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2018 Chrysler 300 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Chrysler 300 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and wiring. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Backup camera failure during reverse.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #18V280000 · Jan 5, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

Risk: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Campaign #18V524000 · Sep 8, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #24V198000 · Mar 14, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chrysler 300.

Reported to NHTSA

Backup camera failure during reverse

BACK OVER PREVENTION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-04

“In both vehicles, the factory-installed backup camera has failed completely. When the vehicles are shifted into reverse, the infotainment screen remains blank or black”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719770
“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera was inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487138
“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving in reverse at approximately 2 MPH, the backup camera screen went blank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Interior door panel separation from door frame

STRUCTURE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the interior door panels on all four doors were unsecured and separated from the door frame”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648280
“On 9/12/2022 I attempted to exit my vehicle and the panel had lifted such that the door would not open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484320
“The contact owns 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the inside door panel detached from the door frame”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11433946

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight assembly failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-06

“Head light assembly quit working, i.e no headlight in Decemeber 2024”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670171
“Passenger headlight assembly stopped working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626756
“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 02/09/2019 AND AS I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO GET WET DUE INSIDE THE FRONT LIGHTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175992

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof panel failure and water leak

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2023-06

“I was driving down interstate 95 N Richmond Va and i heard a loud pop scared me to dealth, My sunroof exploded leaving a large hole in the front sunroof”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529666
“WAS DRIVING DOWN US HIGHWAY 19 AROUND 5:30PM 78 OUT AND I HEARD THIS LOUD BANG LIKE A SHOTGUN WENT OFF IN MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279431

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Uconnect touchscreen delamination and phantom touch inputs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

76 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-05

“The vehicle's LCD screen has become delaminated which causes the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the "radio" portion of the car to become dysfunctional”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736853
“The touchscreen that controls everything is going nuts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588290
“Laminate is melting on uconnect interface for control panel for climate control, navigation, defrost/defog, and radio”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466685

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and non-deployment in crashes

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the air bag warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648952
“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627909
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO TWO TREES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11152541

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and transmission hesitation

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-02

“There were 2 separate incidents that occurred. The first one we were backing out of our driveway and the car just stopped running”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643948
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SURGED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417497
“I HAVE FOUND THAT GOING AT LOWER SPEEDS, LIKE ACCELERATING FROM STOP, OR DRIVING THRU A PARKING LOT, THE TRANSMISSION JOLTS THE ENTIRE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376965

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

40 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2018 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.

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