The 2011 Chrysler 300 SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI is a potent muscle sedan, but the NAG1 (W5A580) five-speed automatic transmission is its Achilles' heel. Expect transmission-related issues to dominate your ownership experience, especially beyond 80,000 miles.
NAG1 Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 and 3-4, Limp mode with P0750-P0758 codes (shift solenoid performance), Slipping between gears or failure to engage certain gears, Check engine light with transmission fault codes
Fix: Requires dropping the transmission pan, replacing solenoid pack and valve body gaskets, fluid and filter change. 4-6 hours labor. Some shops replace entire valve body assembly for longevity.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Corruption
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission stuck in second gear (limp mode), No communication with scanner in transmission module, Random no-start conditions, Erratic shifting patterns that don't match solenoid codes
Fix: TCM replacement requires programming/flashing to VIN. Module is internal to transmission on NAG1, so pan-drop required. 3-4 hours labor plus dealer programming.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Transmission Oil Cooler and Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under engine bay, driver's side, Low transmission fluid warnings, Burnt ATF smell, Transmission overheating, especially in summer or towing
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at fittings and bends. External cooler can crack. Replace lines as a set, inspect cooler. 2-3 hours labor. Flush system afterward.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Range Sensor (PRNDL) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Dash gear indicator shows wrong gear or blank, Won't start in Park (thinks it's in gear), Reverse lights don't work or stay on, P0705 or P0706 codes (transmission range sensor circuit)
Fix: Sensor is external on driver's side of transmission. Replace sensor and adjust/relearn. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Engine/Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in Drive, Visible powertrain movement when revving in Park, Shifter feels notchy or binds
Fix: Rear transmission mount commonly tears due to HEMI torque. Front engine mounts also fail. Replace mounts, 2-3 hours labor for both.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Fuel System Evaporative Leak (ESIM Module)
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: P0456 or P0442 codes (small EVAP leak), Check engine light, no drivability issues, Fails emissions testing in strict states, Fuel smell near rear of vehicle occasionally
Fix: ESIM (leak detection pump) module on top of fuel tank fails. Tank must be dropped. Common on all LX/LC platforms. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Rear Differential Fluid Leak and Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or howling from rear on deceleration, Gear oil drips from pinion seal or cover gasket, Clunking on tight turns (limited-slip clutches worn), Vibration at highway speeds if bearings are failing
Fix: Pinion seal replacement common, 2 hours. If bearings are damaged, full diff rebuild or replacement needed, 6-8 hours.
Estimated cost: $400-2,500
Owner tips
Change ATF every 40,000 miles with OEM ATF+4 — this transmission runs hot and fluid degrades fast under HEMI power
Install auxiliary transmission cooler if you drive aggressively or in hot climates; factory cooler is marginal
Check transmission cooler lines annually for rust and seepage, especially at crimps and fittings
Replace rear diff fluid at 60k with limited-slip additive to extend clutch pack life
Budget $2,000/year post-warranty for transmission-related repairs — it's not if, but when
Buy one if you want a V8 thrill and can wrench or budget for transmission work, but skip it if you need appliance-grade reliability — the NAG1 will humble you.
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.
Performance
Horsepower
470hp
Torque
465lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.5sec
Quarter mile
12.9sec
Top speed
175mph
Capability & size
Curb weight
4,250lb
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2011 Chrysler 300 SRT8 6.1L V8 SRT and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.