2016 Chrysler 300

The 2016 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and stylish design. Engine options for the 2016 model year include a 3.6L Pentastar V6 producing 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque (or 300 hp/264 lb-ft in the 300S) and a 5.7L HEMI V8 producing 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 300’s smooth ride, upscale interior, and powerful V8 option. Common complaints often include lower fuel economy (especially with the V8), some reliability concerns, and the relatively dated infotainment system compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Rocker Arm Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, and potential engine damage. This is often caused by the rocker arms becoming worn or damaged due to poor lubrication or material defects.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed rocker arms. In some cases, the camshaft and lifters may also need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the oil filter, potentially causing low oil pressure and engine damage. The plastic oil filter housing is prone to cracking or warping.
  • Solution: Replacing the oil filter housing with an updated design, often made of aluminum, to prevent future leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L HEMI V8

• HEMI Tick
  • Description/Symptoms: A distinct ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine, especially at idle or low speeds. This is often attributed to exhaust manifold bolts breaking, or wear on the lifters or camshaft.
  • Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifold bolts or the affected lifters/camshaft.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the severity and cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil between oil changes.
  • Solution: In minor cases, switching to a higher viscosity oil or addressing PCV valve issues may help. In severe cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (PCV valve) to $3000+ (piston rings)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between certain gears. This can be caused by valve body issues, software glitches, or wear in the transmission.
  • Solution: Transmission software update (TCU reflash), valve body replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (reflash) to $3000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of power, inability to shift gears, or loud grinding noises coming from the transmission.
  • Solution: Complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Often caused by worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, or strut mounts.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, or strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Uconnect Infotainment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, or complete failure of the Uconnect infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the Uconnect module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) to $800+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including but not limited to: stalling, failure to start, malfunctioning wipers, lights, or fuel pump.
  • Solution: Replacing the TIPM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of headlight assembly, resealing headlight assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heated Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Heated seats not working
  • Solution: Replacement of the heated seat elements or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, sticking, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, replacing the sunroof motor or damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chrysler 300 can be a comfortable and stylish sedan, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems like rocker arm failure, oil filter housing leaks (on the V6), the “HEMI tick”, and excessive oil consumption (on the V8) can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, rough shifting and hesitation, or even total failure, are also something to watch out for. Other common issues include front suspension noises and electrical glitches with the Uconnect system or TIPM. While not all 2016 Chrysler 300s will experience these issues, pre-purchase inspections and a thorough maintenance history review are highly recommended. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.