The need for comfort, space, and luxury in automobiles has caused the rise of luxury vehicles in the industry. Some luxury car manufacturers have enjoyed success while others have flopped, and others have tasted both.
The Chrysler 300 is one popular full-size luxury sedan that has withstood the test of time since it first debuted in 2005. This Chrysler knows the taste of success, nevertheless, it has also had some not-too-good years.
In this article, we’ve explored the best model years for the Chrysler 300 and also the model years one should shun.
Table of Contents
The Best and Worst Years for the Chrysler 300 Are:
If you are considering buying a Chrysler 300, here are some recommendations for you. Among the best 300’s that are renowned and stand out for good are 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2020, 2021, and the 2022 model years.
On the flip side, the worst years for the Chrysler 300 to avoid are the 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years.
Check also: Demographics of Chrysler owners.
What Chrysler 300 Years Are the Most Reliable?
The Chrysler 300 is generally a dependable and reliable car. However, there are some model years that have proven to be exceptional. Here are some of such model years below:
1. 2007 Chrysler 300
The 2007 Chrysler 300’s exterior boldness and masculinity can hardly be confused with other luxury sedans.
The interior is consistent with what greets one from the exterior. While its spacious interior provides comfort, the 2007 Chrysler 300 has a generally acceptable smooth ride. It also boasts impressive handling when driving.
For driving experience, it scored 82/100 which is in sync with its smooth ride and handling.
Scoring a profound 84/100 for quality and reliability on J.D. Power, this model year proves skeptics wrong on how reliable it is.
The Chrysler 300 has an overall rating of 81 out of 100 on the same platform. Meanwhile, find out the Chrysler models you can lease.
2. 2008 Chrysler 300
The 2008 Chrysler 300 is an embodiment of luxury and performance in one piece. This model had some mild interior upgrades such as the inclusion of side airbags and the new Sirius Backseat TV among others.
J.D. Power rated it an overall 81 out of 100 which is a great score. It also scored an above-average 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Its position on the list is undisputable, even critics seem to agree. The 2008 300 model year secured a whopping 9.5 out of 10 critics rating on U.S. News.
3. 2009 Chrysler 300
Still part of the first generation of the Chrysler 300 model, the 2009 model did not fail to impress those in the automobile industry. Its improved suspension was a plus for those who fancy smooth and comfortable rides.
This model year scored 8.3 out of 10 for performance and an impressive 8.9 out of 10 critics’ rating by U.S. News.
Not far-fetched, this edgy-sculpted luxury sedan has an above-average rating of 82/100 for reliability according to J.D. Power.
The 2009 model was also awarded an outstanding 4.6 out of 5 stars by consumer reviews on Edmunds, with 74% rating it 5 stars.
4. 2010 Chrysler 300
A subtly upgraded aerodynamic exterior saw the 2010 Chrysler 300 surf through the wind with less effort.
The 2010 model is a very safe vehicle too-almost close to perfect. Why? It received an awe-inspiring 5 stars in government crash testing for driver and passenger safety during impacts on the front.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety bestowed its highest rating of ‘good’ on the 2010 model for frontal crash testing.
It has an impressive safety rating of 8.7 out of 10 and an encouraging critics’ rating of 8.6 out of 10 according to U.S. News. While also earning a satisfactory rating of 82 out of 100 on the J.D. Power platform.
5. 2012 Chrysler 300
With a progressively modern exterior, the 2012 Chrysler 300 was more aerodynamically shaped to effortlessly pierce through the wind.
The manufacturers subtly transformed the edgy luxury sedan giving a smoother curvy feel while still maintaining its classic audacious look.
Apart from its comfortable ride, and good fuel economy, the 2012 model also boasts a top-notch navigation system and a cool cabin.
It was rated an excellent 89 out of 100 for driving experience on J.D. Power and it earned a critics’ rating of 8.9 out of 10 according to U.S. News.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 did not just stop with improved aesthetics and a seamless driving feel, it’s highly considered safe.
Consequently, it received a praiseworthy 5-star for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
6. 2013 Chrysler 300
The powerful engine of the 2013 Chrysler 300 allows its good acceleration and a pretty fast ride.
This model year was the second (after the 2012 model) to come fitted with 8-speed 845RE Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission.
Adding to why this Chrysler 300 model year is considered among the best is the improved technology features.
These features include; a new steering wheel, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch, and leather seats made standard for all trims.
The 2013 model was awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars by consumer reviews on Edmunds and was rated 5 stars by 74% of the reviewers.
It also landed a ‘perfect’ 9.8 out of 10 safety rating and an impressive score of 8.8 out of 10 critics’ rating both on U.S. News.
7. 2019 Chrysler 300
The 2019 Chrysler 300 has ample interior space and comes with a spacious trunk. Making it comfortable for both passengers and luggage.
