2004 Chrysler 300M Problems
- Complaints
- 71filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,616miles, 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 / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chrysler 300M (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Chrysler 300M most often report a crack in the dashboard next to the passenger airbag, and transmission behavior where the car drops into a limp mode or sticks in a lower gear. A second cluster of complaints covers intermittent stalling and check-engine light episodes, flickering interior and exterior lights, and steering and front-end wear. Complaints span a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000.
- Engine cooling
Intermittent stalling and check-engine light
- 12 complaints (17%)
- median 32,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2016
Owners describe the engine cutting out at random, sometimes while driving at low or moderate speed, and check-engine light episodes often traced by shops to camshaft or crankshaft position sensors. Several say the sensor replacement did not stop the stalling or the light returning. A few complaints mention rough idle and hard starting alongside these symptoms. Reported from very low mileage up to about 140,000 miles, with many cases under 50,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors have been replaced and whether the related service campaign was completed. Have a shop scan stored codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Just driving down the road and my car stalled then lurched forward while I was in an intersection almost causing an accident. The repair shop stated a sensor had to be reprogrammed due to problems with the flywheel. I was told this problem will happen again as the flywheel in my vehicle is known to cause this problem. Something about flexing and cracking. It is my belief that this is a manufactures defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10203125, filed 2007-09, 30,000 miles“While accelerating onto the freeway, at approx. 55mph, in very heavy traffic with many big-rigs in the mix, the check engine light came on and the car suddenly lost power and began to shudder/miss out when accelerating. I had to quickly navigate over 3 lanes of fast moving traffic to avoid being rear-ended. I was able to drive slowly to a repair shop, but the engine would not rev above 2200 RPM. The service shop has tried 4 times to repair the car, each time replacing various sensors that were indicated by the engine computer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10261917, filed 2009-03, 70,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission drops into limp mode / stuck gear
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 75,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2016
Complaints describe the car suddenly downshifting or locking into second gear, often while slowing or at highway speed, with the check engine light coming on and codes P1776 and P0700 stored. Restarting clears it temporarily until the same speed is reached again. Owners report valve body and solenoid-related repairs, with some saying the problem returned after repair. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 110,000 miles, often while slowing for a ramp or stop.
What to check: Ask for any transmission service records and whether the valve body or solenoid pack has been replaced. On a test drive, note any harsh or delayed downshifts when slowing from highway speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling at 50-60 MPH I had noticed the RPM to be just over 4000. I let my foot off the gas and it remained at just over 4000 RPM and the check engine light had come on. The codes are p0700, p1776. Car just randomly throws itself into second gear or goes into limp mode and stays locked there. For now, once you turn the car off and back on again, you can drive with normal gears. However, once you hit 50-60 MPH, the transmission automatically goes into limp mode and stays locked in second gear. All signs point to solenoid pack assembly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10335662, filed 2010-06, 100,700 miles“Vehicle goes into limp mode daily. Seems mostly to occur once coasting or slowing on a off ramp from highway speeds. Can put car in neutral then turn off & restart which seems to reset limp mode until speed decreases to roughly 20 - 30 MPH. There seems to be multiple other drivers with this car that have the same issue, yet no response from Chrysler.”
NHTSA complaint #10514999, filed 2013-06, 65,000 miles - Steering
Steering wander, vibration and front-end wear
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 38,896 mi at 3.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2015
Owners describe the car pulling or wandering, steering wheel vibration, and in one case the steering rack moving noticeably as the wheel was turned. Complaints frequently mention inner tie rods, struts and related front-end parts being replaced, sometimes more than once. Some owners say repairs were only partly effective. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 110,000 miles, sometimes alongside vibration under braking.
What to check: Check inner tie rods, struts and sway bar bushings for play or corrosion, and drive at highway speed to feel for wander or vibration. Ask for front-end repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Coming home from work I pulled into my girlfriends circle driveway. While making the left hand turn into the driveway I felt the car not reacting to the steering wheel. I stopped and looked at both front tires expecting to see a broken tie rod end but both tires pointed in the same direction. I asked her to step in the vehicle and turn the steering wheel while I could see what was happening. I could see the whole steering rack move back and fourth without it being connected to the frame. …”
NHTSA complaint #10522504, filed 2013-06, 107,000 miles“Chrysler 300M (300M) pulls to either side (wildly to violently depending on braking force and temperature of engine). Usually after pulling during braking, the 300M will pull in opposite direction when proceeding from this stop. This pulling action will cease after the engine is fully warmed (about 15 minutes). The intensity of 'pull' has several times pulled the steering wheel from my grip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147805, filed 2006-01, 1,000 miles - Body and structure
Dashboard crack beside passenger airbag
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 77,552 mi at 8.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2008–2014
Complaints describe a crack forming on the passenger side of the dashboard, just left of the airbag opening, starting small and lengthening over time. Owners say the crack appears regardless of care and that some dealers treated it as cosmetic or declined help once the vehicle was out of warranty. Several owners say they are unsure whether the airbag would still work properly. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 100,000 miles, with several owners noting the crack on cars bought used.
