Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (225 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (11.5 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on individual vehicle history and maintenance.
8 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentElectrical system failures
Pervasive "gremlins" including interior/exterior lights malfunctioning on their own, power accessory failures (locks, windows, seats), no-start conditions, sensor failures, and complex computer/ECM issues.
- Very frequentCooling system problems
Chronic overheating, coolant leaks, boiling coolant, leading to potential engine seizure. Thermostat housing issues are specifically mentioned.
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failures
Slippage, failure to engage, dropping into neutral, fluid leaks, and general lack of reliability.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSuspension and steering issues
Clunking noises during turns/acceleration, failed components like struts and ball joints, expensive steering linkage repairs, and bent wheels from low-profile tires.
- RecurrentEngine stalling/rough running
Engine dying at idle or low speed, often related to crank position sensor, fuel pump, or persistent electrical faults.
- IsolatedPower steering failure
Leaks from popped lines leading to a complete loss of power steering.
- IsolatedAir conditioning system failures
Refrigerant leaks requiring frequent recharging, compressor failures.
- IsolatedInterior quality deterioration
Cracked leather dash and seats, headliner sagging, door panel separation.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a "best" version. The "300M Special" trim is mentioned in the context of specific wheel sizes (18") and potential collector or parts value, but no consensus on superiority is formed. No trim-level comparisons are present in the data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Saturn LS.
Is the 300M right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on individual vehicle history and maintenance. A subset of long-term owners report achieving high mileage (275,000-300,000 miles) with the 3.5L V6 engine described as "super solid and very reliable when maintained," praising the car's comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful feel for its era. However, the dominant narrative from buyer experiences centers on poor long-term reliability and pervasive, expensive failures. Very frequent complaints involve complex electrical system failures ("dashboard Christmas trees"), chronic cooling system problems leading to overheating and potential engine seizure, and automatic transmission issues including slippage, failure, and fluid leaks. The vehicle is characterized as comfortable and feature-rich when functional but ultimately a "complete pile of shit" that is poorly made, difficult to repair, and prone to leaving owners stranded. Satisfaction appears highest among those who acquired the car for very low cost ($1,000-$1,500) with realistic expectations for a project or temporary vehicle.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient specific competitive positioning data from owner discussions. The vehicle is generally positioned by owners as a spacious, comfortable, and initially well-appointed American sedan that fails to match the long-term reliability and build quality of contemporary Japanese or German alternatives. It is noted for offering luxury-like features and a powerful engine at a mainstream price, but this value proposition is undermined by high ownership costs and frequent failures as the vehicle ages.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data for specific configuration recommendations. Isolated advice suggests adhering strictly to a shortened maintenance schedule for transmission and differential fluid changes (every 50,000 miles instead of the manual's 100,000 miles) and replacing the timing belt at or before the 7-year/70,000-mile interval due to the interference engine design.
General recommendations
Only recommended for experienced hobbyists or mechanics seeking a cheap, comfortable project car with readily available parts knowledge. Not recommended as a primary, reliable daily driver, especially for those with limited repair budgets or mechanical skills. Essential due diligence includes a thorough inspection of the cooling system, transmission, and all electrical functions. A pre-purchase scan for diagnostic trouble codes is critical, though owners note some intermittent electrical issues may not store codes. Budget significantly for immediate and ongoing repairs. Purchase price should be very low (typically under $2,000) to account for inevitable repair costs. Verify maintenance history, specifically for timing belt and transmission service.
Remarks
The 3.5L "High Output" V6 engine, while a source of power and smoothness, is repeatedly cited as the core of the cooling system nightmares. The vehicle's electronics are described as uniquely problematic, with issues ranging from simple switch failures to complex network communication faults that are difficult and expensive to diagnose. The platform, shared with other contemporary Chrysler LH cars (Intrepid, Concorde, LHS), is noted for its spacious "cab-forward" design but also its fundamental reliability flaws. A significant portion of owner feedback comes from individuals dealing with aged, high-mileage examples (125,000-200,000 miles), which colors the report towards failure modes. Positive reports of high mileage exist but are presented as exceptions that required diligent, proactive maintenance. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and mentions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2000. Years to avoid: 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Chrysler 300M years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 71 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2003 | 33 | 1 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2002 | 96 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2001 | 100 | 4 | steering |
| 2000 | 256 | 7 | steering |
| 1999 | 357 | 4 | 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 notices20 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2004 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2004 · latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchcampaign 03V332000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERNAL HOOD LATCH COMPONENT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A CRACK, WHICH COULD PROPAGATE AND BREAK, ALLOWING THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY LATCH SPRING TO DISENGAGE.
2003 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2002 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2002 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
2001 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2001 · child seatcampaign 00V366000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
2001 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
2001 · structure:frame and memberscampaign 01V273000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
2000 · exterior lightingcampaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
2000 · seat beltscampaign 00V034000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.
2000 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 00V033000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MOLDING FLASH ON THE PRIMARY LEVER MAY PREVENT THE OPERATION OF THE G-LOCK AND TILT LOCK FUNCTIONS ON SOME OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE RETRACTORS.
2000 · child seatcampaign 00V366000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
2000 · air bags:frontalcampaign 99V343000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN INCORRECT INFLATOR CHARGE AMOUNT.
2000 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 03V035000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
5 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.5 i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 252 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1998–2004