2012 Chrysler 200 Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2012 Chrysler 200? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

20117 years2013

Before you buy

This 2012 Chrysler 200 has 500 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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500
Complaints
21
Crashes
4
Fires
20
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2012 Chrysler 200 Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2012 Chrysler 200 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
18–21 range
28
MPG Hwy
28–30 range
22
MPG Combined
22–24 range
404
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.

2012 Chrysler 200 Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2012 Chrysler 200 C FWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chrysler 200 has 500 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2012 Chrysler 200 β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chrysler
Model
200
Model year
2012
NHTSA owner complaints
500
Crash-related complaints
21
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2012 Chrysler 200 problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
126
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:14
Injuries:17
#2
119
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#3
116
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2012 Chrysler 200?

The 2012 Chrysler 200 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2012 Chrysler 200

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and engine issues.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and engine issues.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2012 Chrysler 200, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2012 Chrysler 200 are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, electrical faults, and engine problems, with over 100 reports each. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 21, but the total of 500 complaints across one model year suggests notable issues. The confidence level is low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.

Key Findings
  • Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component with 126 complaints.
  • Electrical faults and engine problems each have over 100 complaints.
  • Seat belt issues and visibility/wiper problems also appear frequently.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions
  • Electrical Faults
  • Engine Problems
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level means the data may not be fully representative of all vehicles.

Full breakdown

All 2012 Chrysler 200 complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chrysler 200. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions12614β€”β€”
Electrical Faults11912β€”
Engine Problems11611β€”
Uncategorized Issues10132β€”
Seat Belt Issues666β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper53β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain40β€”β€”β€”
Brake System262β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)212β€”β€”
Steering Defects20β€”β€”β€”
Visibility20β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues15β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1422β€”
Unintended Acceleration141β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures131β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System101β€”β€”
Suspension Failures61β€”β€”
Fuel System3β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”1β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chrysler 200. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 500 total. View all on NHTSA

Uncategorized IssuesApr 27, 2026

My husband sat down in the driver seat of my vehicle thatwas parked in our driveway and wasnt even turned on and the head rest deployed and smacked the back of his head

Engine ProblemsApr 21, 2026

Replaced all spark plugs and coils , code is saying misfire cylinder 4..replaced intake manifold gasket code states multiple cylinder misfire .My [XXX] was stranded in the middle of a busy road due to loss of power the.engine jeking..cutting out .after $1000 worth of shop work C…

Electrical FaultsMar 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds at night, the headlights intermittently became inoperable. The failure occurred with the high beam and low beam headlights. Additionally, the windshield wipers only operate…

Electrical FaultsAug 9, 2025

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 no…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Airbag Malfunctions CrashJul 31, 2025

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. The contact's son veered the steering wheel and suddenly crashed into a traffic signal, where…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 7, 2025

It happened to my wife with our three kiddos in the car, she was on the freeway doing speed limit 65 when the car just shut off going around a corner at night all of everything shut off including head lights, power steering, and moter it almost through her and kids off the road …

Engine ProblemsJan 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illum…

Electrical FaultsOct 12, 2024

As I was waiting for the light to change, my car suddenly shuts off and won't restart. Luckily, some goof Samaritans helped push my vehicle out of traffic. The mechanic close to where the incident took place found that the ASD fuse needed to be replaced and my car started right u…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 14, 2024

Passenger headrest made a loud pop and split open, hitting the passenger in the back of the head while the car was braking mildly (from 10mph to stop)

Electrical FaultsJul 10, 2024

When I am driving the car, it will randomly power off, and the brake will get hard and the wheel will lock up. I have taken my car to multiple shops and they have not been able to figure out the problem. No warning, lights or anything pop up. This problem started happening, almos…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's seat headrest was defective. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who p…

Engine ProblemsFeb 22, 2024

Engine. A dealership charged me thousands of dollars and refused my car of needing to leave the service mechanic shop. Due to a defect of my cylinder head gasket being diagnosed as my car causing a leak. My engine estimates was billed after declining work from the service departm…

Uncategorized IssuesJan 21, 2024

I will be driving on the freeway, highway in the snow on ice in the summer Wherever, suddenly my engine shuts down. I lose my power steering, my brakes and my safety. I have had my vehicle checked out and nobody can find anything because there are no codes that are being thrown. …

Engine ProblemsNov 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that on five occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after an hour each time. The vehicle was towed to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 12, 2023

The first time this incident occured I was driving in a residential neighborhood and my horn started randomly honking. Over the past few months the horn will randomly start honking and will continously honk for long periods of time. The horn will blast for miles and there is noth…

Seat-Related IssuesSep 30, 2023

Driver's active headrest deployed while driving. There was no accident or collision of any kind. Just driving and it popped me in the back of the head. It hurt and caused me to swerve, almost caused an accident. There are no lamps or warning lights. I can see a broken plastic cli…

Fuel SystemSep 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power before stalling. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure has since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights …

Engine ProblemsSep 22, 2023

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 doesn’t cycle from the coolant reservoir regardless of coolant levels are low or deplete…

Engine ProblemsSep 7, 2023

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. The contact stated that the dealer dete…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chrysler 200.

Safety recalls

2012 Chrysler 200 recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chrysler 200. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

#17V640000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINTOct 10, 2017
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

#16V668000SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER15/09/2016
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#13V282000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFeb 7, 2013
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

#11V487000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING29/09/2011

Across model years

Compare Chrysler 200 model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2012 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2012 Chrysler 200 buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2012 Chrysler 200 reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Chrysler 200 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chrysler 200?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (126 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (119 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (116 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chrysler 200?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Chrysler 200?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chrysler 200, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Chrysler 200 have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chrysler 200. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2012 Chrysler 200?β–Ύ

The 2012 Chrysler 200 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Chrysler 200 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2012 Chrysler 200 based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.