What to check: Open the passenger door and inspect the top of the dash beside the airbag opening for hairline cracks or separation. Ask whether the dash has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2004 Chrysler 300M well maintained with 77105 miles dashboard has started to crack over the airbag. The cosmetic issue is serious for such a new car , but more important is the fear of a potential safety issue with the crack starting over the passenger airbag. If this progresses like others that I have seen on the internet this will become very serious very quickly. I haven't found any recalls on this problem. While I realize Chrysler is going through bankruptcy this problem must be acknowledged and a solution found.”
NHTSA complaint #10269005, filed 2009-05, 77,105 miles“After doing my research there is a big problem with 1998-04 Chrysler 300M cars where on the left side of the passenger air bag located on the dash a crack forms and starts about 2-3 inches then grows up to 11-13 inches. This is a known issue through many many 300M owners and this sounds like a problem that needs to be addressed. I have a 04 300M that I purchased on 02-08 and seen this crack. With this crack dash problem on the same exact location where many other owners have seen this crack form right at the left side of the passenger air bag. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230295, filed 2008-06, 71,000 miles - Electrical system
Flickering interior and exterior lights
- 10 complaints (14%)
- median 41,500 mi at 3.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2014
Complaints describe dash, interior and headlights flashing or dimming intermittently, day or night, sometimes running the battery down. Some owners had the headlight switch panel replaced and reported the flicker returning. A few mention warning lamps staying lit and difficulty inserting or turning the key. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 85,000 miles, with several cases in the 20,000 to 45,000 mile range.
What to check: With the engine running, watch the dash and headlights for flicker and confirm all warning lamps go out after start. Ask about battery and charging system history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: lights on dashboard flicker and the passenger seat belt light and air bag light stays on all the time. Has no warning that the lights are going to stay on. When this happens it runs the battery down, and the car will not start. Has happened on every vacation he has taken. Had it fixed 3 times, and it has been at the dealer for a month now. Manufacturer is offering no help. Dealer is trying to help. The car is a Chrysler 300c.”
NHTSA complaint #10120533, filed 2005-05, 2,000 miles“Dashboard developed a 10 -12 crack just to the left of the passenger side airbag. Do not know if the airbag system will work or not. In any event this seems to be a manufacturing problem, by the number of complaints. Dealer(s) are of no help as the vehicle is out of warranty. This vehicle has also had the common problem of the headlamps/instrumentation lights flickering. Headlamps would flash on/off along with instrument lighting. Headlight switch panel replaced, but the problem returned.”
NHTSA complaint #10650044, filed 2014-10, 41,500 miles
Buying note. Have a shop inspect the dashboard around the airbag, scan for stored transmission and sensor codes, and check the front suspension and tie rods before buying. Records showing valve body, sensor or front-end work already done are worth asking about.
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 71 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler 300M. 54 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,616 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 38 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 system14 20%
- Engine cooling14 20%
- Air bags12 17%
- Body and structure9 13%
- Steering8 11%
- Brakes6 8.5%
- Exterior lighting6 8.5%
- Engine4 5.6%
- Fuel system4 5.6%
Also reported: Other or unknown (4), Suspension (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Vehicle speed control (3), Interior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Tires (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Just after the warranty expired for my vehicle both front speakers quit working. Now both back speakers are experiencing the same problems. A friend who has been a mechanic for over 30 years recommended me to this site. I see no record of similar problems but he said in his years of service he has never had to put 4 speakers in a car--especially one of the age and caliber of this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10245033, filed 2008-10, 30,000 milesEngine cooling: “My cars since new has had very rough idle at times. I bought the car brand new in dec 03 and they have already had to pull the heads and replace head gaskets for an over heating issue that popped up. There are also several rattles in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10075252, filed 2004-06, 15 milesAir bags: “About 5 days ago, the airbag light came on that has caused my cruise control, horn, and radio volume not work. I live in a very busy and congested city. I was almost run off the road twice because I don't have a horn that works to warn people to state in there lanes.”
NHTSA complaint #10905511, filed 2016-09, 123,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Car stalled on major roadway. Once. The car was towed to my mechanic. They had the car four days. There was no code to show problem. Replaced cam sensor. Car is now running fine. I found out that this is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10350127, filed 2010-08, 75,357 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 54 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Chrysler 300M. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300M · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 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 | 25 | 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
- 03V332000Sep 8, 2003Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Chrysler 300M 2004, Concorde 2004
On certain passenger vehicles, an internal hood latch component may have been manufactured with a crack, which could propagate and break, allowing the primary/secondary latch spring to disengage.
Recall details for the 2004 Chrysler 300M → · 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. 38 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10230298Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10223762Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 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.
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 2004 Chrysler 300M?
Owners of the 2004 Chrysler 300M most often report a crack in the dashboard next to the passenger airbag, and transmission behavior where the car drops into a limp mode or sticks in a lower gear. The issues reported most often: Intermittent stalling and check-engine light; Transmission drops into limp mode / stuck gear; Steering wander, vibration and front-end wear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chrysler 300M have?
NHTSA recorded 71 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler 300M as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chrysler 300M is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 14 complaints (20% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 14.
Has the 2004 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 2004 Chrysler 300M get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chrysler 300M (300 M, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 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 2004 Chrysler 300M reported?
Among the 54 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,616 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 83,000 miles; 48% 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.