2016 Chrysler 300 Problems
Compared with other Chrysler 300 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
7/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Chrysler 300 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 17 of its 76 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Interior door panels separating and lifting away (16 complaints, median 36,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 76filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 36,731miles, 46 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl RWD · 19 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Chrysler 300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Chrysler 300 in this sample most often describe interior door panels coming unbonded and lifting away from the window edge, a complaint that shows up early in the car's life and is often tied to heat and sun exposure. A second cluster covers electrical symptoms — sudden loss of power steering, stalling after simultaneous brake and accelerator input, and messages such as a service air bag warning — while air bag non-deployment in collisions and a small number of fuel odour reports round out the picture. Mileage on the reports is mostly in the 30,000-60,000 range, though engine and fuel-system items skew much higher.
- Body and structure
Interior door panels separating and lifting away
- 16 complaints (21%)
- median 36,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the interior door trim pulling away from the door frame along the belt line where the panel meets the window, on one door or all four. Several reports say the gap grows over time and that a dealer attributed it to sun or heat warping, recommending panel replacement. Some owners also connect the separation to door locks that stop working properly and worry it could interfere with side air bag deployment, though the complaints do not describe that happening. Reported from as little as a few thousand miles up to about 52,000 miles, often on cars kept outside in hot climates.
What to check: Open and close every door and look along the top edge of each interior panel for lifting, gaps, or loose trim, and test that all door locks and windows operate. Ask whether any panels have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The front, passenger door of my vehicle is becoming warped and has detached from the door near where the panel meets the window. I've been researching this issue online and have discovered it is a widespread problem with Chrysler/dodge vehicles. My original dealer warranty has expired. I filed a recall complaint through the Chrysler website and am waiting for a response. Please help in any way you can. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11355594, filed 2020-09, 52,000 miles“My door panels are peeling away from the area where the trim and window meet on my driver side and passenger. Upon research, I've discovered this is an issue going back ever since 2014 with Chrysler and Dodge vehicles Upon further research, this issue can lead to issues with side air bags not being able to possibly be deployed (I have not experienced this),driver & passenger window being affected by heating and cooling of the AC (I've experienced this with my windows not being able to adequately defrost fast enough, as well as my windshield) …”
NHTSA complaint #11432401, filed 2021-09 - Air bags
Air bag warning message and bags not deploying
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 40,175 mi at 3.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe a "service air bag system" message and air bag warning lamp that appear and clear at random while parked or driving. In several separate reports, owners say the air bags did not deploy in a front-end collision; one owner reported side air bags deploying without an impact during hard braking. A dealer in one case told the owner the message could be one of several known conditions but had no repair to offer. Spread from under 6,000 miles to about 147,000 miles; the warning-message reports cluster in the 30,000-65,000 mile range.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the air bag warning lamp comes on and then goes out, and ask whether any stored air bag codes have been read. A service bulletin exists for side curtain air bag work, so ask whether it has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Side airbags deployed without collision and seat belts not working.... I was driving vehicle on the on ramp to get on the highway going about 45 MPH and I had to suddenly hit the brakes hard due to wet road and side airbags deployed out of no where. Consumer stated vehicle has not been driven and parked in the garage.”
NHTSA complaint #11322376, filed 2020-04, 40,175 miles“I was in a front end collision with a tree. Everyone kept asking me about air bags deploying. They did not none. I thought nothing much of it until I realized why people were asking. I questioned the adjusted , he stated they should have deployed they should have deployed from the impact position. Well none did. And something about the seat belt locking or didnt lock. . My first real accident I dont know my h. However I did find out there is a issue. Now I'm on the questioning side of why didnt they deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11252954, filed 2019-09, 64,281 miles - Electrical system
Stalling, loss of power and warning lamps
- 11 complaints (14%)
- median 31,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2024
Complaints describe the vehicle losing power or shutting off while driving, sometimes with multiple dashboard lamps lit, radio and instrument panel shutting down, or the message that the car is entering power saving mode. Owners also report stalling when pressing the brake and accelerator together, with an electronic throttle warning, and repeated no-start conditions later traced to battery charging messages. Dealers in several cases could not duplicate the problem or found numerous stored codes. Reported from around 1,000 miles up to about 98,000 miles.
