wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chrysler 300 engine problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chrysler 300 have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 76,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 300 | 49 |
| 2009 300 | 4 |
| 2010 300 | 11 |
| 2011 300 | 9 |
| 2012 300 (this page) | 19 |
| 2013 300 | 18 |
| 2014 300 | 15 |
| 2015 300 | 3 |
| 2016 300 | 3 |
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 19 engine 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
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 with the 5.7L HEMI engine shows a pattern of critical internal failures across multiple systems. Hydraulic lifters are the most frequent complaint: the roller mechanism locks up and grinds into the camshaft, typically between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, causing metal debris to circulate through the oil. Owners report starting with a misfire code on a single cylinder, but even after lifter replacement ($2,000), the problem may persist if the camshaft lobe is damaged, requiring an additional $2,000 for camshaft replacement.
Timing chain fractures appear as sudden, unwarned engine stalls on the highway, often with complete loss of oil pressure. Repairs run $7,000–$8,000, and Chrysler has issued a recall for some vehicles but does not cover the full cost and does not include all VINs.
Alternator failure causes sudden battery drain and power loss while driving, with some vehicles covered under a delayed recall while others with identical symptoms go uncovered. Oil leaks from the cooler adapter have contaminated engines with antifreeze. Several owners reported sudden engine stalls without diagnostic clarity and unexplained power loss during acceleration. One vehicle caught fire under the hood at 123,000 miles with no prior warning lights.
Ticking and knocking noises from the valve train often signal impending timing chain or camshaft damage but are not always caught before catastrophic failure occurs.
Same Chrysler 300 engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Defective Lifter Roller / Camshaft Grinding
Roller on hydraulic lifter locks up and grinds into the camshaft, causing metal debris to circulate through engine oil. Can trigger misfires and lead to total engine failure if not caught early.
When: Typically 80,000–120,000 miles; one case reported at 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with misfire code (cylinder-specific); Loss of power on affected cylinder; Metal shavings in engine oil; Lifter travel reduced compared to others
Codes mentioned: P0305 (Cylinder 5 misfire code cited), Other cylinder misfire codes P0300 series
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement $2,000 (narrative #1); camshaft replacement additional $2,000 if camshaft damage occurred. Replacement lifter may still not restore normal travel if camshaft lobe has been damaged.
Timing Chain Fracture / Failure
Timing chain breaks or timing chain tensioner fails, causing loss of valve synchronization and engine stall without warning. Owner reports indicate this issue is widespread across 5.7L HEMI engines but rarely issued as recall or TSB.
When: 65,000–123,000 miles; one case at 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Loss of power to accelerate; Oil pressure drop from normal 55+ PSI to 15 PSI at driving speed, down to 5 PSI at idle; Valvetrain tapping/ticking noise; Vehicle will not restart or difficult to restart; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Check engine light codes (specific codes not cited in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; repair cost cited as $7,000–$8,000. In one case, manufacturer offered to cover only 50% of repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall issued (narrative #11 references timing chain recall); however, not all VINs covered, and recall does not fully reimburse repair costs. Other narratives indicate no recall applied or manufacturer provided no assistance.
Alternator Failure / Charging System Fault
Alternator fails or charging system malfunctions, causing battery to drain and vehicle electrical system to lose power while driving. Vehicle may suddenly stop or limp home at low power.
When: Around 12,480 miles (one early case); later cases not mileage-specific
Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode warning on dash; Radio and accessories shut off while driving; Vehicle slows down or loses power; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle may stall and become difficult to restart; Burning smell from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific code not cited)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost and parts not specified in narratives. One recall notice issued for some 2012 300 models, but parts availability was delayed; other vehicles with same symptoms not covered by recall despite identical symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall notice issued for some vehicles; parts availability delayed. Some owners with identical symptoms reported not included in recall coverage.
Oil Leak from Cooler Adapter / Seal Failure
Oil cooler adapter or seal fractures or leaks, spilling oil into the engine compartment. One case involved over-tightened oil filter during service; independent mechanic noted antifreeze and oil mixing in engine.
When: 151,000 miles (one case); 259,000 miles (filter housing fracture case)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell from engine compartment; Oil pooling on garage floor; Check engine light illumination; Visible oil coating engine bay; Antifreeze mixed into engine oil
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not mentioned)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler adapter replacement or housing repair. Filter over-tightening case repaired at Pep Boys with OEM replacement part from Cherry Hill Dodge. Repair cost not stated.
Power Loss / Acceleration Failure (Non-Transmission)
Engine loses power output while driving, often at highway speeds, with vehicle unable to accelerate even when throttle is depressed. Occurs shortly after dealership service in some cases. Dealer investigation identifies possible transmission gearing or software issue, but root cause remains unclear and problem cannot be replicated.
When: At 12,480 miles immediately after dealership service; at 4,600 miles; at 65 MPH highway speed (mileage unknown)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power / no acceleration response to pedal input; Engine held at approximately 1,000 RPM only; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle requires engine restart to regain power (temporary); Vibration felt while driving; Problem cannot be replicated by dealer during test drive
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not documented in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reconfigured BCP sensor and wires (narrative #14); other cases had unknown repairs or no diagnosis. No repair cost cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not offer assistance (narrative #14).
Unexplained Engine Stall / No-Start Condition
Engine stalls suddenly while driving without warning or dash warning lights. Vehicle then fails to restart or restarts only with clicking sounds. No clear diagnosis in several cases despite dealer towing and evaluation.
When: 65,000–70,000 miles; one case after water pump and thermostat replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall at stoplight or while driving; No restart attempt, or clicking sound only during attempted restart; Engine light illuminates after stall; Unable to shift into neutral when stalled in drive gear; No warning lights before stall event
Codes mentioned: Engine light codes not specified; clicking suggests electrical/starter issue or fuel delivery
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis fee of $140 at dealership mentioned (narrative #9) after previous water pump/thermostat work ($1,200). Repair cost not stated. One case involved timing chain recall; others undiagnosed.
Engine Fire / Thermal Runaway
Fire starts under the hood while driving, with white smoke entering cabin through vents before fire became visible. Temperature gauge spiked independently beforehand. Vehicle declared total loss.
When: 123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge independently increased; White smoke inside cabin via air vents; Fire erupted from under hood; No warning lights illuminated before event; Burning smell immediately before fire
Codes mentioned: None (no warning lights illuminated)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss; not repaired. Owner had COPD exacerbated by smoke exposure and sought medical attention for heart-related condition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Ticking / Knocking Noise from Engine
Persistent valvetrain ticking, knocking, or cracking sound from engine, sometimes progressively worsening. May indicate internal component damage such as timing chain, camshaft, or lifter wear.
When: Low mileage, under 100,000 miles in one case; progressive worsening over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise progressing to loud cracking sound; Persistent ticking from valvetrain area; Misfire code on #1 cylinder; Worsened after tune-up; Valvetrain tapping/ticking during oil pressure drop event
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder #1 misfire, narrative #15)
Repairs/costs cited: Tune-up performed without resolution (narrative #15). Mechanic suspected timing chain or camshaft issue. Repair not completed; owner noted recall P01 does not apply to Canadian-manufactured vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Timing chain/camshaft recall P01 noted as not applicable to Canadian-built 2012 300.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
While driving my car during a stoplight it suddenly stalled and died. My gear was still in drive. I tried to restart my car but it wasnt able to start it jus kept making a clicking sound like it was trying to start but couldnt and last for 30 secs. I wasnt able to put the gear into neutral. So in was stalled ok the road. After trying to attempt to restart the engine light went on. I am very…
Lfirst I must say, I have begun to hate ever buying a Chrysler. I have had at least 3 recalls in the short lived of me purchasing this car. Now, I receive this "safety recall notice" on the alternator just before christmas. Initially, I thought no problem, I will be off work, I will go by the dealer and have this check/fixed, but as I continuing reading the notice that said you will notify me…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2012 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 27,500 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,500; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.