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2016 Chrysler 300 Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Oil Change Indicator System and open recall alerts for your 2016 Chrysler 300.

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Recalls3Full scheduleKnown issues7

How Chrysler schedules service: Oil Change Indicator System

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.

⚠️

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign #18E053000 · Dec 7, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U82, and U83.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #18V332000 · May 17, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign #17V097000 · Feb 14, 2017

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.

Risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.

Recall data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

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.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Chrysler 300.

Reported to NHTSA

Interior door panel warping affecting side airbags

AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2023-11

“Door panels are separating from all interior doors. Separating has caused issues with doors locking and airbag deployment. This is an issue the manufacturer has been aware of for years yet still manufactures cars with this issue.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554209
“Both front door panels severely warped to the point of Cracking and causing the door locks to bind and to also cause the possibility that side air bags may not deploy as designed or deploy prematurely.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505537
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS PANELS DETACHED FROM THE PANELS AT THE WINDOWS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS CALLED DE-LAMINATING.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360302

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering loss while driving

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2024-06

“Have been having power steering problems over the past few years. Started by displaying a shift to park message while driving, my car would then lose power and shut down completely and power steering would lock up.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595998
“I was sitting at a stop light waiting to make a left turn when the electrical power steering randomly failed. This issue made it near impossible to turn the car and caused me to almost crash into a light pole when I tried to make the left turn.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491799
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, WHICH RESULTED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11094093

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump electrical connection failure and leak

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2024-11

“Fuel pump lid is electrical connection is cause a malfunction when fuel up and burning a hole in the electrical connection causing fuel to leak out under the back seat this need to be fix before someone is killed do to a fire this is the 2n time being replace and the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624171
“Main Fuel Pump and accompanied electrical connect. The fuel pump and electrical wiring harness is available upon request. My safety was at risk due to a faulty electrical connection inside the fuel tank.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571171
“Took my car to the dealer to have the fuel pump replaced. Car was repaired and picked up only to have it returned for a fuel leak complaint. Dealership said there was no leak nor evidence of a leak, however, the car is leaking fuel.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420077

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rotary gear shifter unintended movement or disengagement

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2020-05

“THIS CAR HAS THE ROTARY DIAL FOR TRANSMISSION SELECTION. I PULLED THIS CAR HAS A ROTARY DIAL FOR THE SHIFTER. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE CAR TO CLOSE A GATE. AS SOON AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10892492
“THE ROTARY SHIFTER FUNCTIONS IN A MANNER THAT WHEN EXITING THE CAR IT WILL ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE WHILE IN GEAR AS WHEN PUSHING THE START BUTTON WILL NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE UNLESS IT IS IN PARK.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174890
“I RENTED A CAR FROM FOX CAR RENTAL AND I WAS RENTING 2016 CHRYSLER 300 MY DREAM CAR HAS I WAS DRIVING TURNED RIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE REAR SHIFT BY IT SELF THE NOB TURNED WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BREAKS I GOT REAL SCARED.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags not deploying during collision

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving on a four-lane roadway, at approximately 45 mph, another driver attempted to make a left turn with an obstructed view, ran a red light and collided with the front driver side area of the contact's…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737922
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11163716
“I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A TREE. EVERYONE KEPT ASKING ME ABOUT AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THEY DID NOT NONE. I THOUGHT NOTHING MUCH OF IT UNTIL I REALIZED WHY PEOPLE WERE ASKING.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252954

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission stalling or unexpected shift to park

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2023-08

“I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 93 IN BOSTON MA. WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRANSMISSION WENT FROM DRIVE INTO PARK AND THE CAR CAME TO A SCREECHING STOP. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO STOP IN TIME.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954389
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE "ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM SHOULD BE SERVICED" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10984199
“The contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when she arrived at her destination and proceeded to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was inoperable.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540823

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil filter housing leak from engine

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2024-12

“The oil filter housing w/sender unit leaks oil under the upper intake plemun. The oil filter Chrysler installed in the vehicle is plastic.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628219
“oil filter housing, oil pulled to back of engine creating hole, all oil leaked out.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572049

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2013 Chrysler 300 →
  • 2014 Chrysler 300 →
  • 2015 Chrysler 300 →
  • 2017 Chrysler 300 →
  • 2018 Chrysler 300 →
  • 2019 Chrysler 300 →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific 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 2016 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 →