Buyer Research

2014 Chrysler 200 (First Gen) — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $5,000–$8,500. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Deciding between model years? Compare the 7 Chrysler 200 (First Gen) years we've written up →

Kestrel Take

The last of the first-generation 200 before the nine-speed car replaced it — a rental-fleet staple built on an old platform. The 2.4L and 3.6L are the engines; the 3.6L Pentastar is the better one. Cheap, plentiful, and unremarkable if it was maintained.

What we checked

Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-25

NHTSA holds 192 owner complaints for the 2014 Chrysler 200 (First Gen), and 1 recall campaign.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 35% of them are about one thing — airbags. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Looked at and set aside: airbags (68) — 68 airbag complaints on file, almost always a recall matter rather than a repair bill; have a dealer check this VIN for open airbag campaigns and confirm any were performed; seat belts (34) — 34 seat-belt complaints on file, typically recall-driven with a free remedy; check the VIN for open campaigns.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2014 Chrysler 200 (First Gen)

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.

2.4L World Engine issues and oil consumptionMedium

The older 2.4 can consume oil and has head and cooling quirks on high-mileage cars.

Repair cost (estimate): $300-$2,000 — about 30% of what this car is typically worth

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (39).

Pentastar 3.6L cylinder head (early builds)Medium

The early Pentastar had left-bank head failures; verify no misfire on cylinders 2, 4, or 6.

Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$2,200 — about 33% of what this car is typically worth

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (39).

Transmission and TIPM electrical faultsMedium

Aging automatic and FCA electrical gremlins.

Repair cost (estimate): $300-$1,200

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under electrics and electronics (33), the transmission and drivetrain (14).

Rental-fleet wearMedium

A huge share were rentals with hard early miles and minimal maintenance.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Oil consumption on the 2.4
✗Misfire on the Pentastar left bank
✗Rental history with high miles
✗Electrical faults

Good Signs

✓3.6L Pentastar with no head issues
✓Private-owner history
✓Documented maintenance