Photo: U.S. Department of Energy from United States / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2017
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, with a sharp divide between the first-generation (2011-2014) and second-generation (2015-2017) models.
5 problems reported (4 very frequent, 1 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTransmission failure
Complete failures requiring replacement, severe shifting lag, erratic gear hunting, "rubber band" effect, inability to hold speed. Cited as a primary reason for the model line's cancellation due to high warranty claims.
- Very frequentElectrical system failures
Parasitic battery drain, complete electrical system shutdowns, flickering lights, non-functional accessories, faulty wiring harnesses. Problems persist even after battery replacement.
- Very frequent2.4L MultiAir engine problems
Oil consumption issues, failing MultiAir actuator blocks, potential for piston ring failure leading to oil leaking into cylinders, associated with a class action lawsuit.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentGeneral build quality/reliability
Described as "awful," "the worst in its class," and having an erratic build quality leading to some problem-free examples and many "lemons." Broad advice to avoid all Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep products.
- RecurrentCooling system failures
Radiator and hose failures leading to coolant loss, overheating, and engine damage. Linked to repair incidents following simple maintenance like flushes.
The version owners recommend
2015-2017 models with the Pentastar V6 engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and the higher "C" trim level (e.g., 200C). This configuration is specifically noted for using a more robust ZF automatic transmission (as opposed to the problematic unit in other trims) and providing solid performance. The four-cylinder engine and lower trim levels are described as "so-so" and more prone to issues. The first-generation (2011-2014) models are not recommended.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, with a sharp divide between the first-generation (2011-2014) and second-generation (2015-2017) models. The first generation is widely characterized as a stopgap, "MEH" vehicle with dated design and unremarkable performance. The second generation receives some praise for its improved interior and exterior styling, and the top-trim V6 AWD configuration is noted as a solid, feature-rich value proposition when functional. However, both generations are plagued by very frequent and severe criticisms centered on catastrophic transmission failures, pervasive electrical system issues, and significant engine problems, particularly with the 2.4L MultiAir four-cylinder. The consensus is that these are high-risk used vehicles, often purchased for their low upfront cost and perceived luxury features, but prone to expensive, debilitating failures that can render the car undriveable. Owner satisfaction appears highly dependent on avoiding major component failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a budget-friendly, feature-loaded alternative to mainstream midsize sedans like the Accord and Camry, but universally criticized for failing to match their quality and reliability. Compared directly to the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata, the Chrysler 200 is consistently ranked lower due to inferior build quality and drivetrain concerns. It is acknowledged to offer more standard luxury features and a more attractive design for the money, but this value is negated by the high likelihood of major repairs. It is described as competing in a "fool's errand" against established leaders and is considered a vehicle to avoid unless acquired for free or at a steep discount with full awareness of the risks.
Recommended configurations
AWD V6 configuration is strongly recommended over front-wheel drive or four-cylinder models. Higher trim levels (e.g., 200C) for better features and perceived build quality. Owners advise having a significant repair fund set aside regardless of configuration. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is considered mandatory. Some suggest an extended warranty, but note that third-party warranties on lower-priced examples may not be cost-effective.
General recommendations
Only suitable for buyers who accept a high risk of major repairs in exchange for low initial purchase price and available features. Not recommended as a primary, reliable daily driver, especially for those with limited repair budgets. If considering a purchase, a comprehensive independent mechanical inspection is essential, with specific focus on the transmission, electrical system, and engine (particularly for oil consumption in the 2.4L). Owners strongly advise budgeting thousands of dollars for imminent repairs. Considered a reasonable choice only if acquired for free or at a price so low that major component replacement is financially factored in. For all other buyers, a used Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, or Hyundai Sonata is consistently recommended as a safer, more reliable alternative.
Remarks
Owner feedback clearly delineates between the 2011-2014 and 2015-2017 model years, with the latter being a ground-up redesign. However, severe drivetrain and electrical issues affect both generations. The 9-speed automatic transmission in the 2015+ models, particularly with the four-cylinder engine, is the subject of intense criticism and is reported to have failure rates high enough to impact the model's viability. The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engine has known, widespread defects. Positive remarks are almost exclusively conditional on the vehicle not having experienced these common failures, and even then, are tempered by the expectation that problems will occur. The vehicle's safety performance in a collision is noted positively in one instance. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2015. Years to avoid: 2015, 2012Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Chrysler 200 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 43 | 1 | engine |
| 2016 | 344 | 2 | engine |
| 2015 | 1,987 | 8 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 192 | 1 | air bags |
| 2013 | 628 | 5 | air bags |
| 2012 | 638 | 4 | engine |
| 2011 | 336 | 3 | engine |
| 2010 | 13 | 0 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices24 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2017 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
2016 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
2016 · steeringcampaign 16V589000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler 200 vehicles manufactured May 24, 2016, to May 25, 2016. Multiple chassis fastener joints may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
2015 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 16V529000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
2015 · electrical systemcampaign 15V470000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles manufactured January 7, 2014, to September 23, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a Power Distribution Center (PDC) electrical connector that may cause intermittent power failures to certain electrical components.
2015 · equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.campaign 15V461000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
2015 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 16V114000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to August 3, 2015. During service work, the affected vehicles may have had either the Occupant Classification Module (OCM) or the Seat Cushion Foam (SCF) of the front passenger seat replaced instead of the both pieces together, which make up a complete calibrated set.
2015 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 15V090000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles manufactured March 9, 2014, to December 15, 2014, and equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated or the park rod may become dislodged or broken. This may prevent the transmission from shifting into the Park position.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 14V480000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to June 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been built with a driver side door wiring harness of an insufficient wire gauge, resulting in excessive heat which may melt the wiring insulation.
2015 · suspension:rear:shock absorbercampaign 14V392000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking.
2014 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
2013 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V640000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
2013 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
2013 · electrical systemcampaign 13V282000
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
9 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.6 V6
3.6L 6-cylinder · 294 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2015–2017