The 2011 Chrysler 300 rides on the LX platform with Mercedes-derived bones but Chrysler execution. Pentastar V6 models are generally reliable; the 5.7 Hemi variants see notable lifter and multi-displacement system (MDS) failures, and all trims share the W5A580/NAG1 transmission that can develop cooler and solenoid issues.
5.7 Hemi MDS Lifter Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping at idle, especially cold start, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes, Loss of power on affected cylinders, Metal shavings in oil filter
Fix: Collapsed lifters on cylinders 1, 4, 6, or 7 most common due to MDS system. Requires head removal, lifter replacement, and often camshaft inspection. Some shops replace all 16 lifters preventively. Book time 12-16 hours depending on parts access and cam condition. MDS delete kits available but require tuning.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,800
NAG1/W5A580 Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or pink transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission temp gauge, Engine coolant level drops without external leaks
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing cross-contamination of ATF and coolant. Requires transmission flush (often multiple), new radiator with integral cooler, external auxiliary cooler install recommended, and possible valve body replacement if contamination was severe. Book time 8-12 hours including flushes. Catch it early or face full transmission rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,800-4,500
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump cycling on and off randomly, no-start, Wipers or windows operating on their own, Multiple warning lights with no stored codes, Horn honking or headlights flashing without input
Fix: Chrysler's infamous TIPM handles all body/electrical functions. Internal relay failures cause bizarre electrical gremlins. Dealer-level diagnosis required; unit is not repairable, only replaceable. Must be programmed to VIN. Book time 2-3 hours plus programming. Extended warranty recall on some units (check VIN), otherwise owner pays.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Differential Pinion Seal Leak (AWD models)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil drips on garage floor near front diff, Low fluid causes whining or growling from front axle, Visible oil coating on front differential housing
Fix: Pinion seal hardens and leaks. Requires driveshaft removal, seal replacement, and diff fluid refill. Simple job but messy. Book time 2.5-3.5 hours. Check for damage to pinion bearing if leak was severe/long-term. Some techs replace front output shaft seal on transfer case at same time as preventive.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Alternator Voltage Regulator Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light intermittent or constant, Voltage gauge fluctuates wildly (below 12V or above 15V), No-start after short trips (battery not charging), Dimming headlights at idle
Fix: Internal regulator in alternator fails; affects both V6 and V8 models. Alternator replacement required (rebuilds rarely last). Serpentine belt routing makes access moderate. Book time 1.5-2 hours. NHTSA recall covered some 2011 units for overcharging (check VIN). Test battery and connections before replacing alt.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Water Pump Leak (3.6L Pentastar)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from water pump weep hole, Squealing or grinding noise from front of engine, Overheating under load or in traffic, Visible coolant residue below pump area
Fix: Early Pentastar water pumps develop seal and bearing failures. Pump is timing-cover mounted; requires accessory removal and coolant drain. Book time 3-4 hours. Replace thermostat and serpentine belt at same time for labor savings. Use Mopar or equivalent OE pump; aftermarket quality inconsistent on this engine.
Estimated cost: $550-950
Owner tips
On 5.7 Hemi models, disable MDS with a tuner or use 89-octane fuel and frequent oil changes (every 3,000-4,000 mi) to extend lifter life
Check transmission fluid color every oil change; pink or milky = immediate cooler inspection
Install an auxiliary transmission cooler if towing or in hot climates; radiator-mounted cooler is undersized
TIPM issues often appear after battery disconnect or jump-start; cycle key on/off 3x before claiming failure
AWD models: inspect front diff fluid level at every service; low fluid ruins the unit quickly
The 3.6L V6 RWD 300 is a solid used buy with typical maintenance; avoid high-mileage 5.7 Hemi models unless lifters and transmission cooler have been addressed.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V018000
2019-01-15 · EA15001
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially 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 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V021000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V352000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
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.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
AIR BAGS · 13V118000
2013-04-03
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 12V197000
2012-05-02
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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