2016 Chrysler 300 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 76 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 3 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2016 Chrysler 300 receives a 3.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 76 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 3 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports with a median failure point at 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $400 – $1,200 .
38 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
3 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving on a four-lane roadway, at approximately 45 mph, another driver attempted to make a left turn with an obstructed view, ran a red light and collided with the front driver side area of the contact's vehi...”
“Door panels are separating from all interior doors. Separating has caused issues with doors locking and airbag deployment. This is an issue the manufacturer has been aware of for years yet still manufactures cars with this issue. Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Issue is so common...”
“The door molding on the passenger side is now over 1 inch pulled away from the window because of heat. The door molding may cause issues when/if the airbags are deployed. Now two other doors are having the same issue but not as large of a gap between the window and molding.”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Have been having power steering problems over the past few years. Started by displaying a shift to park message while driving, my car would then lose power and shut down completely and power steering would lock up. Have taken to dealerships and independent mechanics and was to...”
“The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The prob...”
“The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when she arrived at her destination and proceeded to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was inoperable. The contac...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The contact purchased a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle was taken to a dealer for several repairs, and the contact was concerned that there was a mileage discrepancy as per a Carfax Report. The vehicle was a dealer s...”
“Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue”
“1- Electrical components lost communication with all module I have diagnostic from dealer. 2- When happened car loose power putting my own safety and other at risk I don’t feel safety no more and all possible lights on dashboard come on. 3- I bring my car to dealer to do a dia...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The oil filter housing w/sender unit leaks oil under the upper intake plemun. The oil filter Chrysler installed in the vehicle is plastic.”
“1- Electrical components lost communication with all module I have diagnostic from dealer. 2- When happened car loose power putting my own safety and other at risk I don’t feel safety no more and all possible lights on dashboard come on. 3- I bring my car to dealer to do a dia...”
“oil filter housing, oil pulled to back of engine creating hole, all oil leaked out.”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“Have been having power steering problems over the past few years. Started by displaying a shift to park message while driving, my car would then lose power and shut down completely and power steering would lock up. Have taken to dealerships and independent mechanics and was to...”
“The contact's son owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while her son was driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact s...”
“The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The prob...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“Notified by repair shop that my vehicle is experiencing identical problems with the fuel rail and fuel injector that was recalled for Mercedes in my class and year, but the dealer says my VIN is not applicable currently. Recall campaign number is 2022030003 and NHSTSA ID is 21...”
“Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue”
“Main Fuel Pump and accompanied electrical connect. The fuel pump and electrical wiring harness is available upon request. My safety was at risk due to a faulty electrical connection inside the fuel tank. My vehicle made a loud hmming sound at a stop sign, upon continuing forwa...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“ABS system failed. Front axel disconnected and now needs replaced along with both CV boots. It is now effecting the Carrier Barring (Drive shaft)”
“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.*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE ...”
“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. STE...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (3)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: 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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Chrysler 300
Before purchasing a used 2016 Chrysler 300, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Chrysler 300
Is the 2016 Chrysler 300 a reliable used car?
The 2016 Chrysler 300 earns a 3.4/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 76 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Chrysler 300?
The leading complaint category is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Chrysler 300?
Yes, the NHTSA records 3 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.