2004 Chrysler 300M

The 2004 Chrysler 300M is a full-size luxury sedan known for its sleek styling, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. The only available engine option for the 2004 300M is a 3.5L High Output V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (42LE). Owners generally appreciate the car’s distinctive design, comfortable seats, and strong acceleration. Common dislikes include some reliability concerns, especially with electrical systems, and fuel economy that is typical for a car of this size and engine.

Engine

3.5L High Output V6

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise, especially on startup, indicating worn or failed timing chain tensioners. Can lead to poor engine performance and potentially catastrophic engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioners, timing chain, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Plenum Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks can occur due to a deteriorated intake manifold plenum gasket. This often manifests as a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold plenum gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (42LE)

• Transmission Slipping/Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, or failure to shift at all. Can be caused by worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause (valve body, clutch packs, etc.) and repair or replace the affected components. A full transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (for minor repairs) to $2000+ (for rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at certain speeds, especially under light acceleration. This can indicate a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps. Indicates worn or failed strut mounts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than normal, indicating worn rear springs or shocks. Can affect ride quality and handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear springs and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), flickering lights, or error messages on the instrument cluster. Can be caused by faulty soldering or a failing circuit board within the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 (repair) to $500 - $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window/Door Lock Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks. Can be caused by faulty window motors, door lock actuators, or wiring problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause and replace the affected components (window motor, door lock actuator, wiring repair).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per window/door lock
  • Recalls: None Found
• BCM (Body Control Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A wide array of electrical issues, including problems with lighting, power accessories, and security systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the BCM and reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic door handles, especially the exterior ones, can become brittle and break.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, or getting stuck. Can be caused by a faulty motor, damaged tracks, or debris in the mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause and repair or replace the affected components (motor, tracks, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the air conditioning or heater, or erratic temperature control. Can be caused by a faulty blend door actuator, blower motor, or A/C compressor.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause and replace the affected components (blend door actuator, blower motor, A/C compressor).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (minor repairs) to $500 - $1000+ (A/C compressor replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Chrysler 300M has a number of common issues to be aware of. Electrical problems and powertrain issues seem to be the most common. The cost to fix these issues varies widely, but some repairs, such as transmission rebuilds or BCM replacements, can be quite expensive. Overall, prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection done to identify any potential problems and factor in the cost of repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle.