2012 Chrysler 300 Limited 3.6 Pentastar

Summary:

Comfortable, good value, strong powertrain

Faults:

- Engine whistling (sounds like a bleed valve of some sort) - no apparent impact, but doesn't sound right. Several things were replaced in an attempt to fix it, but no resolution (I will not say that the things replaced were failures then).

- Backup camera failed.

- Thermometer failure.

- Electronic shiftier recall.

- Takata recall.

- Various electronic glitches, most resolved with software updates.

- Exhaust fume smell in cabin with heavy acceleration (since approx. 110k miles).

General Comments:

- Very comfortable suspension - driver's seat could have more support - noticed on longer trips.

- Love the "bathtub" feel of being deep in the car when driving - but seats are adjustable to overcome that for those that don't like that.

- Good visibility (despite what one would expect).

- Have had several (~4) electrical glitches - none operation critical (besides backup cam failure).

- Good highway mileage (~26mpg), OK city mileage (~18mpg).

- Very reliable powertrain transmission and engine; they have run excellent with only routine maintenance.

- Enough speed for any driving condition - without being "fast". Fast enough to get up to 100MPH if needed. Speed is limited to 120MPH.

- Much more reliable than my previous car (A6 2.7T).

- People say Mopar is not reliable, but this car has defied that expectation, has run with low maintenance cost for 127k miles at time of review.

- RWD offers lower ride height, but in snow it can be paradoxical to have a tank-like vehicle not handle snow well (get good tires to overcome).

- Bluetooth connection SUCKS.

- Great uConnect system, besides Bluetooth.

- Tons of power-ports and cubbies. Cupholders could be bigger.

- Lighting inside and out looks great.

- Intangible: Big RWD American sedan.

- Huge amount of space, have done moves and Costco trips no problem.

- Will be buying another 300 or a Challenger to replace (3.6/ZF powertrain).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2019

2nd Jun 2019, 03:59

Well-balanced review.

2012 Chrysler 300 Limited 3.6 V6

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car's design is beautiful.

Inside the seats are comfortable and the interior is very quiet.

It has the best instrument panel, in both looks and ability to read, that I have ever seen.

Engine is quiet and the 8-speed transmission is very smooth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2012

13th Mar 2012, 09:08

8 speed automatic is one thing, but Chrysler hasn't even fixed their current 6 speed automatic system. Keep us posted on your 300, and let us know how it's doing post 70K miles. Currently the 6 speed only lasts about 50K before they re-install software, because they supposedly 'fixed' the problem.

I'm not bashing Chrysler personally, I'm bashing any auto manufacturing company that make automatics with more than 4-5 gears. People might say it saves fuel, but your fuel saving will be spent on repairing your vehicle and time loss. Ford's not any better.

In reply to 13th Mar 2012, 09:08

18th Mar 2016, 20:03

I was a bit nervous about purchasing my wife's 2012 300 with the 8 speed transmission, but 4 years later at 85,000 miles it has performed flawlessly. For a car of this size to regularly obtain 26 MPG with 30 MPG frequently being seen on the highway is incredible. It gets better mileage than my 02 Sentra that I use as a commuter.

Overall the car has had only minor issues (wheel bearings at 70k and rear brake pads hang up in the sliders every 6-8 months and have to be removed and cleaned up).

Without a doubt the most reliable Chrysler we have ever owned.