1999 Chrysler 300M problems
Owners have filed 440 complaints about the 1999 Chrysler 300M with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 11.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 11.6%.
Complaints440
Crashes43
Fires7
Injuries25
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Steering 11.8% · 52
Air bags 11.6% · 51
Structure 11.1% · 49
Engine and engine cooling 8.2% · 36
Power train 7.7% · 34
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.1% · 27
Suspension 5.2% · 23
Wheels 5.0% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 43 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 25 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Chrysler 300M in this data, 1999 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 23 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,686 miles.
In owners' own words
Dt: the caller stated that the steering locked on vehicle while driving 55 mph and when turning slightly to the left and then trying to turn back to the right. The caller said he forced it and it turned, but now it has too much play in it. He filed a complaint with the manufacturer, and he could not reach the manager at the dealership. The person talked to could not help him for free. Steering · reported at 65,400 miles
Streering in the Chrysler 300M has been a problem from day one. It has 56,000 miles and the steering has 3 to 4 inches of play in it. I've had this in the dealer to fix the steering problem at least 6 times. It now seems that to fix the problem it will cost $1,500. This problem is serious and affects the operation of the vehicle. Steering
In backing out of parking space, turned wheel, heard faint pop and then noticed that I had no steering at all. Car was towed to dealer that did regular service. I was informed that power steering rack had failed. This part had previously been replaced by same dealer in feb 2003 when I reported whineing noise from steering to them. Steering · reported at 105,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…