Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Chrysler 300
The 2013 Chrysler 300 has moderate issues but notably with the electrical system, power train, and airbags. Recall campaigns highlight significant concerns with airbags and transmission systems, while complaints indicate frequent electrical problems. Due diligence is essential due to these reported issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Chrysler 300 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 306 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V018000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V021000 Do Not Drive - Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V435000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V240000 Driver may Exit Vehicle when it is not in PARK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V634000 Alternator may Fail Resulting in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V610000 Transmission Output Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 131 complaints
- Power Train 58 complaints
- Engine 36 complaints
- Air Bags 32 complaints
- Unknown or Other 22 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 17 complaints
Of the 306 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 16 a fire; across all 306 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Alternator may fail
How to check: Inspect alternator for wear and test output.
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Ensure recall repairs are completed.
Transmission output shaft fracture
How to check: Check for recall repair documentation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Monitor electrical system readiness and operation.
Red flag: Warning lights or slow start.
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Listen for noises from transmission shift.
Red flag: Clunking or unexpected shifting.
- 03
Highway speed
What to check: Check for stability and steering issues.
Red flag: Vibrations or veering off.
- 04
Braking
What to check: Feel braking consistency and response.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed braking.
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test electrical accessories, like windows.
Red flag: Non-functional electronics.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Were there any electrical system repairs?
- Has the transmission been inspected?
- Any recurring engine or power issues?
- What routine maintenance has been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service and maintenance records
- Accident history report
- Title history
- Warranty documents, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Chrysler 300 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Chrysler 300? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.