2002 Chrysler 300M Problems
- Complaints
- 83filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,750miles, 54 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chrysler 300M (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around three areas: intermittent electrical faults, transmission shift and stall behavior, and front-end steering or tie-rod wear. Many reports come in above 70,000 miles, though some electrical and brake complaints appear much earlier, and cooling-system overheating reports are scattered across the mileage range rather than tied to one period.
- Electrical system
Intermittent electrical faults, dash and lighting dropouts
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2022
Owners describe instrument clusters, dash lights, headlights, radios and other accessories that flicker or quit intermittently, sometimes while driving at night. Several report repeated battery drain with no fault found, one a repeatedly blowing fuse that took out the dash and tail lights, and another a horn and steering-wheel control failure. Complaints describe dealers and independent shops duplicating the problem but being unable to diagnose it because it was intermittent. Reported from under 10,000 miles up to about 110,000 miles, with several complaints in the 35,000-50,000 mile range.
What to check: Test every dash lamp, exterior light, horn and steering-wheel control with the car running and again parked; ask whether a parasitic drain or body-control fault has been diagnosed, and check for a battery that has been replaced repeatedly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My speedometer cluster and heater A/C air conditioner climate temperature control lights quit working.I feel this is a hazard to driving, when you can not see how fast you going at night.I called Chrysler headquarters and they said there is nothing they can do.I am not the only car like this, there is other cars around the same year with the same problem.I think this should be checked into.”
NHTSA complaint #10626919, filed 2014-08, 109,000 miles“The engine light comes on and the mechanic would put the car on the machine but he could not find out what was wrong. The radio was the first to go out. There has been several times when the alarm system came on while I was in the house and there was no one near my car. Three years ago, the speedometer was not working one day while I was driving, but it started back working. Now there is something running my battery down over night. The alternator is alright and I replaced the battery. The tire pressure display is not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10504209, filed 2013-03, 50,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, harsh shifting and stalling
- 16 complaints (19%)
- median 73,600 mi at 10.7 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2003–2015
Owners report the transmission slipping under acceleration, dropping into a lower gear without warning, refusing to come out of first gear, or jerking and failing to accelerate at low speed. Some describe the engine stalling at the same time and needing the computer reset to restart, and a few report fluid leaks serious enough to require a tow. According to the complaints, dealers rebuilt or replaced transmissions in some cases and in others could not pinpoint the fault. Mostly between about 24,000 and 110,000 miles, with a few leaks reported under 25,000 miles.
What to check: Drive at low speed and through several upshifts and downshifts, watching for slipping, harsh engagement or a stall; ask for transmission service records and whether the shift cable or solenoid module has been addressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission shifter cable malfunction,tranny stuck in auto shift mode. No warning light on but shifter free shifts cannot put in park. Turned car off will not start, the word done pops up on dash. Researched online same problems with other 300M model years from 1999 to 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10456741, filed 2012-04, 97,070 miles“This car has now been serviced 3 times for a recurring transmission leak. One of which was so severe that the car had to be towed to the dealer for repair. They occurred on 4/25/03, 4/30/03 and 10/03/03.”
NHTSA complaint #10041180, filed 2003-10, 10,000 miles - Steering
Loose steering, clunks and tie-rod or rack wear
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 83,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2022
Owners describe a loose or vague steering feel, clunking when turning, and rattles over bumps, with odd front tire wear. Several were told the inner tie rod or its bushing was worn or that a bolt had sheared or come loose, and some report sudden loss of steering control at low speed. Complaints also mention rack-and-pinion replacement and difficulty finding a shop willing to do the work. Mostly reported between about 80,000 and 135,000 miles.
What to check: Have a shop inspect the inner tie rods, tie-rod bushings and rack for play before buying, and test drive over uneven pavement listening for clunks or a wandering steering wheel.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had both front strut assemblies replaced and a 4 wheel alignment. While driving home the vehicle continued to pull to the right. I returned the car to the shop and upon investigating further I was told the rack pinion assemble failed and needed to be replaced. The original $850 job became a $1750 job.”
NHTSA complaint #10553737, filed 2013-11, 86,000 miles“My 2000 Chrysler 300M with aprox 83,000 miles, began to experience a loose feel to the steering, clunks upon turning, suspension rattle over bumps. Odd front tire tread wear pattern. Took to shop for alignment and inspection. Shop informed me that car was unalignable due to impending failure of inner tie rod bushing. Small tire and alignment shop was unwilling to do the repair to to complexity. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169519, filed 2006-09, 83,000 miles - Seats
Seat back reclining or collapsing unexpectedly
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 71,934 mi at 7.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2025
Owners report the driver or passenger seat back suddenly reclining or collapsing backward, in some cases while driving, and in others when entering a parked car. Complaints describe broken recliner mechanisms and seat adjusters, with repairs quoted at the owner's expense; some owners say they were told the vehicle was not covered by the seat recliner recall. Reported from about 69,000 to 130,000 miles, plus a few complaints without mileage.
