Makes›Chrysler›200›2012

2012 Chrysler 200

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Chrysler 200
Pictured: 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited (cropped). Photo: Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan LX/Limited, 4dr Sedan Touring/S, Convertible LX/Touring/Limited/S
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
191.7–194.9 in
Curb weight
3,389–3,898 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Overview

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,389 lb (4dr Sedan LX/Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 0% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 508 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 200 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 200 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan LX/Limited191.7 in72.4 in54.7 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.6 in3,389 lb60/40
4dr Sedan Touring/S191.7 in72.4 in54.7 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.6 in3,558 lb60/40
Convertible LX/Touring/Limited/S194.9 in72.4 in57.9 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.6 in3,898 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
2002.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 240%$2,800370
2002.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 23-4%$2,900386
200 Convertible2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22-14%$3,050404
200 Convertible FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050404
200 FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-8%$3,050404
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chrysler 200.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Chrysler 200 (this car)24 MPGNot rated4
2012 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint · Oct 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V640000 · 363,930 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
Risk
If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags · Jul 2, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V282000 · 442,320 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 29, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Chrysler 200 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

508Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
21Injuries reported
72,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags126
Electrical System120
Engine111
Unknown Or Other101
Seat Belts66
Visibility/Wiper53
Power Train40
Service Brakes24
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/03: 122/04: 222/05: 122/08: 222/09: 122/10: 122/12: 223/01: 123/02: 123/04: 123/05: 223/09: 423/11: 224/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/07: 124/09: 124/10: 125/01: 225/07: 125/08: 226/03: 126/04: 222/0322/0822/1223/0423/1124/0324/1025/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Chrysler 200 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 126 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 120 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 111 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Chrysler 200. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 200 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 20027192.9 inNot rated143
2016 20027192.9 inNot rated2345
2015 20027192.9 inNot rated81,979
2014 20024191.7 inNot rated1177
2013 20023191.7 inNot rated5555
2011 20024191.7 inNot rated3235

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →