Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chrysler 300 electrical problems
critical Owners of the 2012 Chrysler 300 have filed 181 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 71,642 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
181
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 300 | 497 |
| 2009 300 | 28 |
| 2010 300 | 25 |
| 2011 300 | 109 |
| 2012 300 (this page) | 181 |
| 2013 300 | 120 |
| 2014 300 | 63 |
| 2015 300 | 10 |
| 2016 300 | 10 |
2crashes
26fires
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 181 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 43% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 181 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Fuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. This bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗High Beam Headlamps Flicker This bulletin involves installing jumper wires from the Power Distribution Center(PDC) to the headlamp connectors. The technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).B1632-15 - Left High Beam Control-Circuit Short To Battery Or Open. B1636-11 - Right High Beam Control-Circuit Short To Ground. In addition the customer may describe the following:High beam headlamps flicker in cold weather. High beams lamps not working properly in cold weather.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Chrysler 300's electrical system emerges as chronically unreliable and dangerous. Most critical are alternator failures: owners driving at highway speeds report the battery-saver light, radio shutoff, then total power loss—no steering, no brakes, no lights—leaving them coasting to the roadside. Some smell burning or see smoke from the alternator; one vehicle caught fire while parked. The pattern repeats across dozens of complaints: stall mid-drive, cannot shift to park or neutral afterward, doors may lock trapping occupants.
Chrysler issued recall 14V-634 for 160-amp alternators, but vehicles with 180-amp alternators—which fail identically—remain uncovered. Owners denied warranty help cite costs of $960–$1500 for alternator and battery replacement. A later recall (17V435000) addressed some cases, but parts shortages delayed repairs.
Beyond the alternator, owners report airbag lights that recur after repairs, seat-belt alarms sounding with empty seats, dead hands-free systems, and rear-view cameras that go blank. One owner took video to force the dealer to acknowledge the airbag malfunction; dealers disconnected the seat-belt alarm rather than fixing it.
Dashboard electronics behave erratically—radio, lights, heat, and wipers cycling on and off uncontrollably. One owner lost steering control on a busy street. Thermal sensitivity of the ABS fuse disables braking safety systems when the engine heats up. These are not minor niggles: they are failures that compromise the ability to steer, brake, or see while moving.
Same Chrysler 300 electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure causing sudden power loss and stalling
The alternator fails without warning, cutting power to the engine and electrical systems while driving. Owners report battery-saver mode light, radio shutoff, loss of steering and braking control, and sudden engine stall mid-drive, often at highway speeds. In several cases the alternator smokes or catches fire.
When: Various mileages reported; incidents occur without warning while driving at speeds ranging from city streets to highway (35–70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode light illuminated; Radio shuts off; Dashboard and interior lights flicker or go dark; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes or braking becomes hard to operate; Windshield wipers activate on their own; Vehicle stalls mid-drive; Engine continues to run but does not respond to throttle; Burning smell or smoke from engine compartment or alternator area; Cannot put vehicle in park or neutral after stall; Doors lock and cannot be opened; Vehicle will not restart immediately
Codes mentioned: P60/NHTSA 14V-634, 17V435000, Check Battery warning, Battery Save Mode
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; owners report costs ranging from $960–$1500. Many owners were denied coverage under recall 14V-634 because their vehicles have 180-amp alternators instead of the recalled 160-amp units, despite exhibiting identical failure modes. Battery replacement often required ($210–$300). Some dealerships initially had parts shortages for recall repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-634 (P60) issued for 2011–2014 Chrysler 300 with 3.6L engine and 160-amp alternator. Recall 17V435000 issued later for electrical system. However, vehicles with 180-amp alternators are excluded from recall coverage despite showing the same failure patterns. Some owners report Chrysler denying recall eligibility; others report being told the vehicle was safe to drive despite known defect. Parts shortages delayed repairs under recall.
Airbag warning light and seat belt alarm malfunction
Airbag warning light comes on repeatedly, even after dealer repairs. Seat belt alarm sounds intermittently when passenger seat is empty. Owners report taking video to dealers to prove the issue exists; dealers have disconnected alarms rather than fixing the root cause.
When: From purchase/early ownership; recurs after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates and remains on; Seat belt alarm sounds when passenger seat is empty or unoccupied; Warning lights recur despite repairs
Codes mentioned: Airbag circuit codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reported spliced wires in airbag harness. One owner reports dealer disconnected the seat belt alarm rather than fixing the underlying issue. Multiple repair attempts at different dealerships (3–4 visits) without permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially stated no issues found. After escalation, one dealer spliced wires; light returned within days. Corporate contact (named Caitlin) failed to follow up. Dealers claimed they could not find the issue despite multiple visits.
Hands-free system and rear view camera failures
Hands-free Bluetooth module fails to connect reliably from the beginning of ownership. Rear-view camera works intermittently, fails to display on infotainment screen when in reverse. Both are safety features; owners note these issues were mentioned during warranty but dismissed by dealers.
When: From purchase (hands-free); intermittent at first, then complete failure after 1–2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Hands-free system will not connect consistently; Phone disconnects repeatedly; Rear-view camera displays blank or black screen when in reverse; Camera works intermittently before complete failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Hands-free module replacement needed ($100 diagnostic fee cited). Rear-view camera system requires repair; Recall 24V-436 mentioned for rearview camera software failures in newer models. One owner estimates total cost for both repairs was prohibitive post-warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed external factors (satellite, phone) rather than diagnosing the vehicle defect. Certified pre-owned customer service confirmed hands-free module replacement needed. Issues were noted during warranty but not repaired.
Rear shade motorization failure
Power rear shade motor fails, requiring repair during and after warranty period.
When: Within first year or two of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rear shade does not operate; Rear shade stops working after initial repair
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: First repair covered under warranty; second failure required owner to pay for repair out of pocket.
Electrical system flickering and power management faults (non-alternator)
Dashboard lights, radio, and electrical systems flicker or shut off intermittently while driving. Some cases involve forced activation of heat, wipers, and inability to control windows or door locks. One case involved what appears to be a software or module issue rather than alternator.
When: Reported at various mileages; incidents while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cuts off or flickers; Dashboard lights flicker on and off; Interior and exterior lights flicker; Heat comes on at full blast and will not shut off; Windshield wipers activate involuntarily; Power windows inoperable; Door locks inoperable; Service shifter message appears; Vehicle idles without ability to shut off via push button; Vehicle overheats and shuts down
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission warning, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One case attributed to radio software update (TSB-08-030-12-REV). In other cases root cause unclear; radio shutoff may be disabling entire vehicle electrical system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership provided software update (TSB-08-030-12-REV) for radio issue, but owner remained unconvinced the fix addressed the safety concern of radio shutting down the entire car.
ABS fuse thermal sensitivity issue
ABS fuse appears to lose contact when engine heats up during extended driving. When this occurs, ABS, stability control, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control all disable. Systems restore when vehicle cools.
When: After engine reaches operating temperature; during hot weather driving
Symptoms owners cite: ABS/ESP warning light illuminates; Stability control disables; Forward collision warning disables; Adaptive cruise control disables; Systems restore after vehicle cools; Bang/grind/scrape sound when brakes are applied while system is offline
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse itself not blown; appears to be a contact or thermal expansion issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Similar case found in police Dodge Charger variant (same platform). TSB may have been issued only for Charger, not for Chrysler 300.
Transmission shift and parking brake control failure
Vehicle will not shift into park or neutral after electrical event. In one case, transmission enters low-gear limp mode and car cannot be shifted. Parking brake may also become inoperable.
When: After electrical system event or stall
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot put vehicle into park; Cannot put vehicle into neutral; Transmission shifts into or remains in low gear; Engine RPM stays at 2000 while moving under 20 mph; Service transmission warning message; Cannot release parking brake
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission warning, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, owner had to manually work shift lever and eventually succeeded; root cause not determined. In another, transmission entered limp mode after electrical event.
Engine compartment fire and overheating issues
In rare but critical cases, the alternator or electrical system ignites in the engine compartment while parked or driving. One fatal accident report included engine compartment fire. Owners report thick white smoke, flames, and inability to exit vehicle due to locked doors.
When: Can occur while parked or while driving; one fatal case at ~40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: White or thick smoke from vents and center console; Flames visible from console or engine compartment; Burning electrical smell; Vehicle components melt; Doors lock and cannot be opened
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: In one parked case, a passerby used fire extinguisher to control fire before fire brigade arrived. Fatal case involved engine compartment fire and smoke inhalation death.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In parked incident, Chrysler customer service did not respond in timely manner to schedule inspection. In fatal case, local dealer did not provide information regarding recall (17V435000), and manufacturer did not return phone calls.
Synthesized from 181 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
First sign was it kept saying low power mode activated. I took it in to dealership but they said everything was fine. A month later I was driving on the highway and everything electrical turned off (steering, ABS, battery, etc.) and the car started smoking heavily. My car stalled out in the middle of the highway and I had to push it to the side of the road. Very very scary to lose all control of…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that when the hood of the vehicle was opened, the alternator was smoking, however there was no fire present. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was functioning as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
While driving, the vehicle warning lights indicated systems starting to shut down---warning lights for ABS, traction control, battery low, check engine, etc. Then "brakes" red light started flashing, and car felt like brakes were on. Car systems lost all power and car stalled, and I could not even run the "blinker" warning lights or any lights at all. I was able to swing car to side of road…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the "battery save mode" message suddenly displayed. Also, the radio turned off, the traction control and anti lock brake indicators illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The battery was later replaced. When the vehicle was started, smoke appeared from the alternator. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system); however, the parts needed to do the repair were unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue.
I recently ran into some mechanical issues that have concerned me. I was driving my vehicle october 9th 2019 on the highway with an average speed of 70mph 'speed limit' and without any warning the vehicle cut off while still in motion. There were no warning lights or any indication that I was having any issues mechanically. I was able to pull over safely and the vehicle would not start. After…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate…
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Chrysler 300?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Chrysler 300?
It's a serious issue. 181 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 137 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 50,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 71,642. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chrysler/300.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.