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CriticalCommonEngine

Chrysler 300C: 5.7 Hemi MDS Lifter Failure

5.7 Hemi MDS Lifter Failure is a common engine fault on the Chrysler 300C on the 2005–2018 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $4,000 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 15 documented faults on the Chrysler 300C.

Vehicle
Chrysler 300C
Engine
5.7L
Years
2005–2018
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
auto
System
Engine

This page covers the Chrysler 300C as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Chrysler 300C faults15 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

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.

What you would 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

How to check it

Where to look. Engine valve train — MDS lifters on cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 (driver and passenger banks)

  1. Scan for MDS-related fault codes and misfire codes.

  2. Listen for lifter tick on cold start and at idle.

  3. Check oil consumption history.

  4. Ask if MDS has been disabled.

  5. Inspect oil change history — extended intervals accelerate lifter failure.

  6. On high-mileage examples, budget for lifter replacement.

What it costs to put right

$4,000 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

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?”

Now check the Chrysler 300C you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Chrysler 300C buyer questions

Is 5.7 hemi mds lifter failure serious on a Chrysler 300C?

We rate it critical and common on the Chrysler 300C. 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.

How much does it cost to fix on a Chrysler 300C?

$4,000 to $12,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Chrysler 300C years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2005–2018 Chrysler 300C. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

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. Look here: Engine valve train — MDS lifters on cylinders 1, 4, 6, 7 (driver and passenger banks)