Recall 18V3320003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask for any diagnostic scan history and whether battery or module software updates have been applied. During the test drive, watch for warning lamps and confirm the car restarts reliably after being shut off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11327102, filed 2020-06, 98,000 miles“I was driving about 50mph and things started shutting down like the radio and the instrument panel said the car was going into power saving mode. I had about 5 miles to my destination and my car stalled right before I got there but I kept up my speed and was able to coast in. I tried starting it just to see and got nothing. Tow truck came about an hour later and I was able to start it to back it up but when I turned it off, it would not start again. Even being a woman I knew this was not a case of dead battery as it happened while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924438, filed 2016-11, 32,000 miles - Steering
Power steering suddenly stops assisting
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 31,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2024
Owners report the power steering assist dropping out without warning, leaving the wheel very hard to turn; one describes the wheel sticking in a position and needing heavy force to move. In some cases restarting the car restored assist, and in one report a seized wheel preceded a collision. Complaints also mention the horn becoming inoperable and the power steering and air bag lamps coming on together. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 56,000 miles.
What to check: During a test drive at low speed and while parking, feel for any binding, heavy spots, or momentary loss of assist, and check that the horn works. Ask whether any steering-related codes have been stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was sitting at a stop light waiting to make a left turn when the electrical power steering randomly failed. This issue made it near impossible to turn the car and caused me to almost crash into a light pole when I tried to make the left turn. I then made an attempt to turn into a parking lot to get off the road almost causing me to wreck the car a second time. I have been told by multiple mechanics that this electrical power steering failure is not a common issue with newer vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11491799, filed 2022-11“Steering has felt sticky for about a week. It is difficult to turn the steering wheel at all, and it would get stuck in certain positions so I physically couldn't turn or change directions. The problem wasn't too bad at first, but then got extremely bad as of 08/07/2019. Steering was almost impossible, and the steering wheel would get stuck n almost every turn, making driving almost impossible, and very dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242775, filed 2019-08, 55,400 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell around the car after filling up
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 95,500 mi at 5.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners describe a strong gasoline smell inside and around the rear of the car after filling the tank, easing once the level drops below about three-quarters. In one case a shop found the leak at the fuel pump and seal under the rear seat, and another owner reported overheated wiring at the fuel pump connector with the car shutting off. A dealer advised in one report not to fill beyond a small amount from empty. Mostly reported between about 95,000 and 150,000 miles, and described as recurring at every fill-up.
What to check: Smell around the rear wheel wells and inside the cabin after a fill-up, and look for staining or a fuel odour under the rear seat cushion. Ask whether the fuel pump module or its connector has been replaced, since a bulletin covers the connector.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 4 year old Chrysler started giving off a very strong smell of fresh gasoline each time I filled up the tank. The fumes were so strong I had the car on a lift looking for leaks in the rear of the car. There was no visible leaking of gasoline. The smell was also super strong out side of the rear and sides of the car to the point of fear of someone walking by and dropping a cigar and blowing up from the fumes. The smell was there while sitting and moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372433, filed 2020-10, 95,500 miles“When gas tank is filled with more that 3/4 of a tank of gas, fumes are very strong within the vehicle and around it. This continues until the gas tank has less than 3/4 of a tank of gas. There is a recall for the evap canister on my year, make and model...but my VIN is not included.”
NHTSA complaint #11622534, filed 2024-10
Buying note. Inspect the interior door panels and air bag and steering behaviour carefully on a test drive, and ask for service records showing whether relevant software updates or bulletins have been completed. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes is worthwhile given the number of electrical complaints.
