Chrysler 300C Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)
Avoid the 2011 and 2013 Chrysler 300C: 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) with 35 complaints and 6 fires, while 2011 follows with a complaint index of 86, 25 complaints, and 2 fires. The 2016 model year is the best choice, with only 7 complaints and a complaint index of 14.
- Model years
- 8
- 2010–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 119
- Recall campaigns
- 1
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 10
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
300C Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chrysler 300C problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 71 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 ! | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 86 | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 57 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 35 | 2 | 6 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2014 | Good | 29 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2015 | Good | 43 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2016 | Best | 14 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
300C years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Chrysler 300C Index 100 · 35 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2013 300C has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 35 total complaints, 2 crashes, and 6 fires. Electrical System issues account for 66% of complaints, with a median mileage of 67,000. Owners report the vehicle failing to start, smoke coming from under the hood, and dashboard electronics such as the radio shutting off unexpectedly. Engine complaints made up 14% of the total, at a median mileage of 75,000. This year ranks worst overall among 300C model years.
2011 Chrysler 300C Index 86 · 25 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2011 300C logged 25 complaints and a complaint index of 86, ranking second-worst of the eight years covered. Electrical System problems dominate, making up 44% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 58,450. Owners describe sudden stalling at speed, instrument cluster failures going blank, and smoke appearing under the seat or hood. Two fires and one injury were reported. Engine complaints followed at 28% with a median mileage of 103,000. No recalls were issued for this model year specifically.
Most common Chrysler 300C problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System58 (49%)
- Engine24 (20%)
- Other14 (12%)
- Brakes13 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (10%)
- Airbags8 (7%)
- Fuel System7 (6%)
- Steering7 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (4%)
- Structure & Body3 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Chrysler 300C should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints, avoid the 2011 and 2013 model years. The 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) with 35 complaints and 6 fires, and 2011 has a complaint index of 86 with 25 complaints and 2 fires.
- What is the best year for the Chrysler 300C?
- The 2016 300C is the best year based on NHTSA data, with only 7 complaints and the lowest complaint index (14) among all years covered.
- What is the most common problem with the Chrysler 300C?
- Electrical System issues are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 58 of 119 total complaints (49%), followed by Engine issues at 20%.
- Are 2010 and 2012 Chrysler 300C models reliable?
- NHTSA data lists 2010 and 2012 as Caution years, with complaint indexes of 71 and 57 respectively, both lower than the Avoid years of 2011 and 2013 but not as clean as 2016.
- Does the 2013 Chrysler 300C have fire risks?
- NHTSA complaints for 2013 include 6 reported fires out of 35 total complaints, the highest fire count of any 300C model year.