Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Chrysler 300 Reliability Report
The 2021 Chrysler 300 scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 18 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
18
Complaint Rate
10.8per 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
- AIR BAGS (8)
- SEAT BELTS (3)
- ENGINE (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 6 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
- Year 11 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 6 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Chrysler 300?
At 73/100, the 2021 Chrysler 300 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is 6 years after the 2015 model year updates refresh.
Owners log 18 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to air bags (8). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Chrysler 300, which scored the same. See also the 2020 Chrysler 300 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (8 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Tearing or unraveling of the belts (3 complaints)
Compare 2021 Chrysler 300 With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (8)
- SEAT BELTS (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Chrysler 300 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.9
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Chrysler 300 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 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.
VISIBILITY
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."
Consequence
A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2021 Chrysler 300? Check its history first
Every 2021 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
2021 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.
MPG & 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 2021 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 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 2021 Chrysler 300.
Inspect seat belts for tearing or unraveling
Test for engine rough idle or ticking noise
Verify airbag recall parts availability and completion
Check for windshield adhesive issues causing waviness
Ensure vehicle does not randomly shut off during operation
2021 Chrysler 300 Common Problems by Component
18 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chrysler 300 frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, specifically citing delays in the availability of parts necessary for recall repairs. Complaints consistently mention that despite receiving notification of a recall, parts for the repair are not available, leading to extended wait times. One owner notes a persistent airbag light and a diagnosis of a faulty harness, with parts also unavailable for this repair. There are no reports of crashes or injuries, but concerns about safety implications are evident, with some owners choosing not to drive their vehicles due to fear of potential airbag malfunction. This information is useful for potential buyers who should be aware of ongoing recall-related delays and the potential need for future repairs.
SEAT BELTS
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the seat belts of the 2021 Chrysler 300, primarily involving tearing or unraveling of the belts. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belts either split in half or unraveled unexpectedly, with one case noting the driver seat belt broke and another describing the passenger seat belt tearing. These issues appear to occur within the first few years of ownership, though specific mileage is not consistently mentioned. Safety implications are significant as the integrity of seat belts is compromised, but no crashes or injuries are reported. Buyers considering a used 2021 Chrysler 300 may want to inspect the seat belts for any signs of wear or damage, given these reported issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chrysler 300 report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly turning off while driving or when stopped at lights, with no specific pattern or warning. These incidents are described as random and have been occurring for several months, with one owner expressing fear for safety and reluctance to drive the vehicle. Another complaint involves a safety recall for the front windshield adhesive, which was reportedly not fixed correctly, resulting in a visibly wavy and flexible windshield. These issues raise safety concerns, particularly the potential for loss of control due to the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly. No specific mileage is consistently mentioned in the complaints, but the timeline suggests ongoing problems.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2021 Chrysler 300's engine, specifically involving rough idling and misfire symptoms, typically starting around 24,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention a failure of the rocker arms' needle bearings, affecting multiple cylinders and resulting in a ticking noise audible in the cabin. Despite repairs, such as replacing rocker arms, some owners continue to experience rough idling and reduced engine performance, with no resolution from further dealership inspections. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are noted in these reports. Buyers should be aware that these issues may persist even after initial repairs, potentially impacting long-term engine reliability.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintI bought my car, Chrysler 300 2021 at the Hemet CA Dealership in 2021. Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 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 and a dealership. I had to take it in to closest car service center to have the fuel pump replaced. These fuel pumps should last for 100,000 miles or more. My car had only 69,101 miles. The gas level on the dashboard was stuck at the level when I added gas the last time, again not indicating that it needed more gas. I do not see any recalls issued on FUEL PUMP for my cars year, make and model. But a lot of people have reported the same issues. Can someone respond to this email? I want Chrysler to understand that this is not acceptable. This issue should be part of a recall. VIN [XXX] Kindly, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintI noticed a few times when my vehicle is outside and it is raining that on the passenger side and near middle top of windshield by rear view mirror that water leaks in. Also when opening my sunglasses holder visor i seen water dripped from there. Also on passenger side on the ceiling roof front near the door frame it would be soak or moist from the recent downpour of rain. I notice on the outside window pane the rubber piece isnt in like the driver side.
When Do 2021 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.
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 2021 Chrysler 300 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chrysler 300?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler 300 have?
Is the 2021 Chrysler 300 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 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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