Chrysler›300›2012›3.6L/chrysler/300/2012/3-6l/

LX platform

2012 Chrysler 300 — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 300 3.6L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a full‑size passenger car built on the LX platform and powered by a 3.6‑liter V6 paired with a five‑speed automatic transmission, requiring a 6‑quart oil change with 5W‑20 API fluid. Its fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and a combined 21 mpg, reflecting the balance Chrysler aimed for between performance and efficiency. Owner feedback recorded 424 complaints for this year, with the electrical system emerging as the most frequent issue and nine official recalls issued. Within the model’s broader 2004‑2023 complaint record, 2012 sits well above the low‑complaint debut year of 2004 but far below the peak problem year of 2006, indicating a middling reliability standing for this generation.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy18/27/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP215-65R17OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04884899AC alt 68079744AD
Engine air filter	04861746AB
Spark plug	SPLZFR5C11 alt SP149125AF
Battery	BBH8A001AA alt BBH7F001AA
Front wiper blades	68194930AB alt 05182439AB
Thermostat	52028898AJ alt 05184894AA
Cabin air filter	68535614AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	198.8 in
Overall width	75.2 in
Overall height	58.7 in
Wheelbase	120.1 in
Curb weight	4513 lb
Track (front / rear)	64.2 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 27 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	106 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 2012 S V6

292 hpHorsepower (as tested)

260 lb-ftTorque (as tested)

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	S V6 3.6L V6	6.60 sec	15.20 sec	292 hp	RWD
2011	Limited V6 3.6L V6	7.20 sec	15.40 sec	292 hp	RWD
2013	S V6 3.6L V6	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	300 hp	RWD
2013	S V6 3.6L V6	6.50 sec	15.10 sec	300 hp	RWD
2015	Limited V6 3.6L V6	6.30 sec	14.80 sec	292 hp	AWD
2015	C V6 3.6L V6	6.60 sec	15.00 sec	292 hp	AWD
2017	S 3.6L V6	6.30 sec	15.00 sec	300 hp	RWD
2021	S 3.6L V6	6.70 sec	15.10 sec	300 hp	RWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	9.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.4 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · 75W-140
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.5 Pints
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 · MS-9763 · 75W-140 · MS-8985

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	17.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	17.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.50-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15, Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	16-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Engine Compression	100
Engine Oil Pressure	30-139 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	98 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	44 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	44 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	98 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

30 ft. lbs., step 2: 105

30 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 75 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 4: 50 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 5: Loosen bolts in reverse sequence Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs. Step 8: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Step 9: 70 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Ay bolts that show stretching should be replaced.

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 8,000 mi	Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
At 16,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 24,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust)
Every 32,000 mi	Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 48,000 mi	Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 90,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The second-generation Chrysler 300, launched in 2011, shows a clear arc of early quality struggles that peak sharply in the 2012 model year. After a relatively quiet 2011 with 200 complaints and 7 recalls, the 2012 model year recorded a dramatic jump to 424 complaints and a generation-high 9 recalls, alongside 2 federal investigations and 261 technical service bulletins. This spike is concentrated in the electrical system, which alone accounts for 126 complaints, and is accompanied by 34 fire-related reports—a notable safety concern. While later years like 2013 and 2014 saw complaints decline to 306 and 236 respectively, the 2012 model stands out as the most problematic year in the generation for recall activity and a peak in owner-reported issues. Given this pattern, the 2012 Chrysler 300 represents a higher-risk purchase compared to surrounding model years, and buyers may want to consider a 2013 or newer example to avoid the cluster of early second-generation defects.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

261

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

424

Owner complaints

24 involved a crash · 34 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 424 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System126

Air Bags48

Power Train42

Engine16

Unknown Or Other14

Steering13

Electrical System,Air Bags9

Fuel/Propulsion System9

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V018000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/01/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator…

17V435000Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorReported 10/07/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 261 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
34D Combo Rev1	2026-05-14	Air Bags	Customer Satisfaction Notification 34D - Healthy Airbag Inflator Collection - Dealer…
34D Combo	2026-04-21	Air Bags	Customer Satisfaction Notification 34D - Healthy Airbag Inflator Collection - Dealer…
S2621000003 REV.A	2026-03-09	Power Train	The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the…
108463	2025-11-18	Service Brakes	PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE
108464	2025-11-17	Service Brakes	PAD KIT - REAR DISC BRAKE, FRONT DISC BRAKE

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 300. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Vehicles taking 6 qt w/ filter LX-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04884899AC Engine air filter 04861746AB Spark plug SPLZFR5C11 Battery BBH8A001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 300 3.6L take?

6 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 300 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined mpg.