What to check: Pull and push each front seat back firmly and work the recline adjustment through its range, then ask whether recall 03V035000 (seat recliner bolt) was performed for this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were rear ended while stopped at a traffic signal. Both of our seats came loose from the floor and the hinges broke on our seat backs. Our auto was totaled and taken away by the other persons insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10219740, filed 2008-02, 58,000 miles“2002 Chrysler 300M driving on busy highway (rt20) at 40 MPH, heard a loud bang, next think I knew I was laying flat in the car in back seat looking at ceiling. Rear seat back broke and seat fell backward, I found myself crossing double yellow line going into oncoming traffic. Called dealer Chrysler-plymouth of schaumburg (ill) they claimed there was no recall on my car and charged me $467.00 for repairs to replace broken seat mechanisms. I brought in a copy of recall from internet, he said it did not apply to my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10160565, filed 2006-06, 72,600 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating from cooling-system blockage
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 86,500 mi at 7.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2007–2011
Complaints describe the temperature gauge climbing and the engine overheating, in a couple of cases attributed to metal debris from engine manufacturing plugging the radiator and cooling passages. Owners report replacing water pumps, thermostats, overflow tanks and radiators without the overheating always going away. Some shops told owners the cause was a restriction in the engine block rather than an ordinary worn part. Spread from roughly 35,000 to 116,000 miles, with several reports above 55,000 miles.
What to check: Check coolant condition and level, look for a history of radiator or water-pump replacement, and watch the temperature gauge during a long test drive including stop-and-go traffic.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Design flaw in Chrysler 300M 3.5 motor engine-- block head restrcition causing car to constantly overheat. I ahve spent well over $1000.00 now to get this fixed and correctly diagnosed and was notified by mechanic and Chrysler dealership that they have had 268 cases of these 300M vehicles with this problem. Very dangerous for overheating and possibility of fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217827, filed 2008-02, 57,000 miles“2002 Chrysler 300 m overheating concerns customer states that the metal filling from the manufacturing of the engine plugged the cooling system causing engine to overheat**cc the consumer stated that he wants a recall and compensation from the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10194652, filed 2007-06
Buying note. Have a mechanic inspect the steering linkage, transmission behavior and cooling system before purchase, and confirm whether the seat recliner recall was completed. Electrical gremlins are the hardest to verify, so test every light, gauge and accessory and ask for a detailed service history.
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 83 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler 300M. 54 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,750 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 31 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Electrical system13 16%
- Engine cooling10 12%
- Steering10 12%
- Air bags9 11%
- Brakes8 9.6%
- Seats8 9.6%
- Suspension4 4.8%
- Engine3 3.6%
- Exterior lighting3 3.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Tires (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Other or unknown (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Originally the dash on the car would flicker on and off. For the last 16 months the number 7 fuse blows and takes out the dash and the tail lights. If you are driving at night it becomes a very dangerous situation. The dealers have looked at this problem a dozen times or more and it has yet to be resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10088912, filed 2004-08, 5,488 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Whom it may concern: when I first purchased my car the transmission went out 3 weeks after sale the dealership repaired it and sent me on my way. I have now yet over 5k worth of receipts of repairs completed prior to the transmission going out yet again this time while driving with my children the car shut off in motion in middle of a 4 way. The electrical system while driving all light s interior pops on while driving and cause friction in the speed. This has been actively doing this for approx. …”
NHTSA complaint #10684205, filed 2015-02, 174,000 milesEngine cooling: “The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the temperature gauge began to display that the vehicle had overheated. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane, shut off, and allowed to cool down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump, thermostat, and overflow reservoir tank were all replaced. The failure continued to occur whenever the vehicle was turned on for approximately fifteen minutes. The failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10416229, filed 2011-07, 116,000 milesSteering: “I, like many other, have a dangerous problem with my 2002 Chrysler 300M steering. I am told the inner tie rod bushing is bad and after doing some internet research I guess I am not alone.”
NHTSA complaint #10243614, filed 2008-09, 98,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
39% of the 54 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 97,070 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Chrysler 300M 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 M FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
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
- 03V035000Feb 5, 2003Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Chrysler 300M 1998–2002, Dodge Intrepid 1998–2002, Chrysler Concorde 1998–2002 +1 more
On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Recall details for the 2002 Chrysler 300M → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE03010Throttle control failureClosed · Feb 27, 2003
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. 31 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10190490Mar 22, 2021Fuel system. 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…
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. 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…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. 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…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Other model years of the Chrysler 300M
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 71 | 57,616 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 33 | 62,036 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 83 | 68,750 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 91 | 67,250 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 242 | 59,041 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 351 | 68,686 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chrysler 300M model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler 300M?
Complaints on this model year cluster around three areas: intermittent electrical faults, transmission shift and stall behavior, and front-end steering or tie-rod wear. The issues reported most often: Intermittent electrical faults, dash and lighting dropouts; Transmission slipping, harsh shifting and stalling; Loose steering, clunks and tie-rod or rack wear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chrysler 300M have?
NHTSA recorded 83 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler 300M as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Chrysler 300M is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (16% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 12.
Has the 2002 Chrysler 300M been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chrysler 300M get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Chrysler 300M (300 M, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Chrysler 300M reported?
Among the 54 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,750 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 97,070 miles; 39% 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.