2012 Chrysler 200 cruise control problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Among the 7 model years of Chrysler 200 in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2012 Chrysler 200 has widespread electronic throttle control issues ranging from sudden loss of acceleration response to unintended acceleration, often with warning lights (ETC, Check Engine, Traction Control) that dealers struggle to diagnose and repair. Multiple owners report safety-critical failures at highway speeds with no reliable fix available.
The 2012 Chrysler 200 accumulates complaints of electronic throttle control failures severe enough to disable the vehicle mid-drive. Most commonly, the accelerator stops responding entirely—owners press the pedal on busy streets or highway on-ramps and the engine hesitates or refuses to engage. One owner had the car cut to 20 mph limp mode while merging onto an interstate; another lost all power on a major highway and had to coast to the shoulder. The opposite failure occurs too: sudden unintended acceleration, sometimes with cruise control stuck or difficult to disengage, forcing hard braking to stop.
A third pattern hits during turns: the engine stalls for 1–2 seconds when slowing for a turn then accelerating to merge, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. Warning lights—Electronic Throttle Control, Check Engine, Traction Control, Throttle Body—often illuminate together. One owner reports every sensor in the electronic system malfunctioning at once, rendering dealer diagnosis impossible.
Repair outcomes vary. One owner paid $1,200 for a faulty sensor fix; another had an ETC module replaced; one mechanic identified a bad crankshaft position sensor. Many dealerships cannot reproduce the problem or find no diagnostic codes, leaving vehicles unrepaired and owners out of pocket. One owner notes Chrysler issued a recall for the same issue on the 2015 model but no formal recall appears for 2012s in these reports.
Same Chrysler 200 cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden loss of throttle response / acceleration refusal
Engine stops responding to accelerator pedal input, vehicle slows or ceases acceleration despite pedal depression. Occurs unpredictably during normal driving, merging, turning, or highway cruising.
When: 8,000 to 94,200 miles; incidents reported at various speeds (5–60 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal does not respond when pressed; Vehicle slows unexpectedly while foot remains on gas; Engine audibly attempts acceleration but car continues slowing; Hesitation or stumble before vehicle responds; Loss of power on busy streets and highway merge lanes; Temporary unresponsiveness (1–2 seconds) then normal operation resumes
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic often inconclusive; some owners reported crankshaft position sensor replacement ($); sensor failure cited as cause in at least one independent shop diagnosis; one dealer repair cost $1,200 for faulty sensor; some repairs denied or not covered under warranty due to every sensor malfunction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2015 Chrysler 200 for same issue; manufacturer notified in multiple cases but offered no assistance in others; no formal recall documented for 2012 model in these narratives
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, including while decelerating, parked, turning, or with cruise control engaged. Requires hard brake application to stop.
When: 8,000 to 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates suddenly when driving, decelerating, or parking; RPMs spike (example: 4,500 RPM reported while going 8 mph downhill); Speed increases dramatically (example: 8 mph to 35 mph unintended); Cruise control becomes stuck or difficult to disengage; Vehicle speeds up on its own on highway
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in reported cases; one dealer unable to locate failure code despite multiple visits
Stalling or near-stall during turns and acceleration
Engine stalls or becomes unresponsive for 1–2 seconds when slowing for turns, entering roundabouts, or accelerating to merge into traffic. Issue specific to turning maneuvers combined with acceleration.
When: 2011–2012 model year vehicles; occurs during routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls briefly (1–2 seconds) when accelerating through turns; Engine becomes unresponsive in left-turn lanes or roundabouts; Happens specifically when turning and accelerating together; No issues during straight-line acceleration; Near-stall at stop lights and signs
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) module and sensor malfunction
ETC light illuminates; vehicle enters limp mode and reduces speed dramatically. Multiple sensors malfunction simultaneously, preventing accurate dealer diagnosis. Possible plastic gear wear in throttle control mechanism.
When: 84,000 to 94,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light illuminates; Vehicle slows to 20 mph or enters limp mode at 5 mph; Every sensor in electronic system malfunctioning simultaneously; Throttle body warning light on dashboard
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light, Throttle Body warning
Repairs/costs cited: ETC module replacement needed (94,200 miles); dealer service $1,200 for sensor repair at 27,000 miles; owner suspects plastic gears in throttle valve control wear out over vehicle lifespan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall noted for 2015 Chrysler 200; manufacturer notified but no assistance offered in 2012 cases; repairs not covered under warranty
Transmission shift issues and rough idle
Hard shifts and rough idle reported alongside throttle control failures. May be secondary symptom of electronic throttle malfunction or sensor issue.
When: 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hard to shift at times; Rough idle when restarting after ETC light event; High fuel consumption
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, ETC Light, Traction Control Light
Delayed throttle response / revving on deceleration
Engine slow to stop revving when accelerator is released; car continues accelerating after foot lifted from pedal. Occurs only during rapid acceleration.
When: Routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues revving for 1–2 seconds after accelerator lifted; Car continues to speed up after foot removed from gas pedal; Happens only with quick acceleration, not normal driving; No safety issues reported but unsettling
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2012 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 13,656 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 35,123. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,656; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.