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Chrysler 300Model year report

2011 Chrysler 300 Problems

Compared with other Chrysler 300 years

More complaints than typical for this model

77/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
200filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
49,500miles, 134 complaints with mileage
Recalls
73 do-not-drive
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Chrysler 300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2011 Chrysler 300 most often describe sudden electrical failures, especially failures with the charging system that can cause the engine to stall, along with dashboard warning lights, sometimes linked to the ABS/ESC system. Complaints show several other recurring themes at lower numbers: fuel odors near the rear seat and tank area, airbag warning lights, and brake-system lights that come and go. Reports come in mostly between roughly 30,000 and 80,000 miles, and many are sudden rather than gradual.

  1. Electrical system

    Alternator failure / sudden electrical shutdown

    • 98 complaints (49%)
    • median 52,000 mi at 4.1 yrs old (70 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 12 quotes)
    • filed 2011–2022

    Complaints describe a battery-saver or battery warning message, a burning or electrical smell, warning lights flashing, and then loss of power steering, braking assistance and headlights as the vehicle stalls or shuts down. Several owners say a dealer or independent shop diagnosed a failed alternator, and some say the battery was also replaced or damaged. A number of these vehicles were covered by alternator recalls, and owners report repeat failures after recall repairs. Reported across a wide range, most often from about 20,000 to 90,000 miles.

    Recall 17V435000Recall 14V634000

    What to check: Ask whether the alternator recalls (14V634000 and 17V435000) were completed and whether the alternator has been replaced since. Watch for a battery-saver message or charging warning on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was starting my day at 4:00am I auto started my car like I do every day and leave to work. On this day I went to my car and it was off I thought this was odd but I got in my car and it start and I was on my way. I drive 3 miles to work I was at the hill to turn in to when the battery light came on and the car it felt like it was going to stall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10788477, filed 2015-11, 44,000 miles

    “I was driving when I smelled a burning marshmallow smell coming from my car. Almost immediately, the ABS light, a car with zigzags icon, and the brake light flashed on my screen. Followed by the radio, air vents, and power steering shutting itself on and off. Within 1-2 miles my car was done. My alternator was toast. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the recall on the 3.6 l engine, 160 amp alternators. So under my extended warranty they put another oem alternator in my car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10649662, filed 2014-10, 43,590 miles
  2. Electronic stability control

    ABS, ESC and traction warning lights

    Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe ABS, traction control, ESC and sometimes brake or parking-brake lights coming on together, sometimes randomly and sometimes staying on. Some link it to hot weather, and some note no change in braking feel while others mention losing power steering at the same time. Several mention a prior recall for lost ABS/ESC function and are unsure whether their car was covered. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 105,000 miles, with some owners noting it happens more in warmer weather.

    Recall 12V197000

    What to check: Check that recall 12V197000 (ABS/ESC control unit) was performed, and look for any of these warning lights during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On saturday 11-1-14 I started the car and noticed that it sounded as though there was a slight hesitation starting. No warnings were present even when I reviewed all the possible ones via the information center. I drove the car to 2 destinations and with each start I noticed the same hesitation with increasing time. Again no messages provided by the vehicle. On the 3rd destination the car would not start at all even with attempts to jump start the car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10652712, filed 2014-11, 79,700 miles

    “When I fill up my car I smell gas if I only put it on half a tank I do not smell gas. Also the steering is making a popping sound and if I turn the car loses control this is a real issue I'm having with my Chrysler 300”

    NHTSA complaint #11054004, filed 2017-12, 94,989 miles
  3. Air bags

    Airbag warning light / airbag wiring

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners report the airbag warning light staying on, sometimes from very low mileage. According to the complaints, dealers have tightened or repaired wiring connections, and in some cases the light stayed on after the recall repair or after service. A separate complaint describes airbags not deploying in a crash. Reported from as little as about 1,500 miles up to around 86,000 miles.

    Recall 13V118000Recall 18V021000 · DO NOT DRIVERecall 19V018000 · DO NOT DRIVE6 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the airbag recalls (13V118000, 18V021000, 19V018000) were completed and whether the airbag warning light is off when the key is turned on.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall my 2011 300 ABS light.brake light , traction control light come on and stay on at different times but a lot more with the hotter weather”

    NHTSA complaint #11030405, filed 2017-09, 65,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2011 Chrysler 300. The contact stated the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times regarding the failure. The dealer stated the air bag wiring connection was loose. The dealer tightened the air bag wires; however, the air bag light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,500 and the current mileage was 3,010.”

