Thinking about buying a used Chrysler 300C (2004–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, and suspension. 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.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$3,000
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Chrysler 300C 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?”
02Front suspension wear - control-arm bushes, ball joints and tie-rods
MinorCommonSuspension $350–$2,000 to fix
The first-gen 300C is a heavy rear-drive car (LX platform, sharing suspension with the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger), and its front end wears through control-arm bushes, ball joints, sway-bar links and tie-rod ends. Worn parts cause clunks over bumps, vague or wandering steering and uneven tyre wear, and are a common Warrant of Fitness (WOF) failure on older examples. Parts are cheap individually but a full front-end refresh adds up on this large car.
Symptoms to notice
Clunk or knock over bumps
Vague or wandering steering
Uneven front tyre wear
Rattle from the front on rough roads
What to check
On the test drive listen for clunks over bumps and feel whether the steering is tight. Check the front tyres for uneven edge wear. A pre-purchase inspection or WOF check will find worn bushes, ball joints and links. Ask about any recent front-end work.
Where to look: Front suspension control arms, ball joints, sway-bar links and steering tie-rods
Ask the seller
“Has any front suspension or steering work been done recently?”
“Does it have a current WOF, and were there any advisories?”
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Fluid LeaksMajor
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11 more documented faults on the Chrysler 300C
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 13 documented faults for the Chrysler 300C, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Chrysler 300C 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 300C?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Chrysler 300C, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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 300C?
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Most single repairs on the Chrysler 300C fall between $600–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 300C?
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Yes. A Chrysler 300C 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.