2012 Chrysler 300 — 5.7L

The 2012 Chrysler 300 sits at the early, turbulent phase of the second generation, and its federal record reflects that positioning: 424 complaints, 9 recalls, 2 investigations, and 261 TSBs represent a sharp jump from the relatively quiet 2011 launch year (200 complaints, 7 recalls) and the lean late-cycle first-generation years of 2009-2010 (95-137 complaints). Notably, 2012 posts the highest single-year recall count of the entire two-decade dataset, exceeding even the troublesome early first-generation years of 2005-2006, and the spike in complaints, recalls, and TSBs persists through 2014 before the generation's record steadily improves from 2015 onward. The complaint mix is concerning, with the electrical system leading at 126 cases followed by air bags (48) and power train (42), and the target year also recorded 34 fire-related and 24 crash-related complaints, suggesting safety-adjacent issues were still surfacing rather than being fully resolved. While the later 2017-2023 model years show a much cleaner record, the 2012 sits at the worst end of the second-generation arc, meaning buyers should expect to verify recall completion and budget for electrical and drivetrain scrutiny. Concrete takeaway: this is a year to approach with caution and a pre-purchase inspection focused on the top complaint categories, not a clean buy despite the model's otherwise polished reputation.