Chrysler 300: Problems & Solutions

jay4trae

I have experienced the same problem twice with my 300C. Dealer said it was the battery (although I have my doubts, but it tested low). I've had my "C" since 04/24/04. I'm just keeping an eye on the problem for now. Seems like something is draining the battery or there is a problem with the computer system. When I tried to crank it, the engine made a "clicking noise" and the whole cumpter console kept blinking???

jay4trae

I'm in the same long distance driving boat. Bought mine 04/24/04 and now have 6000 miles. Haven't had the AC/radio problems, but I just noticed the auto window on the driver side not working. I pray that I don't get the AC issue. It's 95 degrees in the shade here in Florida these days.

jay4trae

Having the same problem. According to my dealer, if your light is on, your airbag does not work. It is good that you took it in for that. They told me mine was related to the sensor that detects for smaller weighted person in the passenger seat.passengers and there was no ETA on the Fix. I'll have to saty on them about this.

Drive carefully!!!

jeep

I had it fixed. They kept it for three days since they were unfamiliar with the scan tool and Chrysler was walking through the diagnostics via phone. They finally tracked it down to the sensor and had to order the part. As Chrysler considered it a safety issue, they wouldn't give the car back until repaired. I had the rental, for which they paid, so, I didn't care.

Anyway, it is working fine now. I guess I shouldn't complain. It was fixed the first time. I suppose some confusion with a new model should be expected.

chrome58

My 300C was built in March, so it was a relatively early one. I didn't notice the pull until 1,000 miles had rolled by. I took it into the dealership (I asked, it was the first one they had with this problem, and I had to alert them to the TSB--needless to say my fingers were crossed). They said they fixed the problem by doing all the TSB said to do except the camber bolts, Chrysler told them it was a last resort only. When I picked up the car at the end of the day, I noticed that the steering wheel was off center. They were very accommodating and apologetic. They fixed the offcenterness by adjusting the tie rods, I believe. SO, after the two days and two visits it seems like the pulling problem has been corrected. The roads here are heavily crowned, so I can't really tell if it still pulls. However, on roads with a noticeable left crown or absolutely no crown at all, it appears to go left/straight, respectively. So, I'm gonna say that I'm pleased until further road tests prove otherwise.

cobragmike

No problems right now at all with 300C. It was made on May 25th and deliverd to me on June 28th. I was real cautious of all the problems people had and nervious. I did have a few issues, with not starting in the morning and instrument cluster lights. But after a few days of fiddling with the controls and filling up with fresh tank of gas, everything in fine now. Car don't pull to the right at all. Great Car! Wife Loves it! Really like the Sound Group II and Sirius radio. HID's are good also. Love the car! Have put over 1000 miles in first 2 weeks.

ositx

I just cancelled my order on the 300c after 7 weeks due to this issue. I test drove 2- C's before I placed my order, which both pulled to the right. After reading information on this forum and other 300c forum's that the problem was resolved with vehicle build dates after 4/25 I felt confident since I was in BX status last week, so I would have a July / Aug build date. This Monday I went to a Houston dealer that just received a shipment of 300c's. I took one for a test drive. Before I even started the car I told the salesman about my concern with the pull to the right. Within a half mile, doing 45 mph I let the wheel go and the car pulls to the right. The salesman seemed surprised. When I retuned back from my test drive I was anxious to see the build date, I look on the drivers side door and the build date was 5/28. The next day I called the dealership that I ordered it from (out of town) and cancelled my order. I think I will wait a couple of years and let Chrysler work out the kinks!

mark_a

The 300C steering has a high sensitivity to the crown in the road. Did you ride it on the left side of a road and see if it pulled left in that scenario?

arnoldw

I highly doubt it

mikec1

Just curious if any other owners think the driver seat side bolsters are fatiguing on long drives. I find myself frequently adjusting the seat as a result of the pressure on my hips. Here's hoping the side bolsters relax over time.

My 300C has a slight right pull, but I prefer that to torque steer on FWD cars. The bulk of the time it's straight.

