FaultScore

FaultScore report

2000 Chrysler 300M problems

Owners have filed 294 complaints about the 2000 Chrysler 300M with NHTSA between 1999 and 2023. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.

D

FaultScore 68/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chrysler 300M.

How this is worked out

The numbers

294

Complaints

19

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

16

Injuries reported

59,082 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

20%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 79 vs 50 Severity 72 vs 50 Early failure 34 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 79
Against the median year of the Chrysler 300M. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 72
13.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2000 compares with every other Chrysler 300M

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Chrysler 300M

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 56 19.0%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

Body & Structure 39 13.3%

Median failure at 59,729 miles

Airbags 29 9.9%

10 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,000 mi

Wheels 21 7.1%

Median failure at 53,950 miles

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Seats 16 5.4%

4 crashes, 1 fires · median 81,500 mi

Tires 16 5.4%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

Median failure at 25,000 miles

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 61,000 mi

Suspension 12 4.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45,500 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 77,100 mi

Other & Unspecified 8 2.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 32,000 mi

Lights 7 2.4%

Median failure at 48,212 miles

Brakes 7 2.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires

Fuel & Propulsion 6 2.0%

Median failure at 137,500 miles

Equipment & Accessories 5 1.7%

Median failure at 84,950 miles

Seat Belts 2 0.7%

Median failure at 76,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 0.7%

Median failure at 85,048 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Frontal 18 22.5%
Rack AND Pinion 14 17.5%
Latch 14 17.5%
RIM 9 11.3%
Windshield 7 8.8%
Recliner 6 7.5%
Door 6 7.5%
Automatic Transmission 6 7.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 3 1.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 1.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 15 9.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 41 25.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 44 27.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 23 14.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 20 12.4%
150,000+ miles 13 8.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2000 Chrysler 300M 4-DR.

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 1999 peak 12 Apr 2023

NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Chrysler 300M

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE03010 Opened 27 Feb 2003 Closed 2 Sep 2003 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE

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.

Recalls on the 2000 Chrysler 300M

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

03V035000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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

Risk: 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.

01V273000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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."

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.

00V366000

CHILD SEAT

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.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

00V034000

SEAT BELTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.

Risk: THE AFFECTED MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT WITHSTAND SUFFICIENT FORCE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY IN CERTAIN IMPACT SITUATIONS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A BELTED OCCUPANT.

00V033000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

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.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS IN A FRONTAL CRASH SITUATION, DRIVER PROTECTION FROM THE SEAT BELT MAY BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

99V343000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN INCORRECT INFLATOR CHARGE AMOUNT.

Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A PASSENGER OCCUPANT INJURY UNDER CERTAIN ACCIDENT CONDITIONS.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2003035 135,327 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the driver seat recliner bolts could break which would allow the seat back to recline unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Correction: Dealer will replace the recliner bolts with new shoulder bolt and, for vehicles with power driver seats built through January 2000, the recliner tracks will be realigned and a longer recliner driveshaft will be installed to prevent disengagement.

Recall 2000045 17,530 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the adjustable turning loop on the shoulder belt top mounting bolt may have been manufactured with a core hardness that exceeds the specification for this type of application. Due to the excessive core hardness, these mounting bolts may not withstand the force required to function properly in certain impact situations, increasing the risk of injury to a belted occupant. Correction: The upper adjustable turning loop bolt will be replaced with a bolt of proper hardness.

