Most common 2003 Chrysler 300M problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chrysler 300M complaints by model year
Best 300M years: 2003, 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Chrysler 300M:
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…
What 2003 Chrysler 300M owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler 300m. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,600.
Purchased 2003 Chrysler 300m in aug 05, with 9,500 miles. From the beginning engine light came on, was reset; in addition, gas gauge and light flicker. In aug 2006, on a trip to ca light came on and at one point car would not start immediately. Stopped at paso robles dealer who reset code. On I!0, outside san bernadino, in the third lane of heavy traffic, the car died with on warning other than the check engine light. Due to the alertness of the tractor trailer truck driver on my right, I was able to glide off the highway without causing a massive pileup. Once home I had the original dealer replace the sensor. Contacted Chrysler, received a phone call from a haughty young man - Chrysler will not pay. Since then I have had to replace one o2 sensor and now the catalytic converter is gone. Chrysler refuses to cover these under the extended warranty. …
Air bags
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler 300m. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the service light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V567000 (electrical system) and 15V313000 (air bags). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Our 2003 Chrysler 300m airbag light and DTC code p 0581 both went on approximately 3 months ago. P0581 indicates cruise control multi-function input a circuit high. The car has 38,000 miles. I spoke with a Chrysler dealer and was told the two occurrences indicated a bad 'airbag clock spring coil'. In my research I found there was a recall on Chrysler llc minivans for the same problem, also that there are many instances of this occurring in other Chrysler models. Because this seems a consistent problem with Chrysler llc vehicles, is there any investigation in progress? Also, the DTC code p0420 indicating 1/1 catalytic converter is not functioning properly. Chrysler llc seems to have problems with safety and emissions.
Brakes
Car is jerking as it is trying to shift to the next gear at 55+ miles per hour. It is also sluggish like it is working harder to just drive and the check engine light has come on but aamco transmission and gp auto couldn't find anything work with the engine or transmission. Gp auto tells us it is the aps brake system that is locked up thus making the car drive like the parking brakes is on holding the transmission back from shifting. Currently has 175,365 miles on a 2003 Chrysler 300m
Rear brakes were defective. The problem was discovered during an oil change. The mechanic stated they wore out.
2003 Chrysler 300M engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chrysler 300M a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 300M rates better than average: 62% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 300M at the same age. It is one of the best 300M years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chrysler 300M?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the air bags (4) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chrysler 300M have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Chrysler 300M. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chrysler 300M?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 2000. See the full Chrysler 300M years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Chrysler 300M problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 44% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.