Sometimes you have to remind yourself that the 300C is not a $50,000 car. It just looks and feels like one. I wouldn't trade it for anything else in its price range. What else looks this good and boasts a HEMI to boot?!

jcsganga34

I thought that my car had the "right pull issue" as well. Turns out that it didn't. I found that when the road crowns left, my car drifts left. When I found a truly flat road, the car tracked in a straight line. Most roads crown to the right so some people think that car has the drifting problem. I've been told that if the right drift exists, that even on a road that crowns to the left, the car still pulls right. Just wondering how thoroughly you tested the car? Does the car only drift with "hands off driving"? If so then you may just experiencing crown sensitivity.

arnoldw

Could'nt have said it better myself! I was also a little apprehensive about this issue (non-issue?) before I bought my 300c. I've got 3500 miles now and thoroughly enjoy this vehicle. Some 300s probably do have a problem but it sounds like from some recent posts that this is being looked after. I feel sorry for those few people who can't be patient and want buybacks???!!! Gotta go! Time for a spin!!!

mbennett674

mikec1 - apprently you have pretty low expectations of a $30K car. I had a honda civic and it never drifted. If your car drifts, get it fixed.

mark_a

Hey, this is just something I read on another site. Take it with a grain of salt. I think the early builds did have a pulling to the right problem hence the TSB. However, there is also a crown sensitivity that is leading others to believe they have the pulling problem. This is all conjecture by me, as I am awaiting delivery of my 300C. It's on a train for delivery as we speak.

Bebe, I did a search on the nhtsa for " Chrysler pulling" and Chrysler drifting" and Chrysler crown sensitivity" but did not see anything from previous models. Got a link to an actual article from the site?

jcsganga34

There is a difference between the car "pulling" right and "drifting" right. If your car drifts right while you are "hands off" driving (you shouldn't be doing this anyway )then this is probably due to crown sensitivity. If you are fighting with the steering wheel to keep it straight and the car always pulls right even on a left crowning road then you have the problem that is described in the TSB. Find a road that crowns left for sure follow it and let go of the wheel. Does the car still pull right?...then you need to have the TSB fix applied to your car. Another less scientific test may be to let a friend or family member drive the car for a day (someone without knowledge of the problem) see if they come back and complain about it. Of course, I am the only one allowed to drive my "C" but some others may not have that rule I am not trying to say that the problem does not exist as it is serious for some cars, but ask yourself if you would've noticed it unless of all the reading that you've done about it. I was told that if you are one of the people that has the "pulling" problem then there is no way you could not know it. If you are "not sure" if it exists then its probably just crown sensitivity. That is why its good to have an unbiased person drive the car. I'm not making any excuses for DCX, IF the problem exists then is should be fixed otherwise start enjoying the car for what it really is.

legman

Anyone had problems with a rough, loping idle while in gear. Been to the dealer, and no problem codes shown. Mechanic felt the condition, but said "They all do that!!!".

nvbanker

Which engine do you have so I can be sure to avoid the engine that "all do that"....?

lowrider

I have a 300C...when idle cruising (cruising with foot off accel; just letting engine idle move vehicle), I have noticed a very small shake. Even a small shake (shimmy) when idling at a stop. Let's not forget its a V-8 people...the engine is 345 cu in. A small shake is bound to be there.

Hardly noticeable...certainly nothing to worry about.

As far as loping idle...I have been told that the car will sometimes go to 4 cyl mode at idle (not confirmed)...perhaps this could be the colprit (4 cyls moving engine mass of 8 cyls at very low RPM of 600)

bobonos

Read in one of the car mags, that at idle, the hemi's loping is due to the cam specs. I thought that the modern electronics and variable valve timing took care of this. But, if you get the "rumble" with the shake, I can live with that.

cater

Just got recall notices for:
1. Shoulder belt bolts
2. Battery cable fasteners --> may explain the non-starting issue #15. (However the car now starts everytime)

NB: Car still pulls to the right - will ask Chrysler about it when the car goes in for the first servicing and recalls.

cater

Just got recall notices for:
1. Shoulder belt bolts
2. Battery cable fasteners --> may explain the non-starting issue #15. (However the car now starts everytime)

NB: Car still pulls to the right - will ask Chrysler about it when the car goes in for the first servicing and recalls.

abendx

Maybe someone has an idea for me.... I recently (late last week) picked up my 300C. This afternoon I decided to remove the front license plate bracket as I thought it looked out of place, to my dismay, the bracket was held in place by two sheet type screws that were screwed into the bumper. This looks terrible!! I'd have thought Chrysler would have a better system than to just screw in this bracket!!

