What are the most common Chrysler 300 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 15,920+ owner reports, the 2020 Chrysler 300 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure, Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks, ABS Module Internal Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chrysler 300 reliable?
The 2020 Chrysler 300 has 12 known issues documented across 15,920+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure and Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks and ABS Module Internal Failure and Starter Motor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler 300 problems?
Repair costs for known Chrysler 300 issues range from $20 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure, typically costs $2,000-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure?
The 5.7L HEMI V8 suffers from MDS lifter design defect where needle bearings are undersized. Lifters can be starved of oil during idle, causing seizure and catastrophic camshaft wear leading to engine failure. Repairs typically run $2,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks?
Water pumps fail prematurely due to bearing and seal wear. Air pockets frequently form in cooling system after repairs. The 300 is difficult to properly bleed air from cooling system. Repairs typically run $500-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 ABS Module Internal Failure?
ABS control module suffers internal failures due to short circuits in main circuit board. Prevents proper ABS operation and stores fault codes. While regular braking functions, vehicle loses anti-lock capability, traction control, and stability control. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Starter Motor Failure?
Starter motors fail prematurely or intermittently. Grinding noise during starting indicates worn starter gear. Electrical issues including corroded battery terminals, failed neutral safety switch, and bad starter relay contribute to no-start. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Pentastar 3.6L Oil Filter Housing Leak?
The plastic oil filter housing develops cracks and gasket failures due to heat cycling. Chrysler discontinued original plastic part but never issued recall despite widespread problem. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2023 Chrysler 300 ZF 8-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting?
The ZF 8-speed automatic develops harsh shifting, especially in 2nd gear. Valve body is primary failure point. Cold shifting particularly problematic. Chrysler states "sealed for life" but failures occur before 150,000 miles. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Control Arm Bushing Premature Wear?
OEM control arm bushings fail prematurely around 20,000-40,000 miles instead of typical 100,000+ lifespan. Bushings press-fitted into arms and cannot be replaced separately on most applications, requiring full control arm replacement. Repairs typically run $280-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Rear Differential Whine and Bearing Failure?
Rear differential develops whining from failed pinion bearing or ring/pinion wear. LX platform differentials have inherent whine, but excessive noise indicates bearing failure. Front differentials on AWD fail at 40,000-60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2023 Chrysler 300 5.7L HEMI Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure?
The 5.7L HEMI is notorious for exhaust manifold bolts breaking, especially on the passenger side. Thermal cycling causes bolts to become brittle and snap. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup that partially diminishes as engine warms but never fully goes away. Broken bolts can… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 EVAP System Small Leak (P0456)?
Evaporative emission control system develops small leaks triggering P0456 code. Most commonly failed gas cap, chaffed EVAP purge pipe harness, or failed purge solenoid. Triggers check engine light and prevents emissions testing pass. Repairs typically run $20-$500. Severity: low.
What is the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 Window Regulator and Motor Failure?
Power window regulators and motors fail frequently, particularly rear doors. Cable in regulator breaks or motor burns out. Window stuck in down or up position. Motor and regulator sold as assembly, cannot be separated. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2023 Chrysler 300 EVAP Leak Detection (NVLD/ESIM) Failure Triggers P0455/P0456 — Often Misdiagnosed as a Bad Gas Cap?
The Chrysler 300 uses Chrysler's proprietary natural-vacuum leak detection hardware instead of a conventional pressure-based leak detection pump. On 2005-2006 cars this is the NVLD (Natural Vacuum Leak Detection) valve/solenoid; from 2007 onward it is the ESIM (Evaporative System… Repairs typically run $40-$476. Severity: low.
