Wrench.Pro

2009 Chrysler 300 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Chrysler 300 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission shifting and drivability issues.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Chrysler 300.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission shifting and drivability issues

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2008-12 → 2015-12

“AFTER LEAVING FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATING .... TRANSMISSION "KICKED" ... LIKE IT WASN'T GOING INTO NEXT GEAR. ALL FLUIDS ARE CHECKED EVERY 3,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10436035
“VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO NEXT GEAR AFTER LEAVING FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATING. THIS OCCURED IN THE BEGINNING GEARS, BUT NOTHING WITH THE HIGHER UP GEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10430521
“I HAVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND I NOTICE THAT MY MATRIX WILL ROLL BACKWARDS IF I HAVE A 2009 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING WITH 1000 MILES ON IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10251282

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module fault causing brake lockup or warning light

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2014-05

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED . THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE COMPUTER MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10389824
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300C. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DOWNSHIFTED AND THE ABS AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588169

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall repair delayed by part unavailability

AIR BAGS

37 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2019-10

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10944293
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897894
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10734528

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical failure causing stall or shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2025-10

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT NIGHT, OUR 09' CHRYSLER 300 COMPLETELY SHUTOFF UNEXPECTEDLY. ENGINE SHUTOFF, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, NO POWER BRAKES...AND WORST OF ALL, ALL LIGHTS SHUTOFF! I DRIFT OFF INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE (LUCKILY MINIMAL TRAFFIC) AND STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218820
“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE ENGINE, INTERIOR LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES ALL SHUT DOWN. THE CAR EFFECTIVELY WAS MOVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163173
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CHRYSLER 300 DIED WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE JUST CUT ITSELF OFF. IT LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE, I LOST MY POWER STEERING, NOR COULD I BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10658650

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat heater or starter electrical fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2025-03

“GOT IN CAR TO DRIVE, DRIVER SEAT WARM (THOUGHT DUE TO PARKED IN PHOENIX SUN). BUT WITHIN 10 MINUTES UNBEARABLE HEAT DRIVER SEAT, NEEDED 2 PADS TO PROTECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10510747
“DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT COVER AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE COAT I WAS WEARING. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT 'PINCHING' ON MY LOWER BACK AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307462
“The OEM starter ignited a fire under the front end of my vehicle. Upon noticed, I immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher, and I put the fire out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

36 crashes 1990–2024

How the 36 occupant deaths break down

27

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

36

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Chrysler 300 reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →