YearToAvoid

2018 Chrysler 300 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Chrysler 300, 11% of its 153 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 21,000. A related recall (18V280000) covers an incorrect transmission park lock rod.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
17
11% of 153
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
21,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle jerks, surges, or shifts hard when moving from park to reverse or drive.
  • Some describe grinding, howling, or vibration through the gas pedal around 40 mph, along with hesitation to accelerate.
  • Several report the transmission slipping or jolting at low speeds, including when accelerating from a stop or in parking lots.
  • One owner reported the vehicle would not accelerate at all with the pedal fully depressed while merging into highway traffic.
  • A few complaints mention the car stalling or refusing to engage reverse, requiring the engine to be shut off and restarted before the gear would engage.

When 2018 Chrysler 300 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2018, latest May 11, 2025.

2018 Chrysler 300 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2018Jun 2019Oct 2019Nov 2020Jun 2023Mar 2024Jan 2025May 2025
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to May 2025; peak Jun 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Chrysler 300

  1. NHTSA 18V280000May 1, 2018Transmission & Powertrain71 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

    Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by 300 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005189 (23%)
  2. 2006257 (26%)
  3. 2007189 (38%)
  4. 200830 (4%)
  5. 20094 (5%)
  6. 20104 (3%)
  7. 20116 (3%)
  8. 201279 (19%)
  9. 201358 (19%)
  10. 201469 (29%)
  11. 201524 (24%)
  12. 201614 (18%)
  13. 20176 (7%)
  14. 201817 (11%)
  15. 20193 (5%)
  16. 20201 (11%)
  17. 20210 (0%)
  18. 20221 (20%)
  19. 20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Chrysler 300 have?
NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Chrysler 300, which is 11% of the 153 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall on the 2018 Chrysler 300?
Yes. Recall 18V280000 covers an incorrect transmission park lock rod installed on certain 2018 Chrysler 300 vehicles, along with other FCA models from that year; the recall is not a park-outside or do-not-drive order.
At what mileage do transmission problems show up on the 2018 Chrysler 300?
The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 21,000 miles.
Did the transmission complaints on the 2018 Chrysler 300 cause crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records zero crashes, fires, and injuries tied to the 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Chrysler 300.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.