Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake was applied however; the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle continued through the intersection and crashed into a truck causing damage to both vehicles. The contact sustained minor injuries and a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who found no problem. Also, intermittently when the gear was shifted into reverse the vehicle continued to go forward. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who could not duplicate the problem. Further, while driving various speeds, if hands were removed from the steering wheel, the vehicle pulled to the right. The dealer could not identify the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler 300m. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to slow down, the vehicle would jerk and stay at the same speed or stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was stuck in third gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Had just gotten car back from dealers garage for air conditioning repair. Had driven less than about 10 miles slow city driving 35mph max. When suddenly without warning of any kind the transmission went to full throttle instantaneously. Hit brakes, tried to change gears, steer out of traffic, almost impossible to control. Finally turned off the key to the engine. Turned on twice to see if any improvement. None. When mechanic arrived within about an half hour and turned on engine no problem except the car would not go in reverse. Computer diagnosis showed build up of pressure in transmission code of some kind and the mechanic advised the transmission overdrive hub had broken. Transmission needed rebuilt or replaced. Had not thought to request dealer hold old parts but just called to request them to hold .
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler 300m. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact noticed that the transmission would not shift into third gear. The contact restarted the vehicle and it functioned properly; however it would violently jerk when slowing down. The dealer was aware of the issue and made two attempts to remedy the failure by replacing the transmission valve. The contact informed the manufacturer who took a complaint. The vehicle was at the local dealership awaiting repairs. The current mileage was 89,549 and the failure mileage was 62,036. Updated 03/22/11 updated 1/4/11
Whom it May concern: when I first purchased my car the transmission went out 3 weeks after sale the dealership repaired it and sent me on my way. I have now yet over 5K worth of receipts of repairs completed prior to the transmission going out yet again this time while driving with my children the car shut off in motion in middle of a 4 way. The electrical system while driving all light s interior pops on while driving and cause friction in the speed. This has been actively doing this for approx. 2 years when I took to have the car looked at the mechanic advised its a poorly built car and would need the whole electric system re-wired. The biggest thing is the transmission is slipping in 1st gear and reverse the first time the engine blew I was in the fast lane at 65 miles per hour dropped to 40 miles and everyone behind me was quick as I could have lost my life amongst others. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300 m. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning while driving between 1-15 MPH. The failure occurred a year ago during the winter. The steering and power brakes became difficult to maneuver, and the engine lost power. The failure caused the contacts vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The last repair was performed in October 2006. Since the repair no failures occurred until recently. While driving 15 MPH down hill the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and nothing happened. The instrument panel lights illuminated and the vehicle shut off. He then shifted into neutral and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle always restarted. The vehicle was taken to hoffman automotive and was awaiting a diagnostic. …
Check engine light came on after turned right out of parking garage. Pulled on I-71 s and tried to accelerate to merge. Transmission locked in low gear and could not accelerate past 50 MPH (current speed limit was 65). Rpms were past 4000 and other car horns were blaring because car would not shift and was going incredibly slow. Tried to go to the manual shifter and still would not shift. Pulled over, turned off car. Turned car back on and car was fine. Car did it three times on the way home. Had previously taken to the dealership and spent $600 replacing transmission module. After researching the internet, there have been many people experiencing this problem in this car. Dealership appears to refuse to fix the problem. Extremely frustrated and unhappy.
Check engine warning light cam on. Transmission lock in a low gear. Took to five star dealership wullenweber for service. Replaced a transmission module for $600. Two weeks later the transmission again lock in a lower gear while on i75. Had car towed back to dealership wullenweber were it was two weeks earlier. Told me that the transmission module was good but the engine bearing was blown and the a remanufactured engine would cost between $4,000 and $6,000 . This is a 2001 300m with only 51,000 miles. What can you do to help as the dealership is completely refusing to accept any responsibility for the failure of the transmission and the resulting sever damage to the engine.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock May fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock May also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, jx and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler 300M years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (32), 2000 (12), 2002 (12), 2004 (12) and 2001 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chrysler 300M transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-021 (floor shift, Jan 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chrysler 300M transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (43 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (5).
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.