2002 Chrysler 300M problems & reliability
83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler 300M, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
10 complaints report injuries (13 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 | 16% |
| Power Train | 12 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | 12% |
| Steering | 10 | 12% |
| Air Bags | 9 | 11% |
| Seats | 8 | 10% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 8% |
| Suspension | 4 | 5% |
| Engine | 3 | 4% |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 68,750 miles (middle 50% between 25,000 and 94,303 miles), based on 54 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's seat back fractured. The contact stated that upon sitting in the front driver's seat, the seat back collapsed and landed on the rear seat. The contact attempted to adjust the seat however, the front driver's…”
Seats · filed Jul 14, 2025
“The horn does not work which in the state of New Hampshire is a safety inspection item, and the dashboard lights work intermittently (not working more often than working) rendering the gauges unreadable at night. Not sure the exact date of the horn failure, but the steering wheel cruise control and audio controls…”
Electrical System · filed May 18, 2022
“My driver's side mirror has oozed a gel and lost reflective properties. It is very dangerous to change lanes and get on interstate highways. This happened pretty quickly. It started with turning an amber color, then every time it rained it would appear as a gel leaked from bottom of mirror glass. Now as of this date I…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Mar 10, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE03010 · opened Feb 27, 2003 · closed Sep 2, 2003
Technical service bulletins
78 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler 300M. The 10 most recent:
This SKU is a Engine Heater Hose Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the hose bending geometry. If the hose is not formed properly, it will interfere with surrounding…
RFI20210322_626- · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 22, 2021
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Chrysler 300M has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Chrysler 300M?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 68,750 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.