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 4 recalls, 305 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Chrysler 300.
18–23 mpg combined
10.2–13.1 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 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical complaints dominate what 2013 Chrysler 300 owners report, outnumbering every other category by a wide margin. The most common pattern involves alternator failure, with owners describing complete loss of electrical power while driving, sometimes accompanied by steering and braking becoming extremely heavy or unresponsive before the vehicle slows to a stop. Battery drain and premature battery failure show up alongside these reports, often with no warning lights preceding the problem. Powertrain complaints are the second-largest group, where owners describe the transmission displaying gear-change warnings and erratic shifting behavior, sometimes paired with the infotainment screen going dark. A smaller cluster of electrical reports involves the backup camera losing function and adjustable pedals moving on their own without driver input.
305
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
16
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Chrysler 300 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a Takata airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag concern applies to the front passenger side and is particularly relevant for vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories, where moisture accelerates the risk of inflator rupture. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings exist for this defect.
On the electrical side, the alternator can fail suddenly, causing the engine to stall without warning, and in some cases the alternator can short circuit and start a fire. This affects vehicles equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering and either a 5.7L or 3.6L engine.
There is also a transmission concern: the gear selector can give a false indication of being in Park when it is not, meaning the vehicle can roll when the driver steps out with the engine still running.
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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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 vehicle may not alert the driver when the door opens while the transmission is not in PARK, potentially allowing the driver to exit while the vehicle is in gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software to reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.