Chrysler · Known Issues
2021 Chrysler 300 Problems: 12 Known Issues
2021 model year · 15,920+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2021 model year · 15,920+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 15,920+ owner reports, the 2021 Chrysler 300 has 12 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure ($2,000-$6,000 repair), Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks ($500-$900 repair), ABS Module Internal Failure ($300-$1,200 repair) and Starter Motor Failure ($300-$700 repair). The most commonly reported issue is EVAP System Small Leak (P0456) with 2,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
PARKING BRAKE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger vehicles. The parking brake may be improperly adjusted, which can result in a vehicle roll away. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 15,920+ owner reports, the 2021 Chrysler 300 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure, Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks, ABS Module Internal Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Chrysler 300 has 12 known issues documented across 15,920+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure and Water Pump Failure and Cooling Leaks and ABS Module Internal Failure and Starter Motor Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chrysler 300 issues range from $20 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure, typically costs $2,000-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 suffers from MDS lifter design defect where needle bearings are undersized. Lifters can be starved of oil during idle, causing seizure and catastrophic camshaft wear leading to engine failure. Repairs typically run $2,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
Water pumps fail prematurely due to bearing and seal wear. Air pockets frequently form in cooling system after repairs. The 300 is difficult to properly bleed air from cooling system. Repairs typically run $500-$900. Severity: high.
ABS control module suffers internal failures due to short circuits in main circuit board. Prevents proper ABS operation and stores fault codes. While regular braking functions, vehicle loses anti-lock capability, traction control, and stability control. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
Starter motors fail prematurely or intermittently. Grinding noise during starting indicates worn starter gear. Electrical issues including corroded battery terminals, failed neutral safety switch, and bad starter relay contribute to no-start. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: high.
The plastic oil filter housing develops cracks and gasket failures due to heat cycling. Chrysler discontinued original plastic part but never issued recall despite widespread problem. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
The ZF 8-speed automatic develops harsh shifting, especially in 2nd gear. Valve body is primary failure point. Cold shifting particularly problematic. Chrysler states "sealed for life" but failures occur before 150,000 miles. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.
OEM control arm bushings fail prematurely around 20,000-40,000 miles instead of typical 100,000+ lifespan. Bushings press-fitted into arms and cannot be replaced separately on most applications, requiring full control arm replacement. Repairs typically run $280-$800. Severity: medium.
Rear differential develops whining from failed pinion bearing or ring/pinion wear. LX platform differentials have inherent whine, but excessive noise indicates bearing failure. Front differentials on AWD fail at 40,000-60,000 miles. Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The 5.7L HEMI is notorious for exhaust manifold bolts breaking, especially on the passenger side. Thermal cycling causes bolts to become brittle and snap. Creates a ticking noise at cold startup that partially diminishes as engine warms but never fully goes away. Broken bolts can… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Evaporative emission control system develops small leaks triggering P0456 code. Most commonly failed gas cap, chaffed EVAP purge pipe harness, or failed purge solenoid. Triggers check engine light and prevents emissions testing pass. Repairs typically run $20-$500. Severity: low.
Power window regulators and motors fail frequently, particularly rear doors. Cable in regulator breaks or motor burns out. Window stuck in down or up position. Motor and regulator sold as assembly, cannot be separated. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: low.
The Chrysler 300 uses Chrysler's proprietary natural-vacuum leak detection hardware instead of a conventional pressure-based leak detection pump. On 2005-2006 cars this is the NVLD (Natural Vacuum Leak Detection) valve/solenoid; from 2007 onward it is the ESIM (Evaporative System… Repairs typically run $40-$476. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.