Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Chrysler 300
The 2012 Chrysler 300 has had nine recalls and 426 owner complaints. Notable issues include problems with the electrical system, airbag deployment, and powertrain. While the vehicle shows potential, prospective buyers should be mindful of these concerns. Available data is considerable, but further investigation during inspection is prudent.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Chrysler 300 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 427 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V018000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V021000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V352000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V240000 Driver may Exit Vehicle when it is not in PARK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V634000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V118000 Seat Airbag Wiring Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V197000 ABS/ESC FUSE AND HEADLAMP JUMPER WIRE HARNESS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V004000 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 212 complaints
- Air Bags 83 complaints
- Power Train 79 complaints
- Engine 58 complaints
- Service Brakes 28 complaints
- Steering 28 complaints
Of the 427 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 34 a fire; across all 427 complaints, owners report 13 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Alternator failure
How to check: Inspect the alternator for sudden failure signs.
Airbag inflator explosion
How to check: Verify airbag recall work documentation.
Control module malfunction
How to check: Check transmission warning lights.
Loss of ABS/ESC function
How to check: Test for ABS function during braking.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent transmission faults
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor for electrical fluctuations.
Red flag: Noticeable power surges or losses
- 04
Acceleration test
What to check: Check smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Rough or jerky shifting
- 05
Highway speed
What to check: Observe stability and handling.
Red flag: Steering wheel pulls or vibrates
- 06
Braking test
What to check: Feel for Pulsations or fade.
Red flag: Considerable brake failure
- 07
Parking
What to check: Test parking brake effectiveness.
Red flag: Brake doesn't hold vehicle
- 08
Final idle
What to check: Re-inspect for warning lights.
Red flag: Airbag light re-illuminates
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the alternator been replaced?
- Were the airbags fixed under recall?
- Have there been transmission issues?
- Any recurring electrical problems?
- Is the ABS system fully functional?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Transmission service logs
- Accident history report
- Current registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Chrysler 300 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Chrysler 300? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.