The Lemon Index
200020021st generation
Better than average · most complaints: steering
Fewest complaints of its generation (1st generation).
30 owner complaints, first 3 years 19 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2001 Chrysler Concorde 1142001 Kia Sephia 1662001 Oldsmobile Intrigue 125
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 19 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E012000 (lights), 03V035000 (seats) and 01V273000 (body structure) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Chrysler sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Engine overheating and / or coolant bottle failures after service has been”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Chrysler's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 30 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 38K to 68K miles (61K to 110K km) on the car (19 of all 30 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The vehicle lights illuminated on their own even when the engine was not on and the key was not in the ignition. The dealer is aware and they are replacing some type of box.
2001 Chrysler 300M owner · NHTSA complaint 10019384
More owner reports
Poor steering, accompanied by knocking when going over bumps. Car wanders as the road surface change. No visual sign of problems. Told the rack and pinion may be bad.
NHTSA complaint 10023800
While traveling 40 mph, the consumer noticed play in steering wheel. When the vehicle was slowed to make a left turn the steering wheel became stuck. The dealer was notified.
NHTSA complaint 10038117
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 2.7M views · 1999–2004 Chrysler 300M
Most-watched topics
- Windows, doors & mirrors178K views
How To Replace (fix) the Mode Door Actuator on a 2000 Chrysler 300m Air Vents for freejbe313 · 86K views · 5 videos - Cooling system94K views
2004 Chrysler 300m 3.5 V6 PO172 & overheats while driving but not at idle case studyBrick Auto LLC · 60K views · 4 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets50K views
![Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement: Part 1 [2000 Chrysler 300M]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qMVxtMU9yQc/mqdefault.jpg)
Intake Manifold Gaskets Replacement: Part 1 [2000 Chrysler 300M]MattsMotorz · 50K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank36K views
![Fuel Pump Replacement: Part 1 [2000 Chrysler 300M]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tlD-G7IS-uk/mqdefault.jpg)
Fuel Pump Replacement: Part 1 [2000 Chrysler 300M]MattsMotorz · 36K views
Show 3 more
- Transmission & shifter28K views
2000 Chrysler 300m output speed sensor change.Adam Mcdonnough · 28K views - Timing chain & engine23K views
2001 Chrysler 300M misfire cyl 6 Part 2 the fixMaic Salazar Diagnostics · 23K views - Death wobble & steering22K views
2001 Chrysler 300M inner tie rod bushing replacement, Pt 1The Shade Tree Fix-it Man · 20K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
2002 Chrysler 300M - Review, Specsfotoautos · 9K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2001 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Chrysler told dealers about
Chrysler sent dealers 74 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine overheating and / or coolant bottle failures after service has been
- No start condition in cold temperatures due to 5 volt regulator failure
- Loose feel or clunk in the steering wheel as the wheel is moved from side to side
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Lights · recall issued 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Seats · recall issued 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
- Body structure · recall issued 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.".
Show all 4 recalls
- Child seat · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedThrottle control failure2003
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front — · side — · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Chrysler 300M year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Show 2 older years (1999–2004, YouTube reviews only, no complaint data)
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 6 Chrysler 300M years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2001 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/chrysler-300m/?y=2001" title="Chrysler 300M reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/chrysler-300m/2001/">Lemon Index</a> (2001 Chrysler 300M reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2001 Chrysler 300M reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 77; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2001 Chrysler 300M problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (23%), electrical (20%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Chrysler 300M have?
4 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chrysler 300M get?
19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2001 Chrysler 300M have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2001 Chrysler 300M cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Chrysler 300M have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Chrysler 300M year than the 2001?
Not nearby: the 2001 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Chrysler 300M years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works