Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Chrysler 300 Reliability Report
The 2021 Chrysler 300 rates good for reliability, but owners report long waits for a front air bag inflator recall part.
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
Good standing and mid-pack among its years, held back by owners stuck waiting on air bag inflator recall parts.
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?
Good reliability puts this model year ahead of the average 2021 sedan. It sits in the middle of the six scored Chrysler 300 years, and the 2020 and 2022 models rate about the same. Federal crash testing gave it 4 of 5 stars. Repair costs run a little high: $631 a year model-wide against $590 for the class.
The main trouble is air bags. Federal recall records list two recalls, covering air bags and visibility. Most air bag complaints come from owners with a front inflator recall notice whose dealer could not get the replacement part. Some have stopped driving the car for fear the inflator could burst. None reports a deployment or injury. Three owners describe seat belt webbing that tears or unravels, on both driver and passenger belts. A torn belt gives no protection in a crash.
Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof the air bag repair was done. Check both front belts for fraying. One owner reported failed rocker arm bearings at about 24,272 miles, so ask for engine service records.
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: Waiting on a front air bag inflator recall repair is the main theme (8 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Seat belt webbing tears or unravels without warning (3 complaints)
Compare 2021 Chrysler 300 With
2021 Dodge Charger
Reliability: 76/100
2021 Nissan Maxima
Reliability: 77/100
2021 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 64/100
2021 Kia K5
Reliability: 71/100
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: 16.7
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
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Chrysler 300, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- 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.
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 2021 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 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.
Run the VIN through the federal recall lookup and confirm whether the air bag inflator repair is done or still waiting on parts.
Start the car and confirm the air bag warning light goes out after the startup bulb check.
Pull both front seat belts all the way out and look for frayed webbing, split seams, or cuts near the metal hardware.
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and let it idle at lights, watching for the engine shutting off without warning.
Listen at idle for roughness or ticking valvetrain noise, and ask for records of any rocker arm replacement.
Check the oil level and ask the owner how much oil the engine uses between changes.
Look along the top edge of the windshield for waviness or flex, and ask about any earlier windshield work.
2021 Chrysler 300 Common Problems by Component
18 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsWaiting on a front air bag inflator recall repair is the main theme. Most filings say the owner got a recall notice, but the dealer and manufacturer could not supply the replacement part. Owners call the delay unreasonable. Some have stopped driving the car because they fear the inflator could burst and throw shrapnel. None of these filings reports an actual deployment or injury. A separate complaint describes the air bag warning light staying on. The dealer blamed a faulty harness, and the part could not be found on two visits.
SEAT BELTS
3 complaintsSeat belt webbing tears or unravels without warning. Reports cover both the driver and passenger belts, and the seam comes apart until the belt splits completely. One owner thinks the metal hardware is cutting the webbing and expects a replaced belt to fail again. Getting a replacement can mean arguing with the dealer, especially once the warranty has run out. A torn belt gives no protection in a crash, so any visible fraying is serious.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsThe engine shuts off at random, both at speed and while stopped at lights. This is the most serious report in this group. Losing power in heavy or freeway traffic raises crash risk, and dealers have kept the car for days and found nothing wrong. Another complaint describes a wavy windshield top edge that flexes after earlier windshield adhesive work. The third filing only names the air bag inflator recall and gives no detail.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsA rough idle that feels like a misfire comes with slightly noisy valvetrain and some oil use between changes. Both filings describe the same case, which began around 24,272 miles. No check engine light came on. The dealer found failed needle bearings in the rocker arms on several cylinders, saw no cam damage, and replaced all the rockers on both sides. This is a single documented case, not a widespread pattern.
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.
Best & Worst Chrysler 300 Years
Best Chrysler 300 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreChrysler 300 Years to Avoid
Chrysler 300 Reliability Score Trend
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?
Does the 2021 Chrysler 300 have air bag problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler 300 have?
How much does the 2021 Chrysler 300 cost 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.
How we score the 2021 Chrysler 300
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Chrysler 300 does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on complaint severity (68/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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