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 76 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chrysler 300. 46 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 36,731 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 304 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 7 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Air bags15 20%
- Electrical system15 20%
- Other or unknown14 18%
- Body and structure10 13%
- Fuel system8 11%
- Engine6 7.9%
- Steering6 7.9%
- Brakes3 4.0%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Exterior lighting (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “While vehicle is on and running service air bag system message randomly appears and disappears when the vehicle is in park or in motion. Service air bag indicator light also illuminates randomly after message is displayed and then goes out after a random amount of time has elapsed. Took vehicle to local Chrysler dealership and they said that it maybe be one of several known issues that they are aware of but no recalls have been issued on any of the possible safety issues that maybe causing the notification. …”
NHTSA complaint #11183731, filed 2019-03, 37,462 milesElectrical system: “When engaging the turn signal (particularly left turns) the windshield wipers engage. Have attempted wiggling this combination control lever, which has a small degree of play within its ranges of motion. Sometimes this is effective, but usually this is not. Have also attempted positioning the play level to each of its natural limits. Occasionally this works, but within a few turn cycles it reverts back to engaging the wipers. Vehicle is in motion when this happens, making a turn. This has been occurring for over a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11414708, filed 2021-05, 58,000 milesOther or unknown: “A/c blowing warm air. Car is only 3 years old. Told I would have to take it to dealer and pay $135 for a diagnostic plus what it would cost t repair and re-charge system. I have another car that is 20 years old and the A/C still works. I feel this is a defect in the car and I shouldn't have to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11219884, filed 2019-06, 62,550 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on interstate 93 in boston ma. When without any warning the transmission went from drive into park and the car came to a screeching stop. I was fortunate that the vehicles behind me were able to stop in time. I was barely able to drive home and called the dealer, and they made arrangements to pick up the vehicle because I would not drive it. I was told that the valve body was no good. They ordered the part, but when they installed it, I was told that that part was also no good. …”
NHTSA complaint #10954389, filed 2017-02, 5,865 milesMileage when problems were reported
61% of the 46 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 64,281 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Chrysler 300. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 · sedan AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.3% risk |
| 300 · sedan RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| 300 RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,000 |
| 300 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| 300 RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| 300 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $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
- 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Chrysler 300 2014–2018, Ram 1500 2014–2019, Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014–2018 +12 more
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500…
- 17V097000Feb 14, 2017Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaftCovers: Chrysler 300 2014–2017, Dodge Charger 2014–2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Recall details for the 2016 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. 304 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11030138Mar 9, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95…
- 11030042Mar 5, 2026Electrical system. Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
- 11025727Nov 18, 2025Brakes. Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 11025724Nov 17, 2025Brakes. Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 11022011Aug 16, 2025Body and structure. Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
- 11022012Aug 14, 2025Body and structure. Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
- 11022003Aug 13, 2025Body and structure. Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates
- 11020600Jul 4, 2025Electrical system. Decreased Remote Start And RKE Range. Tire Pressure Sensors Values Are Not Displayed
- 11014849Feb 5, 2025Air bags. Air bag - side curtain
- 11005320Jul 24, 2024Body and structure. "Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates…
Other model years of the Chrysler 300
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 500 | 1 | 4 | 19 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 5 | 5,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 40,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 9 | 72,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 61 | 12,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 153 | 21,000 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 82 | 42,000 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 76 | 36,731 | 2 | 4 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 99 | 42,000 | 4 | — | 23 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 237 | 35,000 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 306 | 42,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 426 | 65,000 | 9 | 5 | 21 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 200 | 49,500 | 7 | — | 21 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 123 | 70,202 | 7 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 83 | 69,375 | 5 | — | — | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 714 | 76,150 | 4 | — | — | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 498 | 78,293 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 1,002 | 79,207 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 825 | 74,375 | 7 | — | — | 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 2016 Chrysler 300?
Owners of the 2016 Chrysler 300 in this sample most often describe interior door panels coming unbonded and lifting away from the window edge, a complaint that shows up early in the car's life and is often tied to heat and sun exposure. The issues reported most often: Interior door panels separating and lifting away; Air bag warning message and bags not deploying; Stalling, loss of power and warning lamps.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Chrysler 300 have?
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chrysler 300 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Chrysler 300 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 15 complaints (20% of the total), followed by electrical system with 15.
Has the 2016 Chrysler 300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Chrysler 300 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Chrysler 300 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chrysler 300 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Chrysler 300 (300, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 19 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Chrysler 300 reported?
Among the 46 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 36,731 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 64,281 miles; 61% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.