VehicleVerdict

2002 Chrysler 300m problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Chrysler 300m sits mid-pack among 300m years: 104 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 74, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), engine (13), and transmission (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

104

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

18

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 300m years?

300m NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted440 complaints1993: 5 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 440 complaints2000: 294 complaints2001: 122 complaints2002: 104 complaints2003: 44 complaints2004: 117 complaints
300m NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 300m years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chrysler 300m problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1514%
Engine1313%
Steering1212%
Transmission1212%
Airbags1010%
Seats88%
Brakes88%
Tires & Wheels66%
Suspension44%
Lighting44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Body & Structure33%
Speed Control22%
Other22%
Latches & Locks11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2002 Chrysler 300m have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

03V035000SeatsFebruary 5, 2003 · 1,066,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Consequence

IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE FIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF ONE OF THE TERMINALS ON THE BATTERY. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 5, 2005 · fire

“01/12/2002 -THREE HOURS AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER, AT ABOUT 45-50 MILES/HOUR, COULD NOT STOP THE CAR, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR , AND HIT FRONTAL THE CONCRETE DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. 03/18/2002 - RECEIVED LETTER FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER SAYING THAT THE CAR HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 12, 2002 · crash

“THERE IS RUST INSIDE THE TRUNK LID AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS, CAUSING THE DOORS AND TRUNK LID NOT TO LATCH PROPERLY. *AK CONSUMER NOTED IT WASN'T THE RUST BUT A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH CAUSES THE DOOR NOT TO CLOSE. THE PAINT WAS CHIPPING AND PEELING. THERE WERE , TWO DIFFERENT COLOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“01/12/2002 -THREE HOURS AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER, AT ABOUT 45-50 MILES/HOUR, COULD NOT STOP THE CAR, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR , AND HIT FRONTAL THE CONCRETE DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. 03/18/2002 - RECEIVED LETTER FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER SAYING THAT THE CAR HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 12, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING THE ANIMAL THEN LOST CONTROL AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED ARM. *AK *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 18, 2004 · crash

2002 Chrysler 300m — common questions

Is the 2002 Chrysler 300m reliable?

It is close to typical for the 300m: 104 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 300m problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), engine (13 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chrysler 300m have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chrysler 300m. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chrysler 300m under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler 300m years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 300m years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004. The cleanest record among 300m years belongs to 1998.

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.