VehicleVerdict

2016 Chrysler 300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Chrysler 300 sits mid-pack among 300 years: 101 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 128, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (17), airbags (15), and other (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

101

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other 300 years?

300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chrysler 300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1717%
Airbags1515%
Other1414%
Transmission1414%
Body & Structure99%
Fuel System88%
Steering66%
Engine66%
Brakes33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Speed Control22%
Lighting22%
Seats11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2016 Chrysler 300 have recalls?

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

18E053000TransmissionJuly 12, 2018 · 1,930 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

18V332000Electrical SystemMay 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

17V097000TransmissionFebruary 14, 2017 · 69,298 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.

Consequence

A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“We purchased the vehicle and after we purchased the vehicle we noticed that the odometer was 85,453 on the contract on 04/20/2021 and we had gotten the Carfax report on 05/10/2021 and in 2016 the odometers reading was 86,960 so we decided to have the further looked at for warranties at Viva Dodge…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 20, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 6, 2018 · crash

“THIS CAR HAS THE ROTARY DIAL FOR TRANSMISSION SELECTION. I PULLED THIS CAR HAS A ROTARY DIAL FOR THE SHIFTER. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE CAR TO CLOSE A GATE. AS SOON AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I COULD NOT GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE IN TIME TO STOP IT FROM EXITING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 10, 2016 · crash

“AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, HAD AN ACCIDENT ON AUG.28TH 2019./DAMAGING RIGHT FRONT BUMPER & RIGHT SIDE QUARTER PANEL.IS THIS NORMAL OR IS IT A DEFECT. BECAUSE I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE MY KIDS OR NO ONE ELSE IN THE CAR. BUT MY DR DID INDEED HAD AN WHEEPLATION THAT I HAD DAMAGED MY LEFT SIDE SOLSTICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 28, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, WHICH RESULTED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT END ON THE DRIVER'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 14, 2018 · crash

2016 Chrysler 300 — common questions

Is the 2016 Chrysler 300 reliable?

It is close to typical for the 300: 101 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), airbags (15 complaints), other (14 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chrysler 300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Chrysler 300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Chrysler 300?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Chrysler 300 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.