Recall 2000044 1,230 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the molding flash on the primary lever may prevent operation of the deceleration lock and tilt lock functions of the driver's side retractor. If this should occur in a frontal crash situation, driver protection from the seat belt may be reduced, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Left front retractor assemblies will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Recall 2000013 25 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the passenger side air bag inflator assembly contains an incorrect inflator charge. This condition could increase the risk of a passenger occupant injury in the event of a crash. Correction: Passenger air bag modules will be replaced.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 115,000 miles Muncie, IN Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AFTER STARTING MY CAR BEFORE WORK IN THE MORNING, THE DRIVERS STEERING COLUMN/DASH AREA BURST INTO FLAMES THAT WERE BRIGHT BLUE/WHITE IN COLOR AND UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT STATED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DRIVERS DASH AREA OR STEERING COLUMN. THIS FIRE ENGULFED MY ENTIRE CAR VERY QUICKLY, AND NEARLY BURNT DOWN MY HOUSE! THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 6 FEET FROM MY HOME. AS IT WAS BURNING, I HEARD THE ENGINE KEEP RESTARTING ITSELF AS IF SOMETHING WAS GOING ON WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR SYSTEM. IT WAS STATIONARY. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #10823851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Muncie, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER STARTING MY CAR BEFORE WORK IN THE MORNING, THE DRIVERS STEERING COLUMN/DASH AREA BURST INTO FLAMES THAT WERE BRIGHT BLUE/WHITE IN COLOR AND UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT STATED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DRIVERS DASH AREA OR STEERING COLUMN. THIS FIRE ENGULFED MY ENTIRE CAR VERY QUICKLY, AND NEARLY BURNT DOWN MY HOUSE! THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 6 FEET FROM MY HOME. AS IT WAS BURNING, I HEARD THE ENGINE KEEP RESTARTING ITSELF AS IF SOMETHING WAS GOING ON WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR SYSTEM. IT WAS STATIONARY. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #10823851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Merritt Island, FL Crash 1 injured

SEATS

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT VEHICLE BEHIND ME DID NOT STOP AND REAR ENDED ME. BOTH FRONT SEATS IN MY CAR LET LOOSE AND THE SEAT BACKS WENT FULLY RECLINED. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH LAYING ON OUR BACKS WITH HEADS ON THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING, IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO GET UPRIGHT AND STOP THE CAR. CHRYSLER TOLD ME THE SEATS ARE DESIGNED THIS WAY. HERE IS WHAT THEY SAID "THE SEATS IN YOUR VEHICLE. OUR DESIGN TO PROGRESSIVELY TILT JUST DURING A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE IDEA BEHIND THAT, IS THAT IT DOES LESSON INJURIES TO THE FRONT SEAT VEHICLE OCCUPANTS ONCE THAT HAPPENS SO THAT WOULD BE A NORMAL OCCURRENCE FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A REAR END COLLISION". I SAY [XXX]. IF SOMEONE WAS IN THE BACK THE SEAT WOULD HAVE BROKEN THEIR LEGS. IT WAS NOT A"PROGRESSIVE" TILT, THEY FLEW BACK. THEY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10477340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Merritt Island, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT VEHICLE BEHIND ME DID NOT STOP AND REAR ENDED ME. BOTH FRONT SEATS IN MY CAR LET LOOSE AND THE SEAT BACKS WENT FULLY RECLINED. MY WIFE AND I WERE BOTH LAYING ON OUR BACKS WITH HEADS ON THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING, IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO GET UPRIGHT AND STOP THE CAR. CHRYSLER TOLD ME THE SEATS ARE DESIGNED THIS WAY. HERE IS WHAT THEY SAID "THE SEATS IN YOUR VEHICLE. OUR DESIGN TO PROGRESSIVELY TILT JUST DURING A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE IDEA BEHIND THAT, IS THAT IT DOES LESSON INJURIES TO THE FRONT SEAT VEHICLE OCCUPANTS ONCE THAT HAPPENS SO THAT WOULD BE A NORMAL OCCURRENCE FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A REAR END COLLISION". I SAY [XXX]. IF SOMEONE WAS IN THE BACK THE SEAT WOULD HAVE BROKEN THEIR LEGS. IT WAS NOT A"PROGRESSIVE" TILT, THEY FLEW BACK. THEY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10477340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Detroit, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300 M. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER SEAT BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE FROM UNDERNEATH. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BY POURING WATER ON IT AND DISCONNECTED THE SEAT MOTOR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER OR THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #10379302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lena, IL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THERE WERE NO EVENTA LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE- MY CHRYSLER 300 M HAD BEEN SITTING IN OUR GARAGE FOR 4 HOURS.. AND STARTED ON FIRE, WHICH THEN CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE ( WHICH WE OWNED 19 DAYS) , RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF OUR HOME, THE VEHICLE, AND 2 OUTSIDE BUILDINGS- DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA complaint #10364181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 40,000 miles South Jordan, UT

