CarBrief

NHTSA has 341 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chrysler 300[1], and six recalls are listed for it[2]. Check that every recall repair was done before you buy or keep one.

341owner complaints[1]
6recalls[2]
18–23MPG combined (EPA)[3]
5★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Reported problems

NHTSA has 341 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. 21 mention a crash, 22 a fire and 18 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Component group Complaints Fires Crashes
Electrical system[5] 154 22 4
Power train[6] 61 1 4
Engine[7] 42 4 1
Air bags[8] 35 0 12

Electrical system. This group has the most complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 53,200[5]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 5 describe a battery saver message or a dead battery[5]. 3 describe waiting for recall parts[5].

Power train. The median mileage at failure is 40,001[6]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 5 describe gear selector trouble, such as a hard-to-move shifter or the car rolling while in Park[6]. Another 5 describe lost acceleration, jerking or harsh shifting[6].

Engine. The median mileage at failure is 45,000[7]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 6 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving[7]. 3 describe unusual noises[7].

Air bags. These complaints include 12 crashes and 12 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 49,000[8]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 6 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash and 4 mention the air bag warning light[8]. A complaint does not prove the cause.

The next groups are smaller. Exterior lighting, brakes and electronic stability control each have 17 complaints[9][10][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

In the electrical sample we read, some owners say they were still waiting for recall parts[5]. Ask a dealer to confirm with the car's VIN that every recall has been completed.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive wheels. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and drive City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
3.6L 6-cyl, RWD, regular[3] 19 / 30 / 23 $2,900
3.6L 6-cyl, AWD, regular[18] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,200
5.7L 8-cyl, RWD, midgrade[19] 16 / 25 / 19 $4,000
5.7L 8-cyl, AWD, midgrade[20] 15 / 23 / 18 $4,200

The 3.6L versions are also rated for gasoline or E85 with the same mpg[21][22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4-door AWD and RWD versions the same[4][23]. Overall is 5 stars, frontal is 5 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[4][23]. The rollover risk is 11.3%[4][23].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for this model year. The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 292 hp[24]. The 5.7L 8-cylinder is rated 359 hp[25]. The 6.4L 8-cylinder is rated 470 hp[26].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
300 Touring / 300 S RWD[27] 199 in 75 in 59 in 120 in 3,962 lb
300C / 300C Luxury RWD[28] 199 in 75 in 59 in 120 in 4,270 lb
300 S / 300C / 300C Luxury AWD[29] 199 in 75 in 59 in 120 in 4,513 lb
300 SRT-8[30] 200 in 75 in 58 in 120 in 4,270 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

1999: 351 complaints, 3 recalls19992000: 242 complaints, 6 recalls2001: 91 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 83 complaints, 1 recalls20022003: 33 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 73 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 1,125 complaints, 7 recalls20052006: 1,750 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 624 complaints, 5 recalls2008: 758 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 95 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 138 complaints, 7 recalls2011: 225 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 441 complaints, 9 recalls2013: 341 complaints, 6 recalls34120132014: 248 complaints, 7 recalls20142015: 111 complaints, 4 recalls2016: 83 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 86 complaints, 2 recalls20172018: 153 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 61 complaints, 2 recalls2020: 10 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 20 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 5 complaints, 2 recalls2023: 6 complaints, 1 recalls2023
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 300 model year. The 2013 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19993513
20002426
2001913
2002831
2003330
2004731
20051,1257
20061,7504
20076245
20087584
2009955
20101387
20112257
20124419
20133416
20142487
20151114
2016832
2017862
20181534
2019612
2020102
2021202
202252
202361

Among the 25 Chrysler 300 model years in NHTSA's list, 2013 has 341 complaints and 6 recalls[2]. Six years have more complaints: 1999 with 351, 2005 with 1,125, 2006 with 1,750, 2007 with 624, 2008 with 758 and 2012 with 441[2]. The neighboring years look like this: 2012 has 441 complaints and 9 recalls, and 2014 has 248 complaints and 7 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2013 Chrysler 300?

The 2013 Chrysler 300 has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating[4][23]. It also has six recalls, including two air bag inflator recalls that advise owners not to drive until repaired[12][13]. Electrical complaints are the largest group, at 154[5]. Before buying, ask for proof that all six recalls were completed, including the alternator and shifter software repairs. Combined MPG runs from 18 with the 5.7L AWD to 23 with the 3.6L RWD[20][3]. Complaints are unverified, so use them to know what to check on a test drive and with a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What problems are reported most for the 2013 Chrysler 300?
Electrical system is the largest complaint group with 154 of 341 complaints[1][5]. Power train has 61 and engine 42[6][7].
Does the 2013 Chrysler 300 have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists six. They cover passenger air bag inflators, alternators, a shifter warning and AWD transmissions[12][13][14][15][16][17].
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Chrysler 300?
EPA combined ratings range from 18 MPG (5.7L AWD) to 23 MPG (3.6L RWD)[20][3].
How safe is the 2013 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[4][23].
Is 2013 a good year for the Chrysler 300?
Six model years have more complaints than 2013's 341, and 2012 has 441[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 341 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chrysler 300 (21 mention a crash, 22 a fire, 18 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chrysler 300 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for 300, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 154 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 22 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 61 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,001). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 42 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 35 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 17 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,725). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 17 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 17 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 19V018, filed January 15, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 18V021, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 17V435, filed July 10, 2017: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 16V240, filed April 25, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V634, filed October 8, 2014: Electrical System › Alternator / Generator / Regulator. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 13V610, filed December 6, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for 300 AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 300, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 300 AWD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Midgrade, All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 300 AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for 300, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 30 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chrysler 300 with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 292 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chrysler 300 with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 359 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chrysler 300 with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 300 4DR SEDAN 300 TOURING/300 S RWD: length 199 in, width 75 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 3,962 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 300 4DR SEDAN 300C/300C LUXURY RWD: length 199 in, width 75 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,270 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 300 4DR SEDAN 300 S/300C/300C LUXURY AWD: length 199 in, width 75 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,513 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 300 SRT-8: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 120 in, curb weight 4,270 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.