Thinking about buying a used Chrysler 300 (2004–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,200–$3,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Chrysler 300 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
015.7 Hemi MDS Lifter Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $4,000–$12,000 to fix
The 5.7L Hemi's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) deactivates four cylinders under light load to save fuel. The MDS uses special two-stage lifters that collapse hydraulically. These lifters fail prematurely due to sludging or the collapsing mechanism sticking, resulting in a cylinder dropout, oil consumption, engine knock, and in severe cases camshaft lobe destruction. NHTSA has received hundreds of complaints. Repairs require partial or full engine teardown. Many owners disable MDS via tuning to prevent recurrence.
Symptoms to notice
Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially on startup
Engine misfire on deceleration or light throttle
Check engine light with cylinder deactivation or misfire codes
Excessive oil consumption
Rough running when MDS activates
What to check
Scan for MDS-related fault codes and misfire codes. Listen for lifter tick on cold start and at idle. Check oil consumption history. Ask if MDS has been disabled. Inspect oil change history — extended intervals accelerate lifter failure. On high-mileage examples, budget for lifter replacement.
Where to look: Engine valve train — MDS lifters on cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 (driver and passenger banks)
Ask the seller
“Has the MDS system been disabled or tuned out?”
“Any ticking noises, misfires, or check engine lights related to engine cylinder dropout?”
“What is the oil change history — intervals and oil grade?”
023.0 CRD (OM642) Intake and Swirl-Flap Soot Build-Up
MajorOccasionalEngine $600–$2,500 to fix
Like every OM642, the CRD's intake tracts and swirl flaps coke up with an EGR oil-and-soot paste over time, robbing low-rev response, worsening economy and eventually sticking the swirl flaps or their actuator, which brings an engine light and limp mode. It is standard practice to clean the passages and renew the swirl valve whenever the oil cooler is done, because the same teardown exposes both. Short-tripped cars soot up fastest.
Symptoms to notice
Flat low-rev response and worsening fuel economy
Engine light with intake or swirl-flap codes
Rough idle when warm
Black smoke under acceleration
What to check
On the drive, judge low-RPM pull in a high gear — a healthy CRD pulls cleanly from 1,500 rpm; boggy response with black smoke points at a sooted intake. Ask whether the intake was cleaned when (if) the oil cooler seals were done — the jobs share the teardown, and a cooler invoice without intake cleaning means the soot is still there. If a workshop inspection is possible: read swirl-flap actuator position codes and inspect the intake ports with a borescope.
Where to look: Intake manifolds and swirl flaps on both banks, under the engine cover
Ask the seller
“Was the intake cleaned when the oil cooler was done?”
“Any engine light history for intake or swirl-flap codes?”
“Is most of its driving short urban trips?”
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
5 more documented faults on the Chrysler 300
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Chrysler 300, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Chrysler 300 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Chrysler 300?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Chrysler 300, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Chrysler 300?
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Most single repairs on the Chrysler 300 fall between $1,200–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Chrysler 300?
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Yes. A Chrysler 300 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.