Chrysler 300C

Overview

The Chrysler 300C (2005–2017) is a rear-wheel-drive sedan built on the LX platform, shared with the Dodge Charger and Challenger, and known for its Hemi V8 power and highway presence. Across 1,703 classified complaints, the vehicle shows a concentrated reliability problem: fuel system leaks dominate the complaint record (37.5% of all reports), with engine stalling, body control module failures, and transmission issues following behind. Buyers face a vehicle with a serious, documented fuel leak issue that peaks around 79,000 miles, plus scattered electrical and powertrain problems that can strand you.

What Breaks

Fuel tank and fuel lines: 639 complaints (37.5%) report fuel leaks, typically appearing around 79,000 miles. The most common failure is cracking fuel tank straps that allow the plastic tank to sag and chafe against the driveshaft or chassis, eventually rupturing. Owners report smelling gasoline in the cabin, seeing fuel puddles under the car, and being told by shops they cannot drive the vehicle until the tank is replaced. Repair costs range from $400–$1,200 depending on whether you replace straps only or the entire tank assembly.

Engine stalling: 166 reports at a median 93,678 miles. The vehicle stalls without warning at highway speeds or while decelerating. Root causes include failing cam position sensors, crank position sensors, and fuel pump relay failures. These failures can leave you coasting on a freeway with no power steering.

Body control module (BCM): 164 complaints at 82,386 miles. The BCM controls everything from interior lights to fuel pump relay logic. When it fails, you may lose gauges, get a no-start condition, or experience phantom electrical gremlins. Replacement costs $500–$900 including programming.

Fuel pump: 96 complaints at 87,349 miles. The in-tank fuel pump fails, causing no-start or intermittent stalling. Replacement costs $300–$700.

Airbag and restraint system: 93 complaints, with 9.7% flagged as severe. Issues include airbag warning lights, non-deploying airbags in crashes, and faulty occupant sensors that disable the passenger airbag incorrectly.

Safety Recalls

The 300C has two recall campaigns on file, both related to airbags. One involves Takata frontal driver-side inflator modules, which can rupture and spray metal fragments into the cabin during deployment—a do-not-drive issue until repaired. If you own a 300C, check your VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup site immediately.

Warranty Extensions and TSBs

Chrysler issued 161 technical service bulletins for the 300C. No warranty extensions are documented in the provided data, meaning Chrysler did not formally extend coverage for the fuel tank strap issue or other widespread failures—owners pay out of pocket. TSBs cover a wide range of issues including transmission software updates, body control module reflashing, and fuel pump relay replacements, but these are service advisories, not free fixes.

Owner Watch-Outs

• Inspect fuel tank straps and tank condition at every oil change after 60,000 miles. Look for rust, cracks, or sagging. This is the single most important preventive check on this vehicle.
• If you smell gasoline inside the cabin, stop driving immediately. A leaking fuel tank near hot exhaust components is a fire risk.
• Carry a code reader or have a trusted shop scan for cam/crank sensor codes before they strand you. Replace these sensors as soon as codes appear—stalling at highway speed is dangerous.
• Verify your VIN against the Takata airbag recall. If your car is affected and unrepaired, do not drive it until the recall work is completed.
• Budget $800–$1,500 for unscheduled repairs per year after 75,000 miles. Electrical and fuel system issues tend to cluster in the 75,000–100,000 mile range.

Data Notes

This analysis draws from 1,703 classified NHTSA complaints spanning the 2005–2017 model years, plus 2 recall campaigns and 161 TSBs. The complaint data is heavily weighted toward fuel system issues; vehicles without fuel leaks may have a different reliability experience. Six NHTSA investigations are currently open for this platform, meaning federal regulators are actively examining additional safety concerns.