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

The contact owns a 2000 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated that the lift support struts of the hood and the trunk had failed, causing the trunk and the hood to close on her head when raised. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11519070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MISFIRE FUEL INJECTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAHARA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 5050 W SAHARA AVE #3400, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146, (800) 506-5050) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE TUBE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL WAS LEAKING, WHICH CAUSED THE VACUUM TUBE, FUEL LINE CLIP, FUEL SUPPLY TUBE, AND FUEL VAPOR TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE TWICE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

NHTSA complaint #11252501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Anza, CA

TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M EQUIPPED WITH TOYO PROXES T1R TIRES (NA), SIZE: 245/45ZR16 94W (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES AND THERE WERE CRACKS IN EACH TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE STORE, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE TIRES TO A TIRE STORE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11097078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 252,424 miles BAY Shore, NY

AIR BAGS

THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA complaint #11030256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakland, CA

SEAT BELTS

TAKATA RECALL THE KEY IGNITION KEPT GETTING STUCK UNTIL THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE SEATBELTS GETS STUCK SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT SON THE CAR AND THEY DONT COME OUT ALL THE WAY. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE WATER PUMP WENT OUT ON THE FREEWAY,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER THE WATER PUMP.WHITE SMOKE SOMETIMES COME OUT THE TAIL PIPES WHILE DRIVING.DASH BROARD LIGHTS KEEP COMING OFF AND ON WHEN DRIVING. THE TRUCK AND HOOD DOES NOT STAY UP THE AIR HOLDER GIVING OUT. WHEN YOU POP THE TRUCK OR THE HOOD IT DOES POP ALL TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10907279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakland, CA

STEERING

TAKATA RECALL THE KEY IGNITION KEPT GETTING STUCK UNTIL THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE SEATBELTS GETS STUCK SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT SON THE CAR AND THEY DONT COME OUT ALL THE WAY. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE WATER PUMP WENT OUT ON THE FREEWAY,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER THE WATER PUMP.WHITE SMOKE SOMETIMES COME OUT THE TAIL PIPES WHILE DRIVING.DASH BROARD LIGHTS KEEP COMING OFF AND ON WHEN DRIVING. THE TRUCK AND HOOD DOES NOT STAY UP THE AIR HOLDER GIVING OUT. WHEN YOU POP THE TRUCK OR THE HOOD IT DOES POP ALL TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10907279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakland, CA

ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL THE KEY IGNITION KEPT GETTING STUCK UNTIL THE KEY BROKE OFF IN THE IGNITION. THE SEATBELTS GETS STUCK SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT SON THE CAR AND THEY DONT COME OUT ALL THE WAY. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE WATER PUMP WENT OUT ON THE FREEWAY,TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER THE WATER PUMP.WHITE SMOKE SOMETIMES COME OUT THE TAIL PIPES WHILE DRIVING.DASH BROARD LIGHTS KEEP COMING OFF AND ON WHEN DRIVING. THE TRUCK AND HOOD DOES NOT STAY UP THE AIR HOLDER GIVING OUT. WHEN YOU POP THE TRUCK OR THE HOOD IT DOES POP ALL TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10907279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Muncie, IN Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AFTER STARTING MY CAR BEFORE WORK IN THE MORNING, THE DRIVERS STEERING COLUMN/DASH AREA BURST INTO FLAMES THAT WERE BRIGHT BLUE/WHITE IN COLOR AND UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT STATED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DRIVERS DASH AREA OR STEERING COLUMN. THIS FIRE ENGULFED MY ENTIRE CAR VERY QUICKLY, AND NEARLY BURNT DOWN MY HOUSE! THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 6 FEET FROM MY HOME. AS IT WAS BURNING, I HEARD THE ENGINE KEEP RESTARTING ITSELF AS IF SOMETHING WAS GOING ON WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR SYSTEM. IT WAS STATIONARY. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #10823851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Muncie, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER STARTING MY CAR BEFORE WORK IN THE MORNING, THE DRIVERS STEERING COLUMN/DASH AREA BURST INTO FLAMES THAT WERE BRIGHT BLUE/WHITE IN COLOR AND UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT STATED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DRIVERS DASH AREA OR STEERING COLUMN. THIS FIRE ENGULFED MY ENTIRE CAR VERY QUICKLY, AND NEARLY BURNT DOWN MY HOUSE! THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 6 FEET FROM MY HOME. AS IT WAS BURNING, I HEARD THE ENGINE KEEP RESTARTING ITSELF AS IF SOMETHING WAS GOING ON WITH THE IGNITION CYLINDER OR SYSTEM. IT WAS STATIONARY. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #10823851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Jonestown, PA

WHEELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL, TIRE LINE: TIGER PAW, TIRE SIZE: 225/55R1797J, AND DOT NUMBER: Y900FPUU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SEAL BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING LOSS OF AIR TO THE TIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN THE LOCATION OF THE TIRE THAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE TIRE AND VEHICLE MILEAGE WERE 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #10820236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Jonestown, PA

TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL, TIRE LINE: TIGER PAW, TIRE SIZE: 225/55R1797J, AND DOT NUMBER: Y900FPUU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SEAL BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING LOSS OF AIR TO THE TIRE. IT WAS UNKNOWN THE LOCATION OF THE TIRE THAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE TIRE AND VEHICLE MILEAGE WERE 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #10820236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,000 miles Colville, WA

WHEELS

WHILE TURNING A CORNER MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED ONE DIRECTION WHILE MY TIRES STAYED STRAIGHT. ALSO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY CAR WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE ALMOST HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN MY WHEELS DECIDED TO TURN BACK WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST TO THE END OF STEERING RATIO. THIS CAR IS GOING TO END UP KILLING SOMEONE. THEN THERE WILL BE A MAJOR LAW SUIT. I REPLACED THE RACK & PINION. WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND NOW IT IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. ALSO REPLACED THE TIE ROD ENDS. THE BOLTS BACK OUT OR BECOME LOOSE ON THE RACK & PINION. HAVE HAD TO TIGHTEN THEM ON MANY OCCASIONS.

NHTSA complaint #10745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,000 miles Colville, WA

STEERING

WHILE TURNING A CORNER MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED ONE DIRECTION WHILE MY TIRES STAYED STRAIGHT. ALSO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY CAR WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE ALMOST HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN MY WHEELS DECIDED TO TURN BACK WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST TO THE END OF STEERING RATIO. THIS CAR IS GOING TO END UP KILLING SOMEONE. THEN THERE WILL BE A MAJOR LAW SUIT. I REPLACED THE RACK & PINION. WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND NOW IT IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. ALSO REPLACED THE TIE ROD ENDS. THE BOLTS BACK OUT OR BECOME LOOSE ON THE RACK & PINION. HAVE HAD TO TIGHTEN THEM ON MANY OCCASIONS.

NHTSA complaint #10745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,000 miles Colville, WA

SUSPENSION

WHILE TURNING A CORNER MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED ONE DIRECTION WHILE MY TIRES STAYED STRAIGHT. ALSO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MILES AN HOUR. MY CAR WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE ALMOST HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN MY WHEELS DECIDED TO TURN BACK WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST TO THE END OF STEERING RATIO. THIS CAR IS GOING TO END UP KILLING SOMEONE. THEN THERE WILL BE A MAJOR LAW SUIT. I REPLACED THE RACK & PINION. WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND NOW IT IS STARTING TO DO IT AGAIN. ALSO REPLACED THE TIE ROD ENDS. THE BOLTS BACK OUT OR BECOME LOOSE ON THE RACK & PINION. HAVE HAD TO TIGHTEN THEM ON MANY OCCASIONS.

NHTSA complaint #10745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,236 miles Detroit, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO EJECT FROM THE IGNITION PROPERLY. THE KEY WOULD ONLY EJECT FROM THE IGNITION AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,236.

