Introducing the Chrysler 300 in 2005, this full-size sedan prides itself on safety, performance, design, and comfort. This vehicle has a classic, aggressive style with powerful V6 and V8 engines that provide a smooth ride. Chrysler introduced the 300 in the 1940s and updated it several times over the years. Eventually, it became a rear-wheel-drive, full-sized sedan with a powerful V8 engine and luxurious interior.
Most customers prefer the Chrysler 300 sedan, but some drawbacks have made it a less popular choice in recent years. If you are planning to purchase a Chrysler 300, read this article to learn about the worst years to avoid during the purchase process.
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Generations of Chrysler 300
Since Chrysler debuted in the 1940s, the automotive industry has gone through many ups and downs. Chrysler was launched on the market in 2005 as a full-sized sedan with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Although it began as a less than perfect vehicle, it has gone through several updates and is now one of the most popular sedans on the market.
There are three generations of Chrysler 300:
| Generations | Years | Best Years | Worst Years |
| 1st | 2005-2010 | 2009 | 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 |
| 2nd | 2011-2023 | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Chrysler 300 Common Problems
Chrysler had some problems nearly every year, and these common problems continued to get worse and more frequent in the worst years. Six of the most commonly encountered problems with the Chrysler 300 are listed below:
1. Engine Issues
The engine of some model years can have serious problems, such as making weird noises when starting, blowing up, clogging up with fluid sludge, failing when 100,000 miles have passed, and stalling when the engine hits 100,000 miles. It is mostly caused by oil sludge buildup, which leads to 2.7L V6 engine failure, and these types of cases are most common in older models.
2. Transmission Problems
In most 2005-2007 models, transmission problems include delayed shifting, rough shifting, gear slippage, and leaking transmission fluid. It is common for the gear shift lever to lock up when the shifter is stuck in park mode. As a result of transmission problems, the engine performs poorly as well as other parts of the car become defective.
3. Electrical Failures
It is mostly the 2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300 that has electrical component problems. Mostly seen in the worst years are sensors with problems, control modules with problems, misaligned door handles, lighting systems with problems, and power windows with problems. Other major electrical problems in 2007-2014 models include Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure.
4. Poor Fuel System
Various complaints of poor fuel system economy have been made about the Chrysler 300, including poor fuel economy, ignition switch issues, defective fuel tanks, clogged components, and fuel pump failures. A transmission system may be permanently damaged by these issues, which can result in sluggish gear shifting, engine stalling, and failed engines. There have been many complaints about the fuel systems of earlier models.
5. Airbag Malfunctions
In the last few years, NHTSA has recalled several Chrysler 300s which were affected by malfunctioning airbag components. Airbag inflators manufactured by Takata have caused a number of serious complaints, and they are used in the Chrysler 300, so there may be a problem.
6. Interior Accessories Problems
In the Chrysler 300, warped door panels, dashboard and warning lights flashing, and heater and air conditioning problems are the most common interior accessory problems. In some cases, the infotainment system does not work properly due to issues with the audio system, speaker, Bluetooth, and touchscreen. Most interior accessories problems occur with Chrysler model years 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Chrysler 300 Reliability by Year
Chrysler 300 owner reviews and different sources, despite the fact that it is a fairly new sedan, have given the model an average reliability rating. According to RepairPal, the Chrysler 300 ranked 7th out of 12 full-size sedans with a rating of 3.5 out of 5. Reliability ratings of a particular model year play an important role in understanding a model’s overall health.
Below is a table listing the reliability ratings for each model year from trustworthy sources like J.D Power and Edmunds owner reviews.
| Years | J.D. Power (Out of 100) | Edmunds (Out of 5) |
| 2005 | – | 4.8 |
| 2006 | – | 4.7 |
| 2007 | 81 | 4.5 |
| 2008 | 81 | 4.6 |
| 2009 | 81 | 4.6 |
| 2010 | 81 | 4.6 |
| 2011 | Not rated | 4.3 |
| 2012 | 81 | 4.6 |
| 2013 | 80 | 4.5 |
| 2014 | 78 | 4.4 |
| 2015 | 81 | 4.5 |
| 2016 | 80 | 4.4 |
| 2017 | 82 | 4.4 |
| 2018 | 80 | 4.3 |
| 2019 | 78 | 4.8 |
| 2020 | Not rated | 4.8 |
| 2021 | 81 | 4.7 |
| 2022 | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2023 | Not rated | 4.7 |
Chrysler 300 Problem Counts by Year
It is possible to examine the problem counts by Chrysler 300 model year based on the number of complaints received by owners. Thus, you can determine which years have the most complaints and which ones have the fewest. Surveys from CarComplaits.com indicate that 2006 is the worst year for models.
