2017 Chrysler 300 — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $13,000–$20,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Deciding between model years? Compare the 13 Chrysler 300 years we've written up →
Kestrel Take
An old-school rear-drive American sedan that got better as it aged. The 3.6 Pentastar and 8-speed ZF are a proven combination — this is the FCA product that mostly avoided FCA's problems. Watch for police-fleet and rental history, not mechanical landmines.
What we checked
Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-25
NHTSA holds 82 owner complaints for the 2017 Chrysler 300, and 2 recall campaigns.
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 — electrics and electronics. 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.
2 recall campaigns cover 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 (6) — 6 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.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2017 Chrysler 300
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
Left-bank head problems plagued the 2011-2013 Pentastar and were largely fixed by 2014. On a 2017, verify no head work and no misfire codes on cylinders 2, 4, or 6.
Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$2,200
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (4).
FCA electrical modules of this era have a reputation. Test every window, the horn, and the wipers before buying.
Repair cost (estimate): $400-$1,200
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under electrics and electronics (29).
AWD models can develop a driveline vibration at 40-60 mph from the transfer case or center bearing.
Repair cost (estimate): $500-$1,500
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (6).
Taillight gaskets let water into the spare tire well. Check for a damp mat.
Repair cost (estimate): $50-$250
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the body and structure (11), the lights (4).
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Police, taxi, or rental use history on the title
- ✗Vibration at highway speed
- ✗Water in the trunk well
- ✗Aftermarket 22-inch wheels — usually paired with a hard life
Good Signs
- ✓3.6L Pentastar with 8-speed ZF — the durable combination
- ✓Rear-wheel drive with no driveline vibration
- ✓One-owner with dealer service records
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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