2016 CHRYSLER 300

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, especially when cold, Shudder or vibration during light acceleration at 30-50 mph, Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive, Check engine light with transmission-related codes (P0730, P0735)

Fix: Start with fluid flush using ZF-spec ATF+4 (some respond to this alone). Persistent cases need valve body replacement or complete transmission overhaul. TCM software updates sometimes help but rarely cure it. Figure 8-12 hours labor for valve body, 15-20 for rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for fluid service; $2,200-3,800 for valve body; $4,500-6,500 for rebuild

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping from engine, especially on cold start, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0306), Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil during changes

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal to replace rocker arms, lifters, and camshaft if worn. Both heads typically done together to prevent comeback. 12-16 hours labor plus machine work if heads need resurfacing. Some engines grenaded themselves when owners ignored the noise—this kills cam lobes and requires full rebuild.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500 for both heads with parts; $6,000-9,000 if short block needed

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or knocking at idle, worse when MDS (cylinder deactivation) engages, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Rough idle, hesitation under load, Oil consumption increases

Fix: The MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifters fail, wiping out cam lobes. Requires cam replacement, all 16 lifters, and often pushrods. Some techs disable MDS to prevent recurrence. If caught early, cam/lifter replacement runs 14-18 hours. Ignored cases destroy the engine—we've done several short blocks. Use quality oil and change it religiously at 5k miles max.

Estimated cost: $3,800-5,200 for cam/lifter job; $7,000-10,000 for short block replacement

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Grinding or whining noise that increases with vehicle speed, Noise present in all gears, goes away in neutral, Vibration felt through shifter or floorboard, Metal shavings in transmission fluid

Fix: Output shaft bearing wears out, especially in AWD models. Transmission must come out for bearing replacement. 10-14 hours labor. Check the front pump bushing and rear bushing while you're in there—often worn too. AWD transfer case should be inspected simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant puddles under vehicle, typically passenger side, Sweet smell from engine bay, Low coolant warning light, Overheating if leak progresses

Fix: Pentastar water pumps leak from the weep hole or housing gasket. Plastic thermostat housing also cracks. Do both at once since labor overlaps—4-5 hours total. Use updated metal housing if available. Flush system and pressure-test before returning to customer.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Symptoms: Intermittent no-start, clicking from under hood, Fuel pump not priming, Wipers, windows, or horn working intermittently, Multiple warning lights, seemingly unrelated faults

Fix: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) develops internal relay failures or corroded pins. Diagnosis is a pain—symptoms are all over the map. TIPM replacement is 2-3 hours labor but parts are $400-700 from dealer, less from aftermarket. Check all fuses and wiring harness connections first; we've found rubbed-through wires near the steering column and firewall causing similar symptoms.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 for TIPM; $200-500 for wiring repairs