    NHTSA complaint #10437784, filed 2011-11, 1,500 miles
  4. Fuel system

    Fuel smell / fuel pump or tank cap leak

    • 11 complaints (6%)
    • median 68,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • filed 2011–2019

    Complaints describe a strong gasoline smell inside or around the car, often strongest after filling the tank or when parked. Owners say the cause was traced to the auxiliary or secondary fuel pump assembly on top of the tank, or a deteriorated plastic cap or fitting letting fuel escape. Repairs typically involved replacing the pump assembly or related parts. Reported mostly between about 48,000 and 88,000 miles, often noticed after refueling or while the car sits parked.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump assembly or connector was replaced, and check for fuel odor inside the cabin and around the rear seat after filling the tank.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Fuel transfer pump assembly failed on this model and was told that no mopar parts in the country are available. The service group working on this car when conferring with Chrysler parts. That there have been allot of complaints on this right side assembly. I have formally provided Chrysler a compliant today. I was told by the repair shop doing the work, that he feels that Chrysler should recall as the passenger r side assembly seems to be the worst of the two in this vehicle. Can you look into this. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10910209, filed 2016-09, 46,871 miles

    “Check engine light came on 2 blocks from home. Parked the car. The next evening we could smell gas from our front porch, ten feet from the car. Curious we opened the car and the passenger compartment was pungent from the odor of gas. Called aaa and towed to local car repair. Plastic cap on top of the fuel tank located below rear passenger seat failed, access to 2nd fuel pump. The plasic failure allowed gas leak. The repair shop indicated the plastic cap appeared deteriorated from fuel. We had the pump and cap replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10748583, filed 2015-08, 78,735 miles

Buying note. Have a used 2011 Chrysler 300 checked for completed alternator and airbag recalls, and ask specifically about the charging system, brake components and fuel odor around the rear seat before buying. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a charging-system and fault-code scan is worthwhile given how often owners describe electrical symptoms.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 200 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chrysler 300. 134 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 49,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns (3 marked do-not-drive) and 177 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Chrysler 300 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 77 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (6), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Engine cooling (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “Alternator failed also destroyed the battery. Car was being driven on highway, then just stopped and smelled of burnt wiring. Had to be towed. Car was repaired by mcneill chevrolet / buick, swanton ohio at a cost of $918.32 out of my pocket. I have invoice. After the fact, received a recall from Chrysler about this. # 17v-435, manufacturer recall t36. After many calls they still have not reimbursed me 1 cent for the repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #11065920, filed 2018-01, 110,695 miles

Air bags: “Takata recall- my car has been recalled approximately 3 times for air bag while there are no current recalls, my airbag light came on and it is currently in the shop. I should not have to share all of the financial responsibility, since this is a factory problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11091180, filed 2018-05, 35,700 miles

Brakes: “I was driving about 35 MPH, when a message pop up saying the car was operating on reserve battery power, ABS/ESC, lights came on followed by the brake lights, car then lost power, I was able to steer to a safe location. I bought a $200. Battery, the car is still dead, call the dealer, but have not took it down yet.”

NHTSA complaint #10551038, filed 2013-11, 39,956 miles

Engine: “I was on interstate 40 when I noticed a whining noise coming from my vehicle just as I took my exit. I was able to make it to my destination when I noticed a burning smell coming from under the hood. I went to the nearest gas station and soon as I pulled in my vehicle began shutting down. The message said it could not detect my key and it was going into battery saving mode. Shortly after that, all power was lost and I was unable to restart the vehicle, I was unable to roll up my windows and lock my doors. …”

NHTSA complaint #10614886, filed 2014-07, 51,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

50% of the 134 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,000 and 72,000 miles.

12%0–109%10–2529%25–5026%50–7513%75–10010%100–1501%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (134 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 49,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’12’1445’16’18’20’22’24
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2011 Chrysler 300 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
300 RWD3.6L 6-cyl5-speed automatic182721$3,200
300 RWD5.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic162519$4,000
300 AWD5.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic152318$3,700
300 RWD3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel5-speed automatic182721$3,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 7 recalls for the 2011 Chrysler 300 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 177 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 177 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chrysler 300

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202365001419—Too new
202255,0002423—Not enough data
20212040,0002423—Rising
2020972,0002423—Not enough data
20196112,00024237 · FewerRising
201815321,000442350 · TypicalStable
20178242,00024230 · FewerFalling
20167636,73124237 · FewerFalling
20159942,0004—2338 · TypicalFalling
201423735,0007523100 · MoreFalling
201330642,0006523100 · MoreFalling
201242665,0009521100 · MoreFalling
201120049,5007—2177 · MoreFalling
201012370,2027——50 · TypicalFalling
20098369,3755——31 · FewerFalling
200871476,1504——76 · MoreFalling
200749878,2934——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20061,00279,2074—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200582574,3757——Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Chrysler 300 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chrysler 300?

Owners of the 2011 Chrysler 300 most often describe sudden electrical failures, especially failures with the charging system that can cause the engine to stall, along with dashboard warning lights, sometimes linked to the ABS/ESC system. The issues reported most often: Alternator failure / sudden electrical shutdown; ABS, ESC and traction warning lights; Airbag warning light / airbag wiring.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Chrysler 300 have?

NHTSA recorded 200 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chrysler 300 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2011 Chrysler 300 is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 119 complaints (60% of the total), followed by air bags with 27.

Has the 2011 Chrysler 300 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Chrysler 300 get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Chrysler 300 (300, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Chrysler 300 reported?

Among the 134 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 49,500 miles and the middle half falls between 34,000 and 72,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.