Common problems

Chrysler 300 Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 6 Chrysler 300 model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
248

6 model years

Top recurring issue
Air Bags

6 affected years

Crash reports
17

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
1

15 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Chrysler 300 problem categories

#1

Air Bags

50complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2019.

#2

Unknown Or Other

46complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2018.

#3

Power Train

21complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2018.

#4

Electrical System

80complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2018.

#5

Service Brakes

2complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2023.

#6

Visibility Wiper

2complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.

#7

Back Over Prevention

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#8

Exterior Lighting

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2018.

#9

Seat Belts

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2021.

#10

Steering

3complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2019.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Chrysler 300 model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report that the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently experiences issues with the delamination of the LCD touchscreen, leading to erratic behavior such as random beeping, changes in air temperature settings, and loss of control over navigation and radio functions. Complaints often describe the screen making unsolicited phone calls and activating features like defrost, which can distract the driver and impair visibility. These issues are typically observed around 20,000 miles and are associated with safety risks, including potential crashes due to distraction. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the factory-installed backup camera failing to display images, further impacting rearward visibility. Buyers considering a used 2018 Chrysler 300 should be aware of these commonly reported electrical system issues and their potential safety implications.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Chrysler 300's infotainment system, specifically the LCD screen delaminating, which leads to erratic control over features like the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and phone connectivity. Symptoms include random beeping, uncontrolled temperature changes, unexpected navigation inputs, and repeated phone calls, which are highly distracting for drivers. Complaints commonly mention these problems starting around 29,000 to 85,000 miles. The distraction caused by these malfunctions poses a potential safety risk, as drivers are forced to divert attention to manage the erratic system behavior. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the widespread nature of these infotainment issues as documented by multiple owners.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to an airbag recall, specifically noting that the parts required for the recall repair are unavailable. Many complaints highlight that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable time for addressing this recall, and no repairs have been completed. A few owners mention experiencing crashes where airbags did not deploy, although no injuries were reported in those incidents. These complaints do not specify a particular mileage range, but they consistently express concern over the unresolved recall and the potential safety risks associated with airbag failure. Buyers considering a used 2019 Chrysler 300 should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the associated safety implications.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the Uconnect system, which may lead to a frozen touchscreen and the loss of functions such as climate control, navigation, and backup camera. Several complaints mention Uconnect update errors resulting in inoperable vehicle conditions. Additionally, there are reports of electrical failures causing headlights to malfunction and the infotainment center affecting headlight operation, especially concerning when driving at night. One owner reports a crash attributed to instrument panel failure, highlighting potential safety risks. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 1,100 miles, suggesting that prospective buyers should be aware of potential early-onset electrical problems.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning the transmission. Common symptoms include the vehicle jerking or surging when shifting gears, grinding noises, and the transmission slipping in and out of gear. Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly, sometimes while driving at highway speeds, which poses potential safety risks. These issues often occur at various mileage points, with some reports mentioning problems as early as 5,400 miles. Additionally, some owners mention electrical faults that may be related to the power train, such as problems with the powertrain control module or electronic stability control.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to the airbag system, including non-deployment during crashes and persistent airbag warning lights. Complaints often mention door panel warping, which may interfere with airbag functionality and door locking mechanisms. Crashes involving this model sometimes result in airbag non-deployment, with reported injuries in incidents occurring at various speeds, including highway conditions. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some incidents reported as early as 4,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag concerns, particularly given the reported injuries and instances of airbag system failure during accidents.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, specifically citing delays in the availability of parts necessary for recall repairs. Complaints consistently mention that despite receiving notification of a recall, parts for the repair are not available, leading to extended wait times. One owner notes a persistent airbag light and a diagnosis of a faulty harness, with parts also unavailable for this repair. There are no reports of crashes or injuries, but concerns about safety implications are evident, with some owners choosing not to drive their vehicles due to fear of potential airbag malfunction. This information is useful for potential buyers who should be aware of ongoing recall-related delays and the potential need for future repairs.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to unresolved recalls, specifically citing difficulties in obtaining necessary parts for recall repairs. Complaints often mention extended wait times with no available remedy, leading to frustration. Another reported issue involves the vehicle's battery location in the trunk, which is inaccessible if the battery dies, posing a significant inconvenience, especially for older owners. A crash incident is noted where the vehicle allegedly experienced sudden unintended acceleration while reversing, resulting in a collision with a tree. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the recall and battery access concerns, when considering this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Chrysler 300

When problems are reported to begin

  • Service brake failures0–6,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Air bag non-deployment0–5,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Engine rough idle and misfire24,000–29,000 miles on the 2021 model-year record
  • Transmission shifter noise23,800–23,844 miles on the 2020 model-year record
  • Fire hazard26,972 miles on the 2020 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures1,000–1,100 miles on the 2019 model-year record
  • Power train issues7,000–7,100 miles on the 2019 model-year record
  • Steering and electrical failures44,000 miles on the 2019 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Inspect brake rotors for warping and excessive wear
  • Test brake pedal for firmness and proper stopping power
  • Verify proper installation of all exterior body panels, especially fenders
  • Check tire pressure stability and monitor for consistent pressure loss
  • Test backup sensors for proper obstacle detection and alerting
  • Ensure airbag system is functioning and check for any service notifications
  • Inspect air bag system for deployment functionality
  • Test brakes for shuddering during deceleration

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Chrysler 300 data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Chrysler 300 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Chrysler 300 research FAQ

What is the most common Chrysler 300 problem?

Air Bags is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 6 years with 50 complaints represented.

Which Chrysler 300 year has the most reported problems?

The 2019 has the largest air bags count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Chrysler 300 has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Chrysler 300 you are considering.