Chrysler 300 MOT Failures
An analysis of 7,829 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler 300 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: LX (2006–2015).
Where the Chrysler 300 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler 300 is parking brake inoperative on one side — this model is 40 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 7,829 MOT tests, 8.54% of all Chrysler 300 tests recorded this as a failure.
Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.
Other notable weak points include parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (24x the fleet average), suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (20x the fleet average), suspension pin, bush or joint worn (24x the fleet average), and parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (16x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler 300's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 3 categories: Brakes, Suspension, Steering. If you're inspecting a Chrysler 300 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Chrysler 300's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Chrysler 300 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake inoperative on one side (40x the average) and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (20x). parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (16x) and track rod ends worn (7.9x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Chrysler 300 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (24x the average) and parking brake inoperative on one side (12x). wheel bearings worn (7.9x) and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (6.8x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Chrysler 300 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension pin, bush or joint worn (24x the average) and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (15x). subframe bushes or mounts worn (9.9x) and parking brake inoperative on one side (8.0x) also appear frequently.
The shift from parking brake inoperative on one side at lower mileages to suspension pin, bush or joint worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Chrysler 300 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Front suspension ball joint wear (LX) Dangerous
The front suspension ball joints show excessive wear at 7.9x the fleet average rate according to MOT data. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Wheel bearing failure (LX) Dangerous
Wheel bearings fail at 7.9x the fleet average rate, particularly from 60,000 miles onwards. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
Parking brake cable seizure and adjuster failure (LX) Major
The handbrake system uses cables and adjusters that are prone to corrosion and seizure, particularly in UK conditions. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£350.
Brake caliper binding and disc damage (LX) Major
MOT data shows brake binding at 5.0x fleet average and brake disc damage at 2.1x fleet average. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Chrysler 300 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Chrysler 300
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler 300:
Brakes — check for parking brake inoperative on one side, parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r..., parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement. Suspension — check for suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated, suspension pin, bush or joint worn, wheel bearings worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about front suspension ball joint wear and wheel bearing failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Chrysler 300?
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Chrysler 300 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Chrysler 300?
Based on 7,829 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is parking brake inoperative on one side — at 40x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated.
Is the Chrysler 300 reliable based on MOT data?
The Chrysler 300 has 8 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag front suspension ball joint wear as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Chrysler 300 most commonly fails on suspension pin, bush or joint worn and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are parking brake inoperative on one side and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated.
How do I check a Chrysler 300's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.