AI Damage2002 Chrysler 300M: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Chrysler 300M filed 83 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 83
- involving a crash
- 13
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 14% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 12% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 12% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 11% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 10% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (16% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Powertrain: 12 complaints (14% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 10 complaints (12% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Steering: 10 complaints (12% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Air bags: 9 complaints (11% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 83 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 13 | 2 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Seats | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the lug nut on the right tie rod became loose. As a result, the pin would need to be replaced as preventative measure.
The contact stated that the wheel rims were rusted and corroded from the inside and caused the tires to become slack. The contact had to continuously add air to the tires on a daily basis for over seven years.
Rear end accident approx 35-40 miles per hour, car towed from scene, approx $6000 damage to front end, and driver air bag did not deploy, sustained, back, neck and leg injures, they stated wiring could of been corroded.
We were rear ended while stopped at a traffic signal. Both of our seats came loose from the floor and the hinges broke on our seat backs. Our auto was totaled and taken away by the other persons insurance company.
Chrysler 300m 2002 dashboard battery light illuminated before losing power. When the consumer exited the vehicle, he opened the hood and discovered the engine compartment was on fire. The consumer was told the battery post had a high propensity for fires.
The front and side air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a severe gash on the head, cuts and bruises.
Upon impact the dual air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained a fractured arm.
Consumer heard a loud noise while traveling 65 mph. Also, abs light was flashing consumer depressed the brakes and abs locked up, causing vehicle to go into a 180* turn, hitting a guard rail twice.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 3,991 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 11% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 300M has 99 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 83, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler 300M?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, powertrain, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 83. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: overheating, coolant loss (8%), warning lights, check engine (8%), smoke, burning smell, fire (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 Chrysler 300M?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Chrysler 300M from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2002 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.