Is the 2012 Chrysler 200 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chrysler 200?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Chrysler 200 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Chrysler 200

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Chrysler 200
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 638
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 638 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	13
2011	336
2012	638
2013	627
2014	192
2015	1,989
2016	343
2017	43
2018	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

23% · 146 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Engine keeps overheating with no engine codes I have changed the thermostat the thermostat housing the radiator both fans and the water pump and none of this has fixed the problem the coolant doesnât cycle from the coolant reservoir regardless of...

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-22

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the Emissions Recall Campaign: U67.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07

Electrical system

22% · 140 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

21% · 136 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed during night, a bright light suddenly obstructed his view to the roadway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-31

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact crashed into the rear end of another vehicle. The driver sustained severe injuries to the right leg and ankle and also suffered from a cracked sternum.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-18

I was driving home from work and I was coming down a side street and I saw this u haul van going a high rate of speed at least 35 - 40 MPH (The posted speed is 15 MPH) and it hit me on the passenger side and pushed me into a tree and while hitting...

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-10

Seat belts

11% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASHINJURY

Visibility/wiper

9% · 56 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2011-12-28Engine and engine cooling11V487000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2012Complaint volume 638 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-11-19Air bags, electrical system13V282000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-15Air bags, seat belts16V668000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-04Air bags, seats17V640000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-25 Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chrysler 200 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 146 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 140 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 136 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V487000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 13V282000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 17V640000 · Air bags, seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Chrysler 200 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chrysler 200?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chrysler 200 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.