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2002 Chrysler 300M

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Chrysler 300M do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 29 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports3 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

83 reports
73,600 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A SQUEAKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BEARING JOINT FROM THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A SQUEAKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BEARING JOINT FROM THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,600.

NHTSA ODI #10471174

73,600 miles · Aug 14, 2012
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300 M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONTAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE TRANSMISSION SHIFT OUTER BEARING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300 M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONTAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE TRANSMISSION SHIFT OUTER BEARING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RETURN CALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,600.

NHTSA ODI #10470650

97,070 miles · Apr 28, 2012
Power Train

TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE MALFUNCTION,TRANNY STUCK IN AUTO SHIFT MODE. NO WARNING LIGHT ON BUT SHIFTER FREE SHIFTS CANNOT PUT IN PARK. TURNED CAR OFF WILL NOT START, THE WORD DONE POPS UP ON DASH. RESEARCHED ONLINE SAME PROBLEMS WITH OTHER 300M MODEL YEARS FROM 1999 TO 2004. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456741

130,000 miles · Feb 22, 2012
SeatsFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK REST WAS ON FIRE AND BURNING A HOLE THROUGH HIS COAT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK REST WAS ON FIRE AND BURNING A HOLE THROUGH HIS COAT. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT IN THE SEAT HEATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10448937

116,000 miles · Jul 29, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, SHUT OFF, AND ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND OVE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, SHUT OFF, AND ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND OVERFLOW RESERVOIR TANK WERE ALL REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON FOR APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10416229

83,000 miles · May 26, 2011
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO HER HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONE OF THE BOLTS WITHIN THE STEERING C…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO HER HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ONE OF THE BOLTS WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DISLODGED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

NHTSA ODI #10402820

48,000 miles · Feb 10, 2011
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF ON WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE RADIO, CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL ALSO TURNED ON AND OFF AS WELL. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND THERE W…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF ON WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE RADIO, CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL ALSO TURNED ON AND OFF AS WELL. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE SINCE IT WAS ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ODI #10381395

35,000 miles · May 29, 2010
Electrical SystemInterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

ELECTRICAL ISSUE STARTED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE LIGHTS WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY FLICKER FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, LUCKILY LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. BATTERY DRAINS OUT EVERY 3-6 MONTHS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY- THE DEALER CL…

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ELECTRICAL ISSUE STARTED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. THE LIGHTS WOULD SPONTANEOUSLY FLICKER FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, LUCKILY LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. BATTERY DRAINS OUT EVERY 3-6 MONTHS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY- THE DEALER CLAIMED THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX A PROBLEM IF IT WASN'T OCCURRING AT THEIR SHOP; ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND WAS WORKING. THE BATTERY ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. A YEAR AGO THE PROBLEM WITH THE 3RD GEAR BEGAN. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN WHEN THE CAR SEEMED TO HAVE DOWN SHIFTED, IT FELT HEAVY. THE CAR HAS ALSO TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING ONE TIME. INPUT/OUTPUT SPEED SENSORS REPLACED, TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGED, GROUND WIRE CHECKED . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10333834

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

SQUEAKY SOUNDS COMING FROM WINDOWS, MOTOR GOES IN THE WINDOWS, 2002 CHRYSLER 300M SPECIAL EDITION REPAIRED AT 300 A WINDOW. TWO REAR WINDOWS WERE AFFECTED. OVERHEATED ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290310

71,934 miles · Aug 20, 2009
Seats

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVERS SEAT, IT EXTENDED TO THE REAR SEAT. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT ADJUSTER WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; HOWEVER, IT COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71934. UPDATED 11/03/09 *BF …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVERS SEAT, IT EXTENDED TO THE REAR SEAT. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE SEAT ADJUSTER WAS BROKEN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; HOWEVER, IT COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 71934. UPDATED 11/03/09 *BF UPDATED 11/04/09*JB

NHTSA ODI #10281190

Official recalls

1

03V035000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner

Feb 5, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE03010 · Throttle Control Failure

Opened Feb 27, 2003 · Closed Sep 2, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Vehicle Speed Control

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.