2016 Chrysler 300 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chrysler 300, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1517.2%
- Airbags1517.2%
- Powertrain (other)1416.1%
- Fuel system89.2%
- Body & structure78.0%
- Steering66.9%
- Engine66.9%
- Interior & seats44.6%
- Driver assistance44.6%
- Visibility33.4%
- Brakes33.4%
- Exterior lighting22.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact purchased a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle was taken to a dealer for several repairs, and the contact was concerned that there was a mileage discrepancy as per a Carfax Report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 117,338; however, the Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 156,268 in February 2017. The Carfax Report also stated that the odometer had previously been tampered with in 2017 and indicated a mileage of 5,093 instead of 7,542. The contact stated that currently the approximate mileage was 166,801.
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving on a four-lane roadway, at approximately 45 mph, another driver attempted to make a left turn with an obstructed view, ran a red light and collided with the front driver side area of the contact's vehicle near the wheel well. Following the impact, the other vehicle spun and struck an additional vehicle. No further property damage was reported. After the collision, the contact's vehicle veered to the right and came to a stop in a vacant lot away from oncoming traffic. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a tow yard and later declared a total loss by the insurance company. The contact sustained injuries to the forehead after striking the windshield due to forward movement during the collision and was then thrown backward into the rear seat. Medical treatment was received following the incident. The dealer was not notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Door panels are separating from all interior doors. Separating has caused issues with doors locking and airbag deployment. This is an issue the manufacturer has been aware of for years yet still manufactures cars with this issue. Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Issue is so common that replacement parts, which are not covered by manufacturer's warranty and can cost anywhere from $1000+ per door, are backordered.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Have been having power steering problems over the past few years. Started by displaying a shift to park message while driving, my car would then lose power and shut down completely and power steering would lock up. Have taken to dealerships and independent mechanics and was told it was the wiring harness which they repaired several times and the car continued to have the issue. Approximately 3 months ago I was driving 55mph on highway when suddenly without any warning, the power steering failed and locked up making it very difficult to turn the wheel to get the vehicle off the highway safely. The power steering locking up put myself, my passengers and other drivers at risk bc I had no control over the steering. When I got the vehicle off of the highway a message repeatedly coming on and off saying “service power steering “ and another message saying power steering assist off service system. I was able to get the vehicle home, however the steering was extremely difficult especially in turns which is a major safety concern increasing a risk of an accident. I have done a lot of research about this issue and have found that there are numerous others with the same issue and same make/model as my 2016 Chrysler 300 C. I took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and they told me they couldn’t figure out what is wrong with it. I made another appointment with another mechanic and when I attempted to drive it “manually” as I had to do when it initially started doing this, the electric power steering has now completely locked up and the wheel is not functional at all and power steering has completely failed. This is not only a huge inconvenience but a serious safety hazard and should be investigated by the manufacturer.
The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The problem has been confirmed with a certified dealer! There is no warning signals. There was nothing and there is a recall on the same. There is a recall for the exact same problem as my car, and now they will not cover it because it doesn’t show up on the Vin! This is a very dangerous safety issue and Chrys learning to address this as soon as possible! Especially after one of their managers told me it would be paid for if I had a diagnosed with a certified dealer and now they’re saying they’re not paying for it
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Notified by repair shop that my vehicle is experiencing identical problems with the fuel rail and fuel injector that was recalled for Mercedes in my class and year, but the dealer says my VIN is not applicable currently. Recall campaign number is 2022030003 and NHSTSA ID is 21V961. Was informed by dealer to call customer care at Mercedes, and subsequently informed by Mercedes to fill out this form.
Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The problem has been confirmed with a certified dealer! There is no warning signals. There was nothing and there is a recall on the same. There is a recall for the exact same problem as my car, and now they will not cover it because it doesn’t show up on the Vin! This is a very dangerous safety issue and Chrys learning to address this as soon as possible! Especially after one of their managers told me it would be paid for if I had a diagnosed with a certified dealer and now they’re saying they’re not paying for it
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that water was leaking from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the window trim on the rear driver's side door had detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Have been having power steering problems over the past few years. Started by displaying a shift to park message while driving, my car would then lose power and shut down completely and power steering would lock up. Have taken to dealerships and independent mechanics and was told it was the wiring harness which they repaired several times and the car continued to have the issue. Approximately 3 months ago I was driving 55mph on highway when suddenly without any warning, the power steering failed and locked up making it very difficult to turn the wheel to get the vehicle off the highway safely. The power steering locking up put myself, my passengers and other drivers at risk bc I had no control over the steering. When I got the vehicle off of the highway a message repeatedly coming on and off saying “service power steering “ and another message saying power steering assist off service system. I was able to get the vehicle home, however the steering was extremely difficult especially in turns which is a major safety concern increasing a risk of an accident. I have done a lot of research about this issue and have found that there are numerous others with the same issue and same make/model as my 2016 Chrysler 300 C. I took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and they told me they couldn’t figure out what is wrong with it. I made another appointment with another mechanic and when I attempted to drive it “manually” as I had to do when it initially started doing this, the electric power steering has now completely locked up and the wheel is not functional at all and power steering has completely failed. This is not only a huge inconvenience but a serious safety hazard and should be investigated by the manufacturer.
