2012 Chrysler 300

2012 Chrysler 300

Overview

The 2012 Chrysler 300, a full-size sedan, offered a blend of luxury, performance, and distinctive styling. It was available with a choice of potent powertrains, including a standard V6 and an optional HEMI V8, paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. The vehicle generally received positive marks for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and upscale features for its class. However, like many vehicles of this era, certain components and systems have shown tendencies for specific issues that owners should be aware of. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance.

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Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

Intake Manifold Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, sweet smell of coolant, engine overheating, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold assembly.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Oil Cooler Leaks

• Symptoms: Oil in coolant reservoir, coolant leaks, potential engine overheating.
• Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and potentially flushing the cooling system.
• Cost: $500 - $900

5.7L HEMI V8

Oil Cooler Leaks

• Symptoms: Oil in coolant reservoir, coolant leaks, potential engine overheating.
• Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and potentially flushing the cooling system.
• Cost: $500 - $900

Lifter/Camshaft Wear (MDS)

• Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, rough idle, loss of power, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of lifters, camshaft, and potentially other valvetrain components.
• Cost: $1500 - $3000+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)

Torque Converter Issues

• Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, harsh shifting, transmission fluid leaks.
• Solution: Rebuild or replacement of the torque converter and potentially the transmission.
• Cost: $1200 - $2500

Valve Body Problems

• Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, transmission warning light.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the transmission valve body.
• Cost: $600 - $1200

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Front Suspension Clunking/Rattling

• Symptoms: Noise over bumps, especially at lower speeds.
• Solution: Replacement of worn control arms, ball joints, or sway bar links.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

Intermittent Electrical Gremlins

• Symptoms: Various warning lights, power window malfunctions, infotainment system issues, keyless entry problems.
• Solution: Diagnosis and potential reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Infotainment System (Uconnect)

Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system reboots randomly.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
• Cost: $300 - $800

Exterior

Headlight Condensation

Moisture Inside Headlights

• Symptoms: Fogging or water droplets visible inside the headlight assembly.
• Solution: Sealing the headlight assembly or replacement.
• Cost: $100 - $400 (per headlight)

Interior

Climate Control System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature (stuck on hot or cold), air only coming from certain vents.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator(s).
• Cost: $200 - $500

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Summary Verdict

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a capable and stylish sedan, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues. The Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines can experience coolant and oil leaks, with the HEMI also susceptible to lifter wear. The 5-speed automatic transmission may develop problems with the torque converter or valve body. Electrical gremlins related to the BCM and Uconnect system are not uncommon. Suspension components can wear, leading to noises, and interior climate control actuators are a known failure point. While many issues are repairable, they can represent significant costs. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs are crucial for maintaining reliability.