Stepping in and out of the car comes with ease because of the amount of space enjoyed by this model year.
Its top-notch technology and infotainment system are nothing less than one should expect from a vehicle of its caliber.
On Edmunds, the 2019 Chrysler 300 scored a sound 8.0 out of 10 for technology, with the same score for interior fittings on its scorecard.
On another platform, the 2019 Chrysler 300 did not fail to impress on ratings. For reliability, it received a great score of 83 out of 100 and 82 out of 100 for driving experience on J.D. Power.
8. 2020 Chrysler 300
Being a top contender in the U.S. News 2020 Best Cars Awards, the 2020 Chrysler 300 competently seals its position on this list.
It was a finalist in the 2020 Best Large Car for the Money, which guarantees you will get your money’s worth of service.
It was also the runner-up in the category of 2020 Best Large Car for Families on the same platform. Thereby stamping its already imposing image as an efficient and capable luxury vehicle.
The 2020 Chrysler 300 got a satisfactory critics’ rating of 8.2 out of 10, an 8.6 out of 10 safety rating, and an above-average overall rating of 8.0 out of 10-all on the U.S. News platform.
9. 2021 Chrysler 300
Following in the steps of its predecessor, the 2021 Chrysler 300 was the finalist in the U.S. News 2021 Best Large Car for the Money award.
It has an excellent 8.4 out of 10 safety rating and an encouraging 8.1 out of 10 critics rating.
In terms of quality and reliability, the 2021 Chrysler 300 outshines the competition as it is a very dependable car.
In concordance with the above statement, J.D. Power scored the 2021 model a staggering 92 out of 100 for reliability.
It was rated a notable 4.7 out of 5 stars by consumer reviews on Edmunds. Out of the 35 reviews, 80% gave the 2021 model a 5-star rating.
10. 2022 Chrysler 300
A powerful engine, spacious and quiet interior, and easy to use of infotainment features among others are the possessive attributes of the 2022 Chrysler 300.
Offering a smooth and comfortable ride, it has had mostly positive reviews.
It scored 8.2 out of 10 critics’ ratings, and a remarkable 8.5 out of 10 rating for safety by U.S. News.
The 2022 Chrysler 300 was rated an incredible 92 out of 100 on J.D. Power for quality and reliability.
What Chrysler 300 Years Should You Avoid?
Here are some Chrysler 300 years you should avoid if you are thinking of foraging into the automobile world to buy one. With that in mind, you should also take a look at the Chrysler cars with the most recalls.
1. 2014 Chrysler 300
While the Chrysler 300 model is generally revered to be roomy, the 2014 model suffers from a bit of a lack of space. Its backseat headroom is rather not enough, particularly for tall passengers.
The backseat legroom does not fare better either, as it is less roomy than some rivals.
It is reported by J.D. Power that the 2014 model’s transmission system is unsatisfactory and it also suffers poor handling on curves.
On J.D. Power, it managed to scramble an average overall rating of 78 out of 100.
2. 2016 Chrysler 300
The 2016 Chrysler 300’s engine’s unpleasant sound is detestable as it descends down to the exhaust. It could have been more fine-tuned and refined.
The 2016 Chrysler 300 has been recalled 3 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalls were for problems such as the electrical system, automatic transmission, and axle assembly.
Collectively, these faults can be a source of worry for owners.
With a poor reliability rating, the 2016 model has a below-par overall rating of 78 out of 100 by J.D. Power to concur with its undependable ratings.
3. 2017 Chrysler 300
Similar to its predecessor, the 2017 Chrysler 300 also has had its own share of recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2 to be exact.
Cruise control and front shaft bolts were the major reasons for the recalls.
Its handling on curved roads is notably poor and its interior color combination and material texture are considered mediocre. The backseat’s lack of space is a matter of concern for adult passengers.
Being rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Edmunds, the 2017 model is the least-ranked model year on the platform.
With only 67% out of 40 reviews awarding it 5 stars.
4. 2018 Chrysler 300
Among other downsides, the 2018 Chrysler 300 suffers weak acceleration compared to the competition. Owners also dislike the feel/texture of the seat material used in this model year.
It scooped a pitiable overall rating of 76 out of 100 on the J.D. Power platform making it one of the least-ranked Chrysler 300 years.
Its faulty electrical system raises worry as it has been the main reason for its recall trice by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What Are the Typical Problems With the Chrysler 300?
Some typical problems that plague the Chrysler 300 are:
- Transmission and axle assembly problems.
- Electrical problems.
- Cruise control issues.
You can also explore some problems with Chrysler cars.
Sources
2022 Chrysler 300 Review | U.S. News
![](javascript:popWin("https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmotorandwheels.com%2F14-best-worst-chrysler-300%2F&media=https://motorandwheels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/chrysler-300-full-car_1.jpg","pinterest");){kind=link}
ⓘ The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.