Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chrysler 300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light would remain illuminated. Occasionally the lights on the dashboard and inside the vehicle would randomly blink off and on. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. During the diagnostic test, the electrical fuses continued to malfunction. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler 300. While driving 45 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred after the repair. The contact also stated that all the doors failed to unlock. The police had to unlock the doors. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump, batteries, and the entire motor needed to be replaced. The contact received a replacement key fob, which also failed to unlock the doors. The vehicle was repaired. Also, while driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed smoke under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact poured water to stop the smoke, but the failure recurred several other times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. …
Was backing out of parking space. Had foot on brake put car in reverse the motor revving flew back while foot was still on brake. I purchased it in 2013 the engine revs in both reverse and driving. Have taken to dealership they stated could not find any reason. My foot was not on gas as a matter of fact I had both feet on the brake trying to stop the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic were no error codes were detected during diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the vehicle was then taken to jim shorkey auto group dealer located at 13339 Lincoln hwy, north huntingdon, pa 15642, phone number: [phone], where the diagnoses was unknown. The contact stated that he found a x53 extended warranty (fuel tanks) for 2005-2006 Chrysler 300, that presented the same failure as his vehicle of engine stalling at low speeds. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the vehicle was not included due to the fact that the vehicle fuel tank was not the correct size and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
I am having a problem with the wireless ignition node (win) module, which can exhibit a binding condition of the solenoid latch. It's possible that the key can be removed from the ignition switch prior to placing the shifter in "park," which can cause unintended vehicle movement. There was a safety recall for the year 2010 model, but I am having the same problem with the 2005. My car was stationary. The dashlights will not go off I have been able to pull the key out and the radio would still be playing after I opened the door. I have been able to remove the key and the engine would still be running. Now I can't get the car to start at all, the key is not engaging but the dash instrument lights are still on, I had to disconnect the battery so the battery would not lose power.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler 300. While driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was a loud ding sound inside the vehicle and the engine indicator also illuminated. Shortly after the vehicle stalled, it immediately restarted. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the throttle body was cleaned and changed, but the failure continued. The dealer informed the contact that the computer system was out of date. The computer was updated, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and the mechanic stated that the fuel tank needed to be changed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shut down and lost all power without warning. The vehicle restarted after a while. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and replaced sixteen spark plugs. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced all the spark plugs again. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer, and to save the receipts for reimbursement in case of recall. The manufacturer also stated that there were two open recalls regarding the air bags. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Major vibration in right front wheel, turns out I was almost killed, thankfully I pulled over the rack/pinion assembly broke! That was an over the weekend project for dealership. Luckily covered under warranty! Now I have a binding noise in steering column, at the hook joint inside the boot covering joint, dealer greased, but noise is back, feels like column is going to snap! They won't look at without a charge! Also have rattle in dash, knocking in brakes! I'm really sorry I purchased the vehicle, now I know why I got such a great deal! They just wanted to unload!!!!!concerned for my life!!!while driving my 300!!!!!!!!!!!!seriously,I do want to see my children's weddings!!!!!
On 4/15/2015 and 5/7/2015 the engine on our car just stopped running as I was making a turn at the intersection of two streets. We lost all power brakes and steering to the car and I had to let it coast off to the side of the road. I manually stopped the car and put it in parking gear. I was able to restart the engine on the first try and continued my trip. Obviously, this recurring problem is of great concern to us and would appreciate your advise on what we should do to have it investigated and corrected a.s.a.p. We have the car serviced on a regular basic and we do not neglect the car.
Our engine went out and needed replaced when car was under 80,000 miles. It had to be replaced for over $3000. Now we are told that the cradle/subframe that holds the engine in is rusted through causing our vehicle problems when turning right. It's ready to break and cause many problems if we continue driving it!!! I've found many complaints with both of these issues online that people have reported to the company. What's it going to take to get a recall? A death as result of an accident caused from driving the car. I have kids...its unsafe and costly... What a junk car Chrysler :(
Engine complaints in other 300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chrysler 300, 11% of the model year's 837 complaints. The component named most often is engine (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler 300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Chrysler 300, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chrysler 300 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.