OBD diagnostics · purchase protection

2016 Chrysler 300
Common Problems & Inspection Guide

Verify baseline vehicle system stability data. Learn what to check on the physical vehicle computer before signing a bill of sale.

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Platform Heritage

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size car produced by Chrysler under Stellantis North America and its predecessors. The first generation (model years 2005–2010) was available as a four-door sedan and station wagon, in the second generation (model years 2011–2023) was available solely as a sedan. The second-generation 300 was marketed as the Chrysler 300C in the United Kingdom and Ireland and as the Lancia Thema in the remainder of Europe.

Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Aug 13, 2026

💡 What Consumer Forums Warn Buyers to Inspect in Person

Recurring patterns only — each item below appeared in multiple independent owner reports or forum snippets, not a single anecdote. Verify on a physical test drive and OBD scan.

  • "All Four Door Panels Detached From Door Frame" (5 owner reports on CarComplaints.com)

    Refer back: View owner reports

Source: CarComplaints.com (public owner reports) · community-only, unverified · as of Aug 13, 2026

Key facts for this model year

76NHTSA owner complaints
3Safety recalls on file
9Top issue reports · Power Train
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you

N/A average monthly buyer searches in the US (google ads data · as of Aug 13, 2026). Run a MotoMetrics scan for your VIN to see live repair exposure.

Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Aug 13, 2026

System Defect Summaries & Field Data

Active safety recalls on file: 3 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Aug 13, 2026)

Top NHTSA complaint categories

Recent recall summaries

Campaign 18E053000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · API record

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.

Campaign 18V332000 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · API record

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.

Campaign 17V097000 · POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · API record

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.

YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.

On-Site Chrysler 300 Pre-Purchase Checklist

  1. Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
  2. Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
  3. Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
  4. Inspect systems related to POWER TRAIN (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  5. Inspect systems related to STRUCTURE (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  6. Inspect systems related to AIR BAGS (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  7. Inspect systems related to UNKNOWN OR OTHER (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  8. Inspect systems related to FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
  9. Confirm recall remedy completed for POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) (campaign 18E053000).
  10. Confirm recall remedy completed for ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING (campaign 18V332000).
  11. Confirm recall remedy completed for POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT (campaign 17V097000).
  12. Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Chrysler 300 before signing the bill of sale.

Chrysler OBD-II trouble code quick reference

  • P0420 — Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — top long-tail code across most makes
  • P0171 — Fuel system too lean — vacuum leaks and fuel trim diagnostics
  • P0300 — Engine misfire detected — inspect coils, plugs, and compression

Generic diagnostic context only — confirm stored, pending, and permanent codes with a full-protocol scan before purchase.

Alternative Inferences & Cross-Shopping Matrix

Adjacent model years for this nameplate and equivalent footprints shoppers compare across brands.

Generational cohorts

2017 Chrysler 300 2018 Chrysler 300 2019 Chrysler 300 2020 Chrysler 300 2021 Chrysler 300 2022 Chrysler 300

Class competitors

No cross-shop peers indexed in this segment yet.

Vehicle health varies wildly by individual history. Aggregate recall and complaint data cannot tell you whether the specific car on the lot had its monitors cleared or its odometer rolled back. Verify the physical or digital scan before you sign a bill of sale.

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