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2021 Chrysler 300 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Chrysler 300 carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering windshield and inflator. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Airbag recall repair parts unavailability.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #21V516000 · Aug 7, 2021

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y47.

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 2021 Chrysler 300.

Reported to NHTSA

Airbag recall repair parts unavailability

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06-03 → 2026-07-28

“The contact owns a 2021 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. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618895
“I think that’s it’s appalling that the NHTSA cannot put more pressure on Chrysler to figure out a faster way to fix this deadly defect that is killing people. How long am I expected to wait for this repair? What liability does Chrysler have if I get into an accident and am…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592294

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine misfire and rocker arm needle bearing failure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03-13 → 2025-03-22

“Noticed engine had rough idle similar to misfire August 2024 shortly after an oil change@24,272 mi. NOTE Check Engine light did NOT appear. Car taken to dealership on 10/9/2024 with complaint of rough idle and diagnosed. Service Record states: diagnosed pending multi-cylinder…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649935
“My car turns off periodically while I’m driving and when I’m stopped at a light. This is random, so I didn’t even go on freeways from fear the car will stop suddenly in heavy traffic and I be killed or injured badly I have taken it to the dealer and they keep saying nothing is…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648218

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt webbing unraveling or tearing

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10-09 → 2025-03-13

“My seatbelt on the driver side has began unraveling, Ive been driving since 16 teen and never saw this before. I went to buckle my seatbelt about a week agao from 10/14/2024 and it would not pull through and I notice it was actually torn in half to the middle mark of the canvas…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619632
“About 2 months ago the passenger seatbelt in my vehicle just tore out of nowhere. The seam seemed to unravel and it completely broke. Took it to get repaired had some issue but my complaint today is to help save someone from this or maybe others may have had same issue. The…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648223

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure and fuel gauge malfunction

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03-26 → 2025-06-24

“The car presented with several issues including, difficulty starting, engine misfires, stalling, and decreased fuel efficiency. The low fuel warning light on my car's dashboard would not come on when gas was low at all, until it left me stranded in the freeway far away from home…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669025

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera blank or distorted display

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-07-28 → 2026-07-28

“The backup camera system malfunctioned, resulting in a blank or distorted display screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This system failure deprives the driver of rear visibility and disables the rear parking collision warning, creating a safety hazard when backing up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753341

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight assembly failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-05-08 → 2026-05-08

“The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle or driving the contact noticed the headlights have failed to work as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736665

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)

16 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.

0

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 2021 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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