The contact's son owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while her son was driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering became functional. The contact stated that the driver was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The oil filter housing w/sender unit leaks oil under the upper intake plemun. The oil filter Chrysler installed in the vehicle is plastic.
1- Electrical components lost communication with all module I have diagnostic from dealer. 2- When happened car loose power putting my own safety and other at risk I don’t feel safety no more and all possible lights on dashboard come on. 3- I bring my car to dealer to do a diagnostic and said need change whole car harness, at time that dealer check 68 DYC was show, before happening to me twice and brin to shop close to my house one time has 85 DTC and second time 63 DTC I have diagnostic copy from dealer and from shop. 4- Dealer diagnosed my car. 5- It happened suddenly not warning at all when happened have to stop as soon as I can turn off engine and wait some minutes and turn on again after that engine light come on all the time and car can driving again. 6- Also a year ago on march last year my car was updated from Uconnect and a corrupt file from them damaged my radio they have to install a new radio with new software update for this reason at Uconnect expense, don’t know if this is related to this new problem that I have now, also send you the diagnostic at that time.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the interior door panel on all four doors was shuddering while the windows were rolled down due to the air resistance. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the button to unlock the door on the driver’s side door, the door failed to unlock as needed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The contact was adamant that the failure was a safety issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,500.
Passenger front heated seat for no apparent reason began smoldering and two small burn holes came through the seat cushion. Vehicle was parked at the time and the ignition was off, and the car was unoccupied. this incident was reported to Chrysler and the car was taken to a dealer for inspection. The inspector's report indicated that this was not caused by a manufactures defect and told me to contact my insurance company. I do not agree with these findings and think that this matter should be investigated further as a dangerous fire might occur.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image while in use. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
ECM LIGHT COME ON WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND I GET LOSS OF POWER AND CAR SLOWS DOWN AND I SEEN ON CREDIT KARMA SHOWN THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE PCM MODULE I WANTED TO KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR A FREE RECALL REPAIR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY WINDSHIELD WASHER CAME ON AND I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING ! IT JUST COMES ON ANYTIME BY ITSELF ! I HAD TO PULL OVER ONTO A SIDE STREET UNTIL THE FLUID RAN OUT !!
I WAS DRIVING BEHIND A TRUCK #155. USDOT1605061. WHEN A ROCK CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE ON HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. TOWARD DAPHNE AND SPANISH FORT. IT WAS RIGHT AFTER LEAVING THE TUNNEL. IT WAS DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME WHEN IT HAPPENED. I WAS GOOD DISTANCE AWAY. POLICE REPORT #M2190903231
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS system failed. Front axel disconnected and now needs replaced along with both CV boots. It is now effecting the Carrier Barring (Drive shaft)
NEEDED REPAIR FOR BRAKE SHRUDDERING AT 51,000KM, FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE MACHINED, BRAKE PADS WERE MEASURED AS WELL, 8MM LEFT ON FRONT AND 6 ON REAR. FRONT PADS AT 80%, DEFECTIVE FRONT ROTORS. CHRYSLER BRUSHED OFF WARRANTY CLAIM, THEY STATED IT IS ONLY FOR 1 YEAR OR 20,000KM. MUST HAVE BEEN MATERIAL LATENT DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LIGHT ON THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS. IT LEAKS MOST WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING STILL.
ON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS PRODUCE VERY LOW LIGHT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. HIGH BEAMS PRODUCE LOTS OF LIGHT AND IS GREAT. WENT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS. THEY HAVE NO FIX FOR THIS. CALLED FIAT-CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY ONLY FIX AT THIS TIME IS TO DRIVE WITH AT NIGHT WITH HIGH BEAMS ON. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 0N 08/18 AS A PRE OWNED PROGRAM CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .