2004 Chrysler 300: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Chrysler 300 has 73 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag general long-term reliability and build quality concerns — pervasive criticism of the brand and model's propensity for costly repairs, electrical gremlins, and interior rattles/squeaks as the vehicle ages. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

73
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
5
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Chrysler 300 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
15
engine and engine cooling
14
air bags
13
power train
13
structure
9

Recalls affecting the 2004 300

exterior lighting

Campaign 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 REQUIREMEN

latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its distinctive, muscular styling, spacious and comfortable interior, smooth highway ride quality, and strong value proposition, particularly for V8 models offering signi

  • General long-term reliability and build quality concerns — pervasive criticism of the brand and model's propensity for costly repairs, electrical gremlins, and interior rattles/squeaks as the vehicle ages. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Powertrain-specific failures (V6) — oil cooler leaks and valvetrain issues (e.g., lifter/camshaft problems, often manifesting as a ticking sound), particularly noted on higher-mileage examples and pre-2014 models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Powertrain-specific failures (V8 HEMI) — lifter failure, a known issue that can lead to significant engine damage. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical and infotainment problems — battery drain issues, faulty modules (e.g., ignition switch, Bluetooth), glitchy Uconnect systems, and various sensor failures. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Suspension component wear — front suspension parts, including ball joints, noted as wearing out prematurely and requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 300.

Typical used price

Used 300 listings typically run $13,598–$19,900 across 2012 to 2023 model years.

Other 300 model years