Chrysler 300 C MOT Failures

An analysis of 13,379 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler 300 C — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: LX (2005–2021).

Where the Chrysler 300 C fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler 300 C is parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... — this model is 28 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 13,379 MOT tests, 5.6% of all Chrysler 300 C 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 suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (15x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (11x the fleet average), track rod ends worn (10x the fleet average), and abs fault (15x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler 300 C'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 4 categories: Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Wheels. If you're inspecting a Chrysler 300 C 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 C'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 C specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (15x the average) and track rod ends worn (10x). suspension pin, bush or joint worn (7.6x) and brake hoses perished or damaged (7.0x) 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 C specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (28x the average) and abs fault (14x). wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o... (12x) and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (7.8x) 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 C specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (14x the average) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (11x). parking brake inoperative on one side (6.2x) and parking brake inoperative on one side also appear frequently.

The shift from suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated at lower mileages to parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... 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 C specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Parking brake system failure Major

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. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.

Front suspension ball joint wear Major

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. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.

Rear wheel bearing failure Major

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. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.

Suspension component wear (LX)

Multiple suspension bushes and joints show accelerated wear at 10.8 times the fleet average, with dust cover deterioration at 7.8 times average. Affects LX; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Chrysler 300 C common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Chrysler 300 C

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler 300 C:

Brakes — check for parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r..., abs fault. Suspension — check for suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated, subframe bushes or mounts worn, wheel bearings worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Steering — check for track rod ends worn.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about parking brake system failure and front suspension ball joint wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £400. 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.

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.