RoadVitals

1999 Chrysler 300M

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
351
Latest Sep 24, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
38
19 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 351 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Chrysler 300M, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 151 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Jan 13, 2004
2,315,768 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
The risk: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number C45View on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Feb 5, 2003
1,066,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number C04View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA03011ClosedEngineering Analysis

AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK

Opened Jul 17, 2003
Closed Jan 30, 2004

THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONLed to recall 04V021000
PE03010ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE

Opened Feb 27, 2003
Closed Sep 2, 2003

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER STEP-FATHER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COASTED OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT WAITED AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE BEFORE DRIVING TO THE DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11360965
Incident
Apr 1, 2020
Airbags
Filed Nov 18, 2017
Crash reported1 death reported

I AM NOT SURE WHO MANUFACTURED THE AIRBAGS IN 1999 CHRYSLER 300S, BUT I AM WONDERING WHAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIRBAG TO HAVE A HOLE IN IT AND WHERE THE HOLE IS, IT WAS FRAYED, MY DAUGHTER WAS THE PASSENGER WHEN THEY WERE HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL AND PASSENGER DOOR, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT AND WAS FRAYED WHERE THE HOLE WAS, LIKE A FLAG THAT HAS BEEN BLOWING IN THE WIND FOR YEARS, I AM COMING UP ON STATUE OF LIMITATIONS SO YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE WOULD BE SO APPRECIATED!!!! MY LAWYER DOES HAVE PICTURES OF THE AIRBAG WITH THE HOLE IN IT, AND SHOWING ALSO HOW IT WAS FRAYED. MY DAUGHTER SADLY LOST HER LIFE IN THIS ACCIDENT, SHE WAS WEARING HER SEATBELT. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED NOVEMBER 29TH 2014 ON HWY 23 NEAR WAITE PARK MN, CAR WAS IN MOTION, HER NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11047231
Incident
Nov 29, 2014
Mileage
2 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE RANDOMLY OCCURRING AND WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10881272
Incident
Feb 10, 2014
Airbags
Filed Nov 28, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

"TAKATA RECALL" ON NOV. 04,2015 A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND WAS MOVING APPROX. 30-35MPH. I T-BONED THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE 2 OTHER PASSENGERS OTHER THAN MYSELF. THE DRIVER HAD HIT HIS LEG UNDER THE DASH. I WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT AND BOTHE MY KNEES HIT THE LOWER PART OF THE DASH. MY SEAT BELT DID WORK ON IMPACT AND I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. MY DAUGHTER INLAW WAS IN THE BACK SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVERS SIDE AND SHE SUFFERED 2 BUMPS ON HER HEAD. AS FOR ME, I DIDNT HAVE ANY BROKEN BONES BUT I SUFERED SEVERE BRUISING. I WAS IN SHOCK AND MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT I STARTED FEELING SHARP PAINS TO THE LEFT PART OF MY CHEST CONSTANTLY LIKE NEEDLES STABING OVER AND OVER. IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO BREATH. I COULDN'T GET A FULL BREATH. THE LAST FEW DAYS I'VE STARTED HAVING MUSCLE SPASMS IN MY LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK AND UPPER LEFT ARM/SHOULDER. OTHER PAIN I'VE BEEN HAVING I'VE EXPLAINED TO THE DOCTOR AND OTHERS AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS MY SIATIC (DON'T KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT) NERVE. IF I STAND WRONG OR REACH UP WITH MY ARMS THE PAIN GOES FROM MY LOWER BACK AND ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BACK OF MY LEGS. IT'S A DEEP ACHING PAIN THAT SEEMS TO BE AGGRIVATING. IT IS WORSE IN THE MORNIGS OR WHEN IT IT COLD. I HAVE TO TAKE MUSCLE RELAXERS, DONT KNOW IF THERE IS ANY PERMANENT DAMAGE. ONLY TIME WILL TELL. CAT SCAN AND X-RAYS CAME BACK OK. NO BROKEN BONES. I HAVE THE POLICE REPORT OF THE INCIDENT BUT AT THIS TIME I DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO SCAN AND DOWNLOAD. IF ITS NEEDED I CAN PROVIDE IT AT A LATER TIME. I HAVE AN ATTORNEY.

NHTSA ID
10807311
Incident
Nov 4, 2015
Mileage
208,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 28, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINED AND THE SEAT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V035000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ID
10778247
Incident
Sep 28, 2015
Mileage
180,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 25, 2015

DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING FROM WINDSHIED AREA ALL THE WAY DOWN ,THEN ANOTHER CRACK DID THE SAME.ONE CRACK IS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF DASHBOARD.

NHTSA ID
10721340
Incident
Apr 3, 2006
Mileage
51,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed Mar 13, 2015
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE CAUSED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING THAT LATER CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A SEWAGE AREA. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
10694129
Incident
Mar 13, 2015
Mileage
160,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 4, 2015

MY 1999 300 M HAS THE FOLLOWING ISSUE: ******* RECALL ID # 57541 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERPLUSHIDE DETAILS RECALL DATE: FEB 05, 2003 MODEL AFFECTED: 1999 CHRYSLER 300M SUMMARY: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY. CONSEQUENCES: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 1066000 ******* MY COMPLAINT IS WITH CHRYSLER. THE DEALER (JACK KEY IN LAS CRUCES) SAYS THE CAR WAS FIXED IN 2005 (I KNOW IT WAS NOT BECAUSE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE I DROVE IT OFF OF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR). DEALER SAY NOT COVERED BY RECALL. CALLED ABOVE 800 # AND CHRYSLER SAYS SAME. DEALER SAYS I HAVE TO PAY FOR FIX. IT'S NOT THE MONEY THAT BOTHERS ME. IT'S THE FACT THAT I HAVE THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT A RECALL STATES AND THE COMPANY IS NOT GOING TO FIX IT FOR FREE. CHRYSLER SAYS THEY FIXED IT BUT YET THE EXACT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, THAT'S NOT A FIX. REPLACING A FAULTY/GOING TO BREAK/RECALLED PRODUCT/... WITH THE EXACT SAME PART IS NOT A FIX IN MY BOOK. WHEN YOU RECALL SOMETHING, YOU FIX IT WITH SOMETHING THAT WON'T GET RECALLED AGAIN. CHRYSLER, IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS LIKE THIS THAT COST YOU CUSTOMERS. THANK YOU, *TR

NHTSA ID
10681180
Incident
Jan 31, 2015
Mileage
140,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

RFI20210322_626-

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This SKU is a Engine Heater Hose Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the hose bending geometry. If the hose is not formed properly, it will interfere with surrounding components and prevent installation.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chrysler 300M by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2004712043.9
2003331143.6
2002832156.8
2001914150.5
20002427157.6
1999Viewing3514259.0
1998011
1997000
1996000
1995001
1994101
1993301

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.