NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
This page covers 7 recalls, 200 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Chrysler 300.
18–21 mpg combined
11.2–13.1 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Electrical complaints dominate owner reports for the 2011 Chrysler 300, accounting for nearly half of all complaints filed. Owners frequently describe the vehicle going completely dead with no power to start, even with a new battery, a pattern where the car will sit unresponsive for hours before recovering on its own. A recurring theme involves the vehicle's communication network (the internal data bus that links modules like the body control module, ABS system, and steering column controls), with multiple owners reporting widespread fault codes affecting several systems simultaneously. Airbag complaints are the second-most-reported area, with 25 owners flagging concerns in that system. Engine complaints are fewer but include reports of cylinder misfires triggering reduced-power mode and stalling while driving, as well as oil cooler housing leaks that owners say resulted in significant oil loss.
200
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Chrysler 300 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the passenger frontal airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue appears across multiple filings and affects vehicles in high-humidity climates in particular, though some filings cover a broader population. The alternator is also a significant concern: it can fail without warning, causing the engine to stall, and in some cases may short circuit and start a fire. Both the 5.7L and 3.6L engines are affected on vehicles equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering.
On the electrical side, a power distribution center bus bar can overheat and knock out the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control at the same time, leaving the driver with reduced ability to stop or maintain control in an emergency. There is also a wiring issue with the seat-mounted side airbags: improperly crimped terminals on the wiring harness can cause those airbags to fail in a crash, and the airbag warning light may illuminate as a result.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The alternator may suddenly fail in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your alternator and replace it if necessary at no charge, based on the part number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may fail or deploy unexpectedly, potentially injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat side-airbag wiring harness connectors may be incorrectly sized, causing the side-airbags to fail to deploy and the airbag warning light to turn on.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A power distribution center bus bar can overheat, disabling your Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which could increase crash risk.
What the fix does
Your dealer will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the power distribution center to prevent overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power distribution center may overheat, causing the ABS and electronic stability control systems to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse to prevent overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
