Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Upon driving on the highway the legal speed limit is always 70mph. While following the flow of traffic individuals ahead of me started slowing down to a cruise speed of 40-50mph abruptly. While paying attention to the change in pace I slowed down as well to feel comfortable with the flow of traffic. When checking my rearview mirror to see if there was a opening to change lanes I noticed a Ford truck coming from behind at a excelled pace. With seconds before the contact I braced myself for the wreck. Without paying attention suddenly the driver from behind ran into my rear of my car. This impact not only shattered my entire rear window, but my truck caved in, both my tail lights were knocked out, and I was knocked into the next far right lane. …
2006 Chrysler 300. Bought this car for my 16 year old daughter to drive. The car starting stumbling and stalling at random times, and speeds, once while driving at 80 MPH the rpms dropped to 0 and the check engine light flashed; it always just flashes. Then just as fast as the rpms dropped to zero it came right back up. The car jumped forward like I floored the peddle. I have managed to capture this on video, because it went on acting this way for several miles. Then it was fine for about another 150 miles. Then. It returned. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and they say no codes no problem, the forth time it happened I got a code u0100 and p0700. With my scan tool but again dealer says they cant find anything wrong and there is no codes. When asked how was the check engine light on if there were no codes. The answer was they did not know. This problem still is present to this day. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While driving various speeds, an unspecified part became loose underneath the vehicle. Upon applying the brakes, the vehicle shook and the front driver and passenger side wheels seemed unstable. In addition, the check engine indicator remained illuminated. James ceranti motors inc (3064 us-82, greenville, mississippi 38703, [phone]) replaced the struts and the ball joints in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle, but the failure recurred. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failures and stated that the shaking of the vehicle was a result of faulty inner and outer tie rods. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While making a left turn at approximately 30 MPH, the steering became difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V313000 (air bags) however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. In addition, while in park, the vehicle independently started and jerked and the engine and steering wheel made abnormal noises. The contact also stated that the steering wheel seized and as contact attempted to turn the vehicle off, the key failed to turn and remained in the on position. All interior lights flickered. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. While making a right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to control and the vehicle veered to the left. The vehicle became stationary in the middle of the road. The vehicle was restarted and functioned as normal but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was not determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that after the vehicle was inspected, the technician determined that the front passenger side tie rod end was loose. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tie rod end needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who performed the repairs needed. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Vehicle intermittently stalls when slowing down to stop or slowing down to turn a corner. All power shuts down and check fuel light comes on. Check engine light does not come on. Has only happened with a partial tank of gas-never with a full tank - remaining mileage has been between 75 and 123 miles left. Has only happened at slow speed. Dealer has worked on it 4 times each time closing ticket as fixed except for the last time . Have talked to service director about problem with no results. Vehicle has 123000 miles.
On my way to work I stopped and put $15 dolalrs in the tank I was just below a half tank now. I drove roughly 5-10miles and when I was driving around 30mph the oil can light came on and then my steering got tight and brakes got tight. It was like they went out. My car engine then shut off and I coasted to the shoulder the best I could. This almost caused a large accident. I tried starting the car immediately after it made noise but would not start a couple minutes later I started it and the car started fine.
Vehicle intermittently stalls when slowing for a stop or accelerating after a stop or slowing down to turn a corner. Has happened 4 times after being 'fixed' by dealer. Did meet with service director but have not had any response. No power when it happens.. All instances are on city paved streets. Restarts on first try. Check fuel light comes on but check engine light does not. Dealer has worked on it 3 times and replaced parts but it has not fixed the problem. They really have no idea what is going on.
Steering complaints in other 300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Chrysler 300, 5% of the model year's 1,051 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chrysler 300 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.