Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chrysler 300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My radio has a hole in it. There was a pop noise and then everything leaked out the car was only just started, not over heating I stopped to talk to a neighbor when we heard the pop noise and a piece of plastic was sticking out of the fan area I later learned it was from my fan assembly. How does this happen to a car with less then 56,000. Miles that goes to dealers for service, this car is a lemon. They had to rebuild transmission at 27,000. Miles, brakes and rotors last year four new tires, and that dealer said I was going to need front end work, I have been to three different dealers and don't feel I can trust any of them . They seem to find things to do even if not needed . …
I bought this vehicle, thinking it was great. I tried driving it home, and never made it. I lost all power on the highway in front of the semi. In return I did not have brakes, I didn't have steering, all lights turned off, and to top it off it wouldn't start again. I've replaced the PCM, starter, alternator, the power distribution, all the fuses/relays, and here I am still spending hundreds of dollars to try to get my vehicle to work again, and it's not seeming possible. I have 2 kids and now once I get it started I must worry if it'll happen again. The car only has 120,000 miles on it. It's been very well kept. And now I've bought all these parts and paid all this money to have it repaired. And now I'm out of my other vehicle, and with the corona virus I am out of work, and have no way to keep spending money to fix it or find out the problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler 300. The contact received notices for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V567000 (electrical system) and 15V313000 (air bags); however, the parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The dealer stated that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that all the windows and the trunk failed to open intermittently. Also, the vehicle would hesitate when shifting gears and the brake pedal sank to the floor when depressed. The dealer was made aware of all the failures. The failure mileage was 114,000.
For the axle or the wheel bearings or something like that every time I turn the wheel to a certain angle it pops also has hard vibration while driving the buttons have fallen off the seats the steering pulls to the right has rust by the gas tank 0102 since banks sensors have one out and has stopped starting occasionally have replaced key fob but it occasionally still happens and the flow sensor alert is coming on for the code airbag recall needs done the wheels pressure sensor gauge never turns off for the alert I've had to have my car towed three times because I'm non-start and engine light is still on also dangerously the heat shield had come apart on my car just recently 2020 super dangerous while driving
Since the first occurrence, this has happened many, many times .. The engine will not turn over either with the key fob in the ignition or remotely. At times I have had to keep attempting to start the car for as long as 20 minutes before it finally turns over. You can hear something that sounds like electrical relays in the rear of the car, but the engine doesn't seem to engage. Other issues: on one occasion, the car stalled while at a stop light. On several other occasions, while sitting at a stop light, it seems the rear axle is making a "clunking" sound and it feels as though the transmission is downshifting without any input from the driver. I bought this vehicle used a couple of years ago.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler 300. When the vehicle was started, it failed to shift into drive and the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V567000 (electrical system) and 15V313000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler 300. While driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked forward and stalled as the traction control and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.
When cold cannot shift out of park. Have to restart to get it to shift. Told by Chrysler not covered inder recall k59 transmission interlock problem. All evidence howevr seems to point to the same problem on this year 300. Have appt to have looked at by dealer was told by Chrysler could also be faulty ignition switch which was replaced.
Unable to shift out of park when car is cold and first started. Second attempt lets it get out of park. Chrysler states this is not part of recall k39 however systems are the same. When car is warm this does not happen.
Cant drive car in rain when going up hill tire lock up so I have to go slow like one off the rear tires is wanting to go but its not able to so car starts acting weird it only does it in the rain.
Related recalls
Power train › Axle hubs
Chrysler is recalling 5,509 my 2008 300, Dodge magnum, and charger vehicles. The torque retention crimp feature was missed during the manufacture of one lot of rear axle hub nuts. This could cause the nuts to loosen and allow the halfshaft to disengage from the wheel hub.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle hub nuts. The recall began on July 21, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Transmission complaints in other 300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Chrysler 300?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Chrysler 300, 4% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler 300 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-295 (axle hubs, Jul 2, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler 300 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
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.