VehicleVerdict

2009 Chrysler 300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2009 Chrysler 300 carries two red flags at once: 114 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the 300 years to avoid.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 38 reports (33% of the total).

114

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other 300 years?

300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted1,267 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 1,062 complaints2006: 1,267 complaints2007: 620 complaints2008: 956 complaints2009: 114 complaints2010: 150 complaints2011: 266 complaints2012: 620 complaints2013: 402 complaints2014: 321 complaints2015: 142 complaints2016: 101 complaints2017: 102 complaints2018: 207 complaints2019: 83 complaints2020: 10 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 9 complaints
300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Chrysler 300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3833%
Electrical System2724%
Engine87%
Steering76%
Brakes65%
Other65%
Speed Control65%
Transmission44%
Tires & Wheels44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Seats22%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2009 Chrysler 300 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V021000AirbagsJanuary 9, 2018 · 328,177 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

16V352000AirbagsMay 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence

These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V313000AirbagsMay 26, 2015 · 4,077,169 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

09V420000Tires & WheelsOctober 29, 2009 · 12,656 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.

Consequence

WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

08V642000Tires & WheelsDecember 5, 2008 · 175 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.

Consequence

OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300C. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE A REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 26, 2011 · crash

“GOT IN CAR TO DRIVE, DRIVER SEAT WARM (THOUGHT DUE TO PARKED IN PHOENIX SUN). BUT WITHIN 10 MINUTES UNBEARABLE HEAT DRIVER SEAT, NEEDED 2 PADS TO PROTECT. SEAT HEATER WAS OFF, NO LIGHT, BUT I TOGGLED SWITCH TO SEE IF HELP, IT DID NOT. CAR PARKED AT WORK 15 MINUTES AFTER STARTING JOURNEY. 2 1/2 HRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2013 · fire

“I HAVE REPLACED PARTS TO MY FRONT END THREE TIMES. THE PART HAS COST ME 125 PLUS LABOR EACH TIME. IM NOT SURE OF THE NAME OF THE PART, BUT U WILL KNOW WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE EVERY TIME U HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR FRONT END IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. AND I HAVE REPLACED MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 24, 2011

“ON MORNING OF MARCH 13, 2015 CAR STALLED WHILE PULLING INTO HIGHWAY FROM DRIVEWAY. THIS REQUIRED HAVING TO QUICKLY PULL OVER TO RESTART CAR. ON MORNING OF MARCH 14, 2015 THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY. MY WIFE HAD TO QUICKLY PULL TO MEDIAN TO RESTART CAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 13, 2015

“ON FEBRUARY 10,2017 THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I GOT A CHARGE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR STARTED. AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE I REALIZED MY TURN SIGNALS DIDN'T WORK. IT BEGAN RAINING AND I REALIZED THE WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. AFTER CHECKING FURTHER I FOUND MY HORN DIDN'T WORK EITHER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 10, 2017

2009 Chrysler 300 — common questions

Is the 2009 Chrysler 300 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 114 complaints put the 2009 model at #12 of 22 300 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the 300 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (38 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2009 Chrysler 300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Chrysler 300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Chrysler 300 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Chrysler 300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 300 years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2011, 2018, 2010, 2015, 2009. The cleanest record among 300 years belongs to 1969.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.