Last updated: 2026-04-20

2018 Chrysler 300 Reliability Report
The 2018 Chrysler 300 scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 151 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
151
Complaint Rate
32.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$631
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600–$3,950
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63)
- POWER TRAIN (16)
- AIR BAGS (13)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
- Year 8 in the Second generation (LD) (2011–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation 300 (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2011: Second generation (LD) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2015: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
Should You Buy the 2018 Chrysler 300?
At 66/100, the 2018 Chrysler 300 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
Its complaint rate of 32.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 24.9. The most common reports involve electrical system (63).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (63). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2019 Chrysler 300, which scored 5 points higher.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (63 complaints)
Compare 2018 Chrysler 300 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2018 Chrysler 300. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
32.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 24.9
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Chrysler 300 Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chrysler 300. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
Remedy
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Consequence
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2018 Chrysler 300? Check its history first
Every 2018 Chrysler 300 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Chrysler 300 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.3%
Safety Technologies
Chrysler 300Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$631
vs $590 avg for fullsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Chrysler 300 Resale Value
The Chrysler 300 is estimated to retain about 53.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chrysler 300 model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.
- Value Retained
- 53.4%
- Depreciation
- 46.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 148
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chrysler 300 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$4,600/yr
Fuel + repair
16–19 city / 25–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,600 |
| 300 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,600 |
| 300 AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 |
| 300 AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 |
| 300 5.7L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,950 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Chrysler 300.
Inspect infotainment screen for delamination and erratic behavior
Test transmission for jerking or slipping during gear changes
Check backup camera functionality for clear image display
Examine door panels for secure attachment to the frame
Verify headlight operation and inspect for moisture inside assemblies
2018 Chrysler 300 Common Problems by Component
151 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
63 complaintsOwners report that the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently experiences issues with the delamination of the LCD touchscreen, leading to erratic behavior such as random beeping, changes in air temperature settings, and loss of control over navigation and radio functions. Complaints often describe the screen making unsolicited phone calls and activating features like defrost, which can distract the driver and impair visibility. These issues are typically observed around 20,000 miles and are associated with safety risks, including potential crashes due to distraction. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the factory-installed backup camera failing to display images, further impacting rearward visibility. Buyers considering a used 2018 Chrysler 300 should be aware of these commonly reported electrical system issues and their potential safety implications.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
30 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Chrysler 300's infotainment system, specifically the LCD screen delaminating, which leads to erratic control over features like the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and phone connectivity. Symptoms include random beeping, uncontrolled temperature changes, unexpected navigation inputs, and repeated phone calls, which are highly distracting for drivers. Complaints commonly mention these problems starting around 29,000 to 85,000 miles. The distraction caused by these malfunctions poses a potential safety risk, as drivers are forced to divert attention to manage the erratic system behavior. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the widespread nature of these infotainment issues as documented by multiple owners.
POWER TRAIN
16 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning the transmission. Common symptoms include the vehicle jerking or surging when shifting gears, grinding noises, and the transmission slipping in and out of gear. Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly, sometimes while driving at highway speeds, which poses potential safety risks. These issues often occur at various mileage points, with some reports mentioning problems as early as 5,400 miles. Additionally, some owners mention electrical faults that may be related to the power train, such as problems with the powertrain control module or electronic stability control.
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)
AIR BAGS
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to the airbag system, including non-deployment during crashes and persistent airbag warning lights. Complaints often mention door panel warping, which may interfere with airbag functionality and door locking mechanisms. Crashes involving this model sometimes result in airbag non-deployment, with reported injuries in incidents occurring at various speeds, including highway conditions. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some incidents reported as early as 4,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag concerns, particularly given the reported injuries and instances of airbag system failure during accidents.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report recurring issues with the headlight assemblies of the 2018 Chrysler 300, with multiple complaints describing headlights failing to function. Symptoms include complete headlight failure, with one owner noting repeated failures within six months of replacement. Another owner mentions moisture inside the headlight assembly, leading to malfunction. The cost of repairs is significant, with owners citing expenses over $1,400 for parts and labor. One complaint involves a crash, but it is not directly attributed to headlight failure. These issues typically arise after a few years of ownership, posing potential safety risks due to impaired nighttime visibility.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (4 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the back-up camera system in the 2018 Chrysler 300, frequently describing problems with the rearview camera becoming inoperable or the display screen showing distortion. Typical symptoms include a pixilated or blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse, with some owners also noting screen delamination. These issues are noted at various mileages, ranging from approximately 57,000 to 90,000 miles. While no safety incidents such as crashes or loss of vehicle control are mentioned, the inability to rely on the back-up camera could impact reversing safety. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential electronic display issues, especially in vehicles with mileage within the reported range.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the visibility systems of the 2018 Chrysler 300. First, multiple owners describe windshield wipers activating unexpectedly when using the turn signal, which can be distracting and potentially hazardous during driving maneuvers. In some cases, the wipers fail to turn off, requiring the removal of the fuse to stop them. Second, there is a report of a panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, resulting in glass scattering inside the vehicle. These issues are noted without specific mileage, but the unexpected activation of wipers and sunroof failure are mentioned as significant safety concerns by the owners.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 report issues related to the suspension, specifically mentioning abnormal clunking noises while driving. One complaint describes this noise accompanied by the vehicle sliding, which led to a diagnosis of needing to replace the strut and strut mount. This issue is noted at a low mileage of approximately 2,000 miles. The complaints do not indicate any crashes or fires, but the sliding suggests a potential safety concern regarding vehicle control. Used car buyers should be aware of these early suspension issues and consider inspecting the struts and mounts during their evaluation.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues with the interior door panels becoming unsecured and separating from the door frame. Typical symptoms include the door panels lifting away, which in one case prevented a driver from opening the door and required climbing over the center console to exit the vehicle. These issues are noted around 38,000 miles, suggesting a potential timeline for occurrence. Safety implications are highlighted, as owners express concern about the possibility of door panels ejecting during a collision, posing a hazard to occupants. These reports provide useful context for potential buyers, indicating a need to inspect the door panels for security and fit.
WHEELS (2 complaints)
WHEELS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 report issues related to the wheels, with one complaint involving a crash and injuries. A specific problem involves the front passenger side wheel, which in one instance continued to move in a straight line during a low-speed turn, leading to a collision with a curb. Another incident describes the wheel detaching from the vehicle while making a turn at 35 mph, resulting in damage to the vehicle and injuries to the driver. These issues are reported at low mileage, around 700 miles. Safety implications are significant, including loss of control and physical injuries, which potential buyers should consider.
When Do 2018 Chrysler 300 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chrysler 300 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chrysler 300 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chrysler 300 year is 2023 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (74/100) and 2022 (73/100).
Chrysler 300 Years to Avoid
The worst Chrysler 300 year is 2018 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to electrical system (63) issues.
2018
(Current Model)
Chrysler 300 Reliability Score Trend
Chrysler 300 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
Chrysler 300 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Chrysler 300 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler 300?
How many recalls does the 2018 Chrysler 300 have?
Is the 2018 Chrysler 300 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Chrysler 300 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chrysler 300.
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