What should I do? Should I demand a new bumper from the dealership??

nvbanker

your state doesn't have front tags?

hardhawk

Put it back on with a college alumni tag or something. It was there when you bought it so good luck trying to get the dealer to do anything.

blh7068

abendx- "the bracket was held in place by two sheet type screws that were screwed into the bumper. This looks terrible!! I'd have thought Chrysler would have a better system than to just screw in this bracket!! "

What car have you owned that doesnt use screws to hold the bracket in place?

nvbanker- I dont know how many states only issue a rear plate, Oklahoma is one of them and I understand that Texas may go to one plate(if they havent done already).

jeep

I live in Penna. Luckily, we also are a one plate state.

abendx

hey guys..... i understand they had to attach it somehow.... the clips that hold it to the grill would have been enough in my opinion. i just am a bit mad that the dealership (i assume this is who attached the holder) used these screws to attach directly into the bumper.... leaving two nasty holes in it. every other vehicle i have owned has never had the attachment like this.

i was just hoping for some ideas of how to bring this up to the dealership. i understand that a front plate is required by the state of california, but do not like the look of a front plate. i have run all my vehicles with this removed and have only once came across a cop that didn't car for my redecorating ideas on the front end.

bigmike5

I think that in most cases the dealer will ask the customer if he/she wants the front holder mounted on the car. If not asked, then the customer needs to bring it up, likewise about leaving/removing the dealer's logo on the trunk. In KY we only use one plate and I have several unused OEM front holders still in the plastic because I always tell them not no mount it. There was a similar issue with the 300M when it came out because a lot of the guys did not like the proposed mount location, etc. A couple of them came up with innovative alternative mounts/locations that kept the beautiful lines of the car more intact. Fortunately, I did not have that issue because I told them beforehand not to mount it.

esp95

My 300 Limited came with the front bracket in the trunk as I live in Mi. My 300 had a pull to the right when I received it. It was a month before the Dealer got the specs for the fix. Two weeks ago I took it to the dealership and they corrected the problem. Bob in Mi.

nvbanker

I checked - the installation of the bracket seems to require screwing a couple self-tapping screws into the front bumper. If you live in a state with no front tag required, I'd tell the dealer not to mount the bracket. bigmike - you should ask for a new bumper.....

qddave

Hey All,
I just wanted to comment on all of the posts in this forum. With all first year vehicles, there are bound to be problems. I know it's a crude assessment, but consider yourselves guinea pigs. If anyone has any concerns about DCX not fixing these issues, you are wrong. Why are they buying customers' vehicles back then? To analyze them. These vehicles will most likely get sent to DCX's warranty evaluation center in Auburn Hills and get torn down for analysis. Also, during a new product launch, DCX Engineering forces all dealer's to return parts removed for warranty work. If the dealer doesn't comply, they don't get paid for by DCX.

On a more sour note. I recently had a discussion with an ex-DCX Supplier Quality Engineer, now working in warranty analysis, and he said that the LX (300/Magnum) launch was one of the worst in DCX's history. Not a comforting tidbit of information, but they are working to correct every issue out there.

jeep

You are kidding,aren't you. Didn't you hear when GM came out with the Trailblazer? They had such a liability concern with a problem with the front end that they had their dealers call all customers that purchased the vehicle and instructed them to "IMMEDIATELY STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE". GM sent a flatbed trailer to pick-up the vehicle and take it in for correction. Then Ford had so many TSB's on their early Focus models that they extended the warranty in order to get sales. How about when the Liberty came out? Everyone complained about a pull,(similar to the 300). Chrysler did it's thing and all of a sudden, you never heard of a problem again.

Some of you guys are far too sensitive to problems encountered on new vehicles. Calm down. The problems will be be corrected. Whether it is a brand new model, or any other new vehicle purchase, Things happen.

I purchased a 300C, and let me tell you, it is the highest quality vehicle I have ever bought, and I bought about 30+ new ones since I began driving.

jlowe66

We just purchased a 300 a week ago and the dealer had attached a front license tag bracket too. I took it off and there are two unsightly holes in the bumper. I asked the dealer what could be done and they really didn't have an answer other than "don't they all come like that?". (I checked and no they don't). We live in TN and we only have a back license tag. What are the chances of getting a new bumper?

jlowe66

We just purchased a 300 Limited and we have felt the rough idle too. The steering wheel shimmies when I am in park. I thought maybe the idle was set too low.

mark_a

I just got my C last night. I was in the driveway getting the Sirius signal downloaded and had the engine running. I noticed a loping of the cam, but I just attributed it to the nature of the 5.7L beast.

abendx

well.... i am going to run mine over to the dealership on friday morning.... i am assuming that i will be told, 'sorry.... that is the way they come' and then be forced to go to a body shop to fill the holes and repaint the bumper as i do not plan on running a front plate (state law or not) as it ruins the lines of the front of this car. i will take the chance on a few tickets.

hardhawk

Good luck running without the front plate when it is required by law. In my experience, the old "I don't like the look of it on my car" defense is a loser with a judge. Send us your jail address if they lock you up so we can send you a 300C Model car with a file in it!

hardhawk

Sorry you were offended at my trying to lighten things up a bit! Guess those with thin skin can't take (or even recognize!) a joke when they see it. Take a deep breath and try to force a smile. :-)

nvbanker

There are plenty of 300Cs around here going around with no bracket on them, and with no holes in the front where the bracket may have been - so I'm not buying that they "come" that way. The dealer is screwing them on prior to delivery. If you don't want one on there, demand that prior to delivery, or you'll have screw holes.
And for those of you who already have your screwed up 300C, how about demanding the dealer fix the front for you in the body shop? That's what I'd do.

abendx

ah.... if you were joking, my bad.

and yes..... i will run up to the dealer tomorrow to complain.... i am highly doubting they will do anything, but it is worth a shot. i have a very good friend that owns a body shop, so to fix that i am sure it won't be too hard on my wallet... but still, it should not have come that way, nor should i have to pay to make it right.

i will report back after i talk with the dealer.

nvbanker

There's a TSB out on the car and a fix the dealer can do that seems to fix it.

weidnerlaw

I've got the pull to the right and electrical problems as well...drove it two days now its been in the dealership a week...any word on your lemon law efforts?

speedmeister

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/chrysler.html

Safety precautions. No mention of pulling to the right problem. Anyone got the recall letter?

doctony

Actually,I don't think a "crude assssment" at all but rather an unfortunate 'realistic' assessment! You're right! We 'are' guinea pigs in the sense that new model vehicles 'do' have their quirks but the larger issue becomes what can they [read: DCX] do about it .... and when!?

Case in point: I bought a new Chrysler 300 [Touring] V6 [3.5] literally right off the showroom floor [great looks!] and in taking it home I noticed a discernible 'pull' to the right. Not a harsh pull but a pull decidedly present. Cutting to the chase [and documented at the dealership therein], I'm told by the dealer that the 'specs' are within normal limits and that the vehicle is simply "crown sensitive." I'm further told that the vehicle has no 'alignment' per se but a matter of toe-in/toe-out adjustments [???] but that these specs are also 'within normal limits' and thus the problem being one of 'crown sensitivity' to roads! In effect, no present cure.

Problem is that I now have a brand new vehicle that 'still' pulls right which indicates, at least to me, an obvious engineering issue [read: design flaw perhaps?] yet until a 'cure' is found, I'm supposed to essentially live with this Dx of the vehicle being 'crown sensitive'! So, comes the classic, NOW WHAT? How can something be corrected when I'm informed that it's a matter of the vehicle model being 'crown sensitive'? Any input would be appreciated especially from any new 300-T owners who may have the same problem!

Doc Tony

bigmike5

There is supposed to be a correction kit in the works or available right now to correct the control rod bolt problem. Some have already had it done and it supposedly helped. You need to be persistent if you have a luke warm dealer. This is not a road crown issue.

nvbanker

You may want to post the name of the dealer, so those in your area can get their cars fixed too.

lmk

I purchased my 300 Limited in June and will be taking back for service for the third time. I'm changing dealership for a second opinion. My car feels like it has a rough idle when I'm stopped or in park. Not good when you live in DC with stop and go traffic. The first dealership couldn't feel the vibration and said the idle was fine. I'm also have a knocking noise coming from the engine. Was told that I hear the fuel injector and Chrysler had removed some of the sound barrier. Can't believe a manufacturer would do that. We will see what Manassas Chrysler has to say. I also have the pull to the right. I've started a file with Chrylser. Any and all info you can share is appreciated.

ianyer

Has anyone figured out a way to attach the front license plate bracket in a different location? My state requires a front plate but the standard location is really bad. I have a 300C on order and would like to work with the dealeer on the plate location when the car arrives.

Thanks for your help on this.

michaelg1

Picked up my new deep Lava 300C on Aug. 4. What a classy, regal color. Has sunroof, pedals & an upgraded radio/speakers I couldn't care less about. Now have 600 miles. My main concern so far is a growling/whining/buzzing sound which seems to be coming from the top of the instrument panel on occasion. Happens in reverse, around 35-40 mph & sometimes on the hwy while on cruise. It's not all the time, just every so often. Makes me wonder what's going on. Also, I can't get the wipers to go on automatically when it rains. Yes, I have it turned "on" in the center console.Previous car was a 2001 300M.

bigmike5

The 300M had a small fan that was located in the dash area whose job it was to bring in air to the sensors for the A/C I think it was. It could be heard softly murmuring when the door was opened and before the car even got started. Maybe the C has the same kind of set up and your fan is failing?