What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Chrysler 300 C.
The Chrysler 300 C occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Chrysler 300 C range, with 3 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Chrysler 300 C? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
LX (2005–2021) — Petrol options included the 5.7 V8 HEMI, with 3.0 V6 CRD on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Parking brake system failure (£400–£800 to address).
The electronic parking brake system on diesel variants shows exceptionally high failure rates, with MOT data indicating efficiency failures at 27.8 times the fleet average and complete inoperative failures at 12.3 times average. The system uses electric actuators on the rear brake callipers which seize due to corrosion and lack of use. This is compounded by inadequate brake fluid changes allowing moisture ingress into the electronic control module and actuator mechanisms.
MOT failure is certain if the system cannot hold the vehicle or shows poor efficiency. Complete system replacement including actuators and control module typically costs £800-1,500. The car may fail to release the parking brake, requiring recovery.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The front steering ball joints show premature wear at 10 times the fleet average failure rate, particularly affecting diesel variants which carry additional weight from the V6 engine and associated cooling systems. The ball joints are integral to the lower control arms and cannot be replaced separately, requiring complete arm replacement. Wear is accelerated by the vehicle's weight and soft suspension setup designed for comfort rather than durability.
Worn ball joints affect steering precision and tyre wear patterns. Severe wear can lead to complete separation and loss of steering control. MOT failure is certain once excessive play develops. Complete lower arm replacement is required on both sides.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The Chrysler 300C's rear wheel bearings can fail due to inadequate sealing and contamination from road salt and moisture, particularly affecting diesel variants between 2005-2021 around 60,000-120,000 miles. Symptoms typically include rumbling noise from the rear when cornering, vibration through the seat, and uneven tyre wear patterns. If ignored, bearing failure may lead to wheel wobble, increased braking distances, and potential loss of wheel control. This fault can result in MOT failure under suspension and steering checks, making early detection crucial. Professional inspection including road testing and wheel movement checks is recommended when purchasing any used 300C in this mileage range.
Failed bearings cause increasing noise, vibration, and potential wheel detachment if collapse occurs. MOT failure is certain once excessive play develops. The hub assembly requires replacement and wheel alignment afterwards.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Multiple suspension bushes and joints show accelerated wear at 10.8 times the fleet average, with dust cover deterioration at 7.8 times average. The Mercedes-derived platform uses numerous rubber components in the multi-link rear suspension which degrade due to the vehicle's weight and UK road conditions. Front and rear anti-roll bar links are particularly prone to failure, along with rear subframe bushes.
Worn suspension components cause poor ride quality, imprecise handling, and premature tyre wear. MOT failure occurs when wear becomes excessive. Multiple components often require replacement simultaneously due to similar wear rates.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Multiple dashboard warning systems show malfunction at 5.4 times the fleet average, typically manifesting as persistent warning lights for ABS, traction control, or electronic stability systems. This is commonly caused by corroded wiring connections in the rear wheel speed sensor circuits or failing control modules. The complex Mercedes-derived electrical architecture is sensitive to water ingress and corrosion.
MOT failure if ABS or other safety system warnings are active. Diagnostics are required to identify the specific fault which may range from simple sensor cleaning to control module replacement. Some faults disable multiple safety systems simultaneously.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Chrysler 300 C common problems page.
Based on 6k real DVSA MOT tests, the Chrysler 300 C fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... at 28x the fleet average, followed by suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (15x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Chrysler 300 C MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Chrysler 300 C service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Chrysler 300 C is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Chrysler 300 C, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Chrysler 300 C issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.