NHTSA complaint #10744866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,000 miles Madisonville, KY

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE SERVICED, THE MECHANIC OBSERVED THE BOLT FROM THE RACK AND PINION DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10743862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles Anza, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SMELLED GAS COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE REAR OF ENGINE WITH SMALL DROPS FALLING ON EXHAUST PIPE I LOOKED THIS UP AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 1999 CHRYSLERS BUT DID NOT LIST MY 2000 MODEL. APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM WAS NEVER REMEDIED AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR WAS RECALLED BUT THE NEXT MODEL YEAR USED THE SAME PARTS BUT WAS NOT RECALLED. I WENT ONLINE CHECKING TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD THIS EXPERIENCE AND THERE WERE MANY OTHERS THAT COMPLAINED OF THIS PROBLEM. MOST OF THEM SAID IT WAS FROM A PLASTIC PART THAT HOOKED TO THE FUEL LINE CONNECTING TO A FUEL INJECTION DISTRIBUTION CENTER. I CALLED A CHRYSLER PARTS DEPARTMENT AT A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT CHRYSLER HAD CHANGED THE WAY THIS LINE WAS MADE BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE LHS AND 300M MODELS. THESE MODEL CARS ARE UNSAFE TO OPERATE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY MANUFACTURED GAS LINE THAT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND COULD CAUSE FIRES AND POSSIBLE INJURIES OR WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #10702364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ottoawa, OH

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V343000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10691062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ottoawa, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V343000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10691062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,387 miles Ocala, FL

SEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO SUDDENLY RECLINE TO A FULL HORIZONTAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A PLASTIC GEAR TO THE SEAT MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO REMEDY WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,387.

NHTSA complaint #10630287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Reno, NV

STEERING

SINCE I GOT MY 2000 CHRYSLER 300M, EVERYTIME I GO OVER SPEED BUMPS IT SHAKES AND POPS. I ALSO NOTICED EVERYTIME I MAKE A TURN IT GIVES A LOUD POPPING NOISE. EVERYTIME IM GOING 25-35 MPH IT FEELS LIKE MY FRONT TIRES ARE LOOSE AND SHAKY. SEEMS LIKE ITS ONLY GETTING WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #10595009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Reno, NV

SUSPENSION

SINCE I GOT MY 2000 CHRYSLER 300M, EVERYTIME I GO OVER SPEED BUMPS IT SHAKES AND POPS. I ALSO NOTICED EVERYTIME I MAKE A TURN IT GIVES A LOUD POPPING NOISE. EVERYTIME IM GOING 25-35 MPH IT FEELS LIKE MY FRONT TIRES ARE LOOSE AND SHAKY. SEEMS LIKE ITS ONLY GETTING WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #10595009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Middleton, ID

SEATS

WHILE DRIVING, THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT WENT FROM AN UPRIGHT TO RECLINING POSITION.

NHTSA complaint #10549656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Beaverton, OR

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER 300M. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD EXPLOSION. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE IMMEDIATELY FELT AS IF IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10502490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Deltona, FL

STEERING

DRIVING APROX 10 MPH INTO TO SCHOOL PICK UP AND DROP OFF AREA, TO PICK UP CHILDREN AS SCHOOL WAS LETTING OUT. I LOST ALL STEERING FUNCTIONS, I HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED BACK TO MY RESIDENCE. MY HUSBAND FOUND THAT A BOLT HAD BROKE OFF THE TIE ROD ((RIGHT SIDE) GOING INTO THE RACK AND PINION AND THE (LEFT SIDE) BOLT TO THE TIE ROD HAD BACK OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION. THEIR WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. I THANK THE GOOD LORD THAT IT HAPPENED WHERE AND WHEN IT DID, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT OUTCOME A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD WITH MYSELF AND 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR GOING 45-50 MPH ON THE 2 LANE ROAD GOING BACK TO OUR HOME. NOW AS I DRIVE OUR OTHER VEHICLE AROUND AND SEE A CHRYSLER 300M I WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS IN THAT VEHICLE AND THE OTHERS AROUND THEM.

NHTSA complaint #10502069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.