NHSTA and CarComplaints.com have collected the following information on Chrysler 300 complaints.
| Years | Complaints Number (NHSTA) | Complaints Number (CarComplaints) |
| 2005 | 1119* | 82 |
| 2006 | 1740* | 161 |
| 2007 | 615 | 49 |
| 2008 | 752* | 42 |
| 2009 | 93 | 12 |
| 2010 | 132 | 16 |
| 2011 | 200 | 25 |
| 2012 | 417 | 46 |
| 2013 | 303 | 52 |
| 2014 | 228 | 35 |
| 2015 | 90 | 28 |
| 2016 | 69 | 31 |
| 2017 | 72 | 27 |
| 2018 | 131 | 27 |
| 2019 | 36 | 04 |
| 2020 | 08 | 00 |
| 2021 | 07 | – |
| 2022 | 03 | – |
| 2023 | 01 | – |
N.B: The (*) marked years are those with severe and the worst problems.
Chrysler 300 Recalls
It is not uncommon for manufacturers and other authorities, such as NHTSA, to recall problematic components related to a given model year. An annual recall count is crucial for a model year because it indicates which parts are troublesome and how many are recalled.
Recalls are more common during avoidable years, indicating the major disadvantages of those years. A smaller percentage of recalls are issued to models that perform best and are the most durable.
In the below table, we count 85 recalls issued by NHTSA for the Chrysler 300, addressing the problematic components:
| Year | Recall Number(s) | Problematic Components |
| 2005 | 07 | Airbags (2), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Service brakes/Hydraulic (1), Visibility (2) |
| 2006 | 04 | Airbags (2), Power train (1), Service brakes (1) |
| 2007 | 05 | Airbags (2), Parking brake (1), Power train (1), Service brakes/Hydraulic (1) |
| 2008 | 04 | Airbags (2), Electrical system (1), Power train (1) |
| 2009 | 05 | Airbags (3), Tires (1), Wheels (1) |
| 2010 | 07 | Airbags (4), Electrical system (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1) |
| 2011 | 07 | Airbags (4), Electrical system (3), Service brakes/Air (1) |
| 2012 | 09 | Airbags (4), Electrical system (3), Power train (2), Service brakes/Air (1), Tires (1) |
| 2013 | 06 | Airbags (2), Electrical system (2), Power train (2) |
| 2014 | 08 | Airbags (1), Electrical system (4), Power train (3), Vehicle speed control (1) |
| 2015 | 05 | Airbags (1), Electrical system (1), Equipment (1, Powertrain (2), Vehicle speed control (1) |
| 2016 | 03 | Electrical system (1), Powertrain (2), Vehicle speed control (1) |
| 2017 | 02 | Electrical system (1), Powertrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1) |
| 2018 | 04 | Electrical system (2), Powertrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Airbags (1) |
| 2019 | 02 | Airbags (1), Electrical system (1) |
| 2020 | 02 | Airbags (1), Visibility (1) |
| 2021 | 02 | Airbags (1), Visibility (1) |
| 2022 | 02 | Tires (2) |
| 2023 | 01 | Parking brake (1) |
Chrysler 300 Safety Rating by Year
There are many trusted sources of safety ratings for different year models, which help people understand how safe they are while driving and riding. In years when safety measurements are poor, the worst and most avoidable years counteract fewer safety ratings.
Based on the information provided by NHTSA, the following table explains the safety ratings of each year:
| Years | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover |
| 2005 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- not rated, 4×2- 4 |
| 2006 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- not rated, 4×2- 4 |
| 2007 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- not rated, 4×2- 4 |
| 2008 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- 4, 4×2- 4 |
| 2009 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 5 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- 4, 4×2- 4 |
| 2010 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 5 | Front seat- 5 Rear Seat- 5 | 4×4- 4, 4×2- 4 |
| 2011 | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2012 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 4 | Front seat- 3 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2013 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 4 | Front seat- 3 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2014 | Driver- 5, Passenger- 4 | Front seat- 3 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2015 | Not rated | Not rated | Resistance- 4 |
| 2016 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2017 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat- 4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2018 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2019 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2020 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2021 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2022 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
| 2023 | Driver- 4, Passenger- 4 | Front seat-4 Rear Seat- 5 | Resistance- 4 |
Chrysler 300 Years to Avoid
A number of important factors have been analyzed, and it has been determined that the worst years for the Chrysler 300 are 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Purchasing these Chrysler 300 model years is not recommended because they are less reliable, less safe, and more problematic.
A CarComplaints study found 2006 to be the worst model year, with the worst problem being stalling or engine shut-offs.
2005 and 2006 Chrysler 300
Its early models, the years 2005 and 2006, were plagued by costly automatic transmission problems, including loud cracking noises, sludge-caused engine failures and a blown engine.
It has been two of these years since Chrysler 300s have been recalled most frequently. Chrysler 300 problems have risen due to poor reliability, a weak safety measurement system, and high problem rates.
2008 and 2010 Chrysler 300
It has been reported that the 2008 and 2010 Chrysler 300s had the worst problems due to problems such as difficulty starting the engine, defective paint, broken cooling fan blades, blown engines, failed sunroof motor switches, and frequent engine off/ons.
In spite of the low number of complaints, most are about repairing, with repair costs being very high. It was however the years 2008 and 2010 that Chrysler 300s suffered the most severe electrical problems.
2012 and 2013 Chrysler 300
In 2012 and 2013, there are more problems with the Chrysler 300 than in previous models, such as a defective alternator, an engine failure, hot air blown by the air conditioning system, engine light issues, defective electrical systems, and improper transmission shifting.
There have been complaints that the V8 engine shut down suddenly, causing lots of problems in the future. Other issues encountered these years include electrical mis adjustments, malfunctioning interior accessories, and sensor failures.
Best Years of Chrysler 300
While some Chrysler 300 models from the 2nd generation have been given bad reviews for their low reliability and high number of complaints, there are others that have been appreciated for their high reliability. It has been determined from various sources that the best years for the Chrysler 300 are 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
2016 and 2017 Chrysler 300
In the 2016 and 2017 Chrysler 300, new modules and interior accessories have been added. The fact that fewer recalls have been issued and less troublesome problems have been reported makes this period of appreciation especially meaningful. As part of the electrical component development, safety features have also been developed.
2018 and 2019 Chrysler 300
Consumers have been enhanced by improvements in exterior and interior accessories, a fix for some previous transmission issues, and a strong 5.7L Hemi V8 engine that performs well. These years have been very good for the owners in terms of durability and performance.
2020 and 2021 Chrysler 300
There are two new Chrysler 300 models for 2020 and 2021, both of which boast a modern aesthetic and a bold outlook. In addition to their great infotainment systems, they are capable of driving long distances as well.
The quality of the materials is quite high, and the fuel economy is restricted compared to previous models. These years are generally rated well in terms of reliability and have good expert reviews as well.
How Many Miles Do Chrysler 300 Last?
There is usually a 100,000-mile or so difference between a Chrysler 300 sedan and a BMW 3 Series sedan. Chrysler 300 mileage is largely determined by the model year and maintenance procedures. It’s possible to live as long as 250,000 or more miles on a Chrysler 300 sedan that is well maintained and driven conservatively.
A properly maintained Hemi V8 engine from the best model years performs well and provides decent mileage. Without regular maintenance, the less reliable earlier years usually die before exceeding the highest mileage.
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Are Chrysler 300 Reliable?
Several years that have gained owners’ satisfaction are recommended for purchase based on consumers’ choices and experts’ suggestions. There are some years that are not as reliable as others due to their history of problems and high repair costs.
The Chrysler 300 model year has recently received high reliability ratings and positive owner reviews. Please acknowledge these important factors. If you’re looking for new models, you might want to consider some with high ratings. Therefore, avoiding the years of dealing with the worst problems and prioritizing the best ones will prove to be helpful.