected the vehicle and did an oil and filter change. No problems were found. On 5/13/2022 I was driving and the vehicle suddenly stopped in traffic and would not restart. Thankfully, a crash was avoided when the vehicle suddenly stopped in heavy traffic. The automatic windows and door locks still worked even though ignition would not engage. The vehicle had to be pushed out of traffic and was towed to a dealership. The mechanic listed the following: ASD Main sense circuit; Generator Field Control /circuit; Engine oil pressure sensor circuit low; Starter Control 2 Circuit Open-pulled vehicle in found starter was not engaging-tested both power feed lines. The repair quote was in the thousands of dollars. I have gotten rid of the car and I am purchasing another make of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11465285

Apr 28, 2022Service Brakes, AirEngineTraction Control System

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to start as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11462665

Apr 26, 2022Electrical system

I’ve have been reporting this issue with the TIPM since April 15, 2022 when it stalled and cut off on me in traffic and the horn just started blaring. I have reported this to Mopar/Chrysler, nhtsa and the dealership in which I’ve purchased the vehicle. I was told to have the vehicle towed at my own expense and to pay for repairs. But when you’ve paid out so much already to have a diagnostics performed through 2 different independent shops in which they absolutely refuse to touch or Make repairs to the vehicle when these vehicles have the obvious problems. Not even Pep Boys will touch the vehicles. It’s a disgrace that no one seems to take this issue serious. Upon doing more research, I’ve found the others have complained about the issues. This is dangerous and could cause the vehicle to catch fire. And to think there has been no research or resolution for the issue is even more sickening. These vehicle should be recalled permanently and no dealership should be allowed to sale them. If an issue this dangerous will be overlooked. If you need further evidence. Look into the database here.

NHTSA ODI 11462188

Mar 4, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

At first the car started making chirping sound on the right side when ever the car idles. One day I was driving and it shut down while I was driving and the check engine light and electrical light came on, i finance the car and they do the repairs under warranty no electrical repairs. They did repairs to the engine they claim and the problem still persists when the engine shuts off while I’m driving. the brakes lock up and the steering wheel locks up. And you can’t change the gears to park the car. I literally drive with my hand on the emergency break out of anxiety, after it shuts off, the odometer and rpm meter both drop at the same time when it occurs, and after waiting for it to come back on the rpm struggles to go over the “1” I have to wait 20mins for the car to start back up every time. I got the car 03/25/2021 @ 130,800 miles. The car isn’t even at 150,000 miles meaning It’s only driven about 20k miles and this is happening & apparently only had 1 other owner. Not sure how true it is. hI’ve already fixed the suspension issues on the car 670$. The engine repairs were under warranty I want to say over 3k in repairs they claim, the picture I’ve added is of the check engine light it goes away the next day I’ve only been driving the car when I need to so I don’t cause a bigger problem. Hope you can help. Thank u

NHTSA ODI 11455190

Feb 18, 2022Body & structure

THE 2016 CHRYSLER 200 has a defect in it , the drain hoses become plugged and flood the interior of the car. There is no easy way to access these hoses without taking apart the cowl under the hood of the car and removing the windshield wipers to access the drain. It has happened now three times costing 500 each time to have it cleaned and blown out ... There needs to be something done about this . As it can cause electrical problems in the car with all the water that floods in through the heater area... Chrysler is well aware of this problem all the way back to the Sebring yet they have done nothing to correct it . They ever tell the buyer that this need to be cleaned and they really provide no access to the owner to clean the area without disassemble of the cowl area and windshield wipers. Which is more than most buyers can do , when you take it to Chrysler they tell you its Maintenace . Yet it is no where in the book Nore covered by their Maintenace package. It will rot out the car Floor boards and will cause the car to be worth less .... Chrysler should have to make this right with all owners either offering a free cleaning every year of a rebate on their vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11452755

Jan 25, 2022Electrical systemEngine

Car shuts off while driving; has to turn the car off. Got car serviced, was told had large hole in engine coolant. Motors will go out suddenly on passenger and driver windows.

NHTSA ODI 11448808

Nov 12, 2021Engine

While slowing to a stop, the vehicles engine sputtered and shook, and ultimately shut down. All power steering and braking capabilities were lost, leaving the vehicle in a drift. The vehicle had to be put into PARK to be halted. Fortunately, I was slowing in a neighborhood near a driveway, and was traveling slowly. Had this happened on a major road or freeway (and I have in fact detected this lurching before in such conditions), I or others could be seriously injured in a high speed collision. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer yet. Nor by police, insurance representatives, etc. No warning lights were engaged to warn me of the approaching stall.

