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 2006 Chrysler 300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was HOT. The contact turned the vehicle off and waited for about 30 minutes and the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered and stalled after refueling. There was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact waited for 30 minutes to restart the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. While driving and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V002000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
2006 Chrysler 300 Touring 3.5L V6 engine. Car has intermittent stall at slow speeds or at complete stop. Sometimes feels like it stumbles, other times it dies suddenly and unable to tell the engine shut down. I have to put car in park and completely switch the ignition fully off and turn back on to start position. When it stalls while rolling, I have to brake and bring car to full stop, with no power steering, and go through the same start procedure. No trouble codes are generated, and no check engine light indicator illuminated. Car usually starts right up, but sometimes I have to keep cranking starter, stumbles to catch as if starving for fuel. A/C was on first two times but also happens with A/C off. Research online reveals an open recall for the fuel tank on the 300C model with a 5.7L or 6.4L engine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While driving at a low speed, the contact noticed smoke under the hood on the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the temperature gauge increased as the vehicle started to overheat. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and, upon opening the hood, noticed fluid leaking from the engine compartment. Also, when it rained, water entered the vehicle through the roof. On several occasions, while driving 45 MPH, all the doors shook as if they would open. The dealer (economic auto sales, 2715 martin luther king jr pkwy, des moines, ia 50314, [phone]) informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was purchased 'as is'. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Chrysler 300. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact pulled the vehicle over and a loud abnormal noise came from the fuel tank area. The vehicle caught fire underneath the hood and undercarriage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a junkyard. The manufacturer inspected the vehicle and cut a piece of wire from the fuse box; however, they were not able to assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Chrysler 300. After driving the vehicle approximately 20 miles and parking it in the driveway, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, a pedestrian alerted the contact that there was smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. Soon after, the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The vehicle was not towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
When my key is turned to the "on" position without fully starting the vehicle, it starts stalling at low speeds and will not start without pressing the gas pedal. This will continue for approximately one week before the vehicle will return to normal performance. By normal performance, I mean it will start without pressing gas pedal and no stalling at low speed. When taking vehicle for routine services, I must inform the technicians not to place key in the "on" position or the problem start all over again. So far, I've had one accident due to this problem.
2006 Chrysler 300c srt8 6.1l stalls. Once normal idle temperature reaches 200 degrees, the car starts to rev up and down and eventually turns off. No codes. Replaced both camshaft and crankshaft sensor. This is annoying and dangerous because sometimes the car accelerates while on gear!! Or completely dies while driving. I had a minor (small bump) accident at a gas station. Idle started to fluctuate and at one point, the car jumped a bit, I hit the brakes but I came into minor contact with the car in from of us. Helps us to get this resolved.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck and the rpms and speed increased without warning. The contact crashed into a concrete pillar. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 12/01/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor emitting from the exhaust system. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine complaints in other 300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA has 229 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chrysler 300, 22% of the model year's 1,051 complaints. The component named most often is engine (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chrysler 300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Chrysler 300, though it has 4 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 2006 Chrysler 300 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 9 fires and 3 injuries 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.