NHTSA ODI 11440232

Nov 10, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that upon placing the gear shifter into reverse, the contact had to depress the accelerator pedal to the floorboard for the vehicle to move. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that there was an internal transmission failure. The mechanic referred him to a dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted, and he was informed that he would receive a callback. The manufacturer had yet to be notified about the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11439980

Sep 10, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact’s wife stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11432463

Aug 14, 2021Engine

My vehicle just started this week to rough idle when braked at a red light. And when picking up speed in the city or highway it kicks back(rough idle/shaking) alot and the check engine light will flash and then dissappear. Nothing is getting picked up when checking for codes. But I believe it has to do with that safety recall: Chrysler Town & Country Engine Recall: 11V487000 Engine May Suffer Internal Damage and Stop Running I did get my oil change at the dealership I purchased but nothing came up to them about it as well(since they do inspection). This is my only transportation so I need this to get taken care of as I have 2 kids and appointments. Thank you. Consumer resolved the issue by changing the ignition coils.

NHTSA ODI 11429110

Aug 14, 2021Airbags

I keep getting airbag icon airbag error message. I was instructed by insurance to run vin to see if there has been a recall upon running vin I was notified there was 3 recalls listed for vin.

NHTSA ODI 11429116

Jul 13, 2021Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (Electrical system, Air Bags), 16V668000 (Seat belts, Air Bags), and 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired however, the failure still occurred. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 11V487000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

NHTSA ODI 11424589

Jul 12, 2021Electrical system

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the TIPM module had failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11424456

Jul 3, 2021Electrical system

THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON MY CAR. FIRST THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF, THEN THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF, THEN THE RADIO STOPPED TURING ON, THE AC STOPPED WORKING AND NOW IT WON'T TURN ON.

NHTSA ODI 11423303

Jun 7, 2021SuspensionBrakesEngine

For weeks now ive been noticing a weird grinding or dry rubbing sound underneath the front end of my chrysler. Checked it out a few times, as though i am not a mechanic i can identify the basics of something not right. However, after my husband and his brother both looking it over on seperate occasions, they have noted a leak under the carriage of the car. Often here recently, the guage senses an over heating of some sort. Since this notice, we have replaced the oil cooler twice in a year; as well as flushed the hoses associated with the coolant reservoir. Fixed temporary but has now already started getting too hot. Which simply tells me that its something further internal thats wrong. I was informed of an engine recall: L33 of my chrysler model. However havent seen one on this website. When driving yesterday, i noticed a light on my cluster that indicated the traction has failed. When i brake, all u hear or feel is a vibration under your feet, up front. I replaced my brake pads all 4, within the past 4 months and theyre now rusted over and u notice a brake fluid leak on the front right side. After a light, the grinding noise, the vibration and the overheating; i am positive that this will eventually cause a car stall or worse a fatal accident. My brakes could eventually fail while driving in traffic, causing a crash. Or my car could just all out stalland the cluster can trip and i could be in harms way if at the time it does this i could be goin 70 on the interstate or in a turninglane in town and without proper fix; it could easily cause a fatal accident and i could be killed or worse my children!

NHTSA ODI 11419960

May 7, 2021Engine

THE CAR WON'T STOP OVERHEATING, WE HAVE REPLACED THERMOSTATS AND PUMPS THINKING THERE WAS A LEAK BUT THAT NEVER STOPPED THE PROBLEM. 20 SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE CAR THE ENGINE IS ALREADY AT THE HALFWAY MARK FOR HOW HOTT IT IS, AND EVEN GOIGN 30 MILES AN HOUR GET ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP AND STARTS OVERHEATING. ON MY WAY TO WORK I ALMOST CRASHED CAUSE IT SHOWED NO INDICATORS AT AL!!! JUST STARTING BELLOWING SMOKE. SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF AND DIDNT MOVE IT.

NHTSA ODI 11415557

Apr 26, 2021Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

MY CAR ENGINE IS KNOCKING LOUD WHEN I DRIVE, DO I NEED A NEW ENGINE..?

NHTSA ODI 11413986

Apr 24, 2021SteeringBrakesEngine

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. NO WARNING OF IT ABOUT TO HAPPEN JUST DOES. I LOSE STEERING AND BRAKES AND TURNS ON ONLY AFTER TIME GOES BY OR BY REMOVING NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM BATTERY. IT'S HAPPENED AT 35MPH AND AT 60 MPH. I'VE GONE A WEEK WITH NO INCIDENT TO HAVING IT HAPPEN DOZENS OF TIMES ON A SINGLE TRIP. VERY SCARY SITUATION. ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI 11413701

Apr 20, 2021Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER 200. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANFORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (369 N 11TH AVE, HANFORD, CA 93230) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11413032

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Working with the data? Download all 638 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Chrysler 200 verdict →