Chrysler 200 Common Faults: Problems, Solutions And Breakdowns!

With its advanced safety features, great gas mileage, and luxurious interior, it’s no wonder the Chrysler 200 remains a popular choice in the midsize car segment. But not everything is rosy, this car can also present faults, we suggest you read and learn about the common failures of the Chrysler 200 .

Like any other vehicle, problems are bound to arise no matter how reliable the Chrysler 200 is.

How good is the Chrysler 200?

The Chrysler 200 is given a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 12th out of 24 midsize cars. Annual repairs and maintenance for this model typically cost around $549 compared to an average of $652 for other models, which means it has lower-than-average cost of ownership.

Chrysler 200 owners typically take their vehicles in for unscheduled repairs 0.3 times per year compared to the average 0.4 with a 12% chance of needing a major repair.

Common Chrysler 200 Failures

As reliable as the Chrysler 200 is, it can develop problems over time. Below are some of the common Chrysler 200 faults found through different model years:

1- Failures in the random deployment of the active head restraints

The Active Headrests (AHR) on some 2011-2017 Chrysler 200s have been reported to deploy randomly due to a factory defect.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, active head restraints were made of a plastic material that breaks due to stress or fatigue instead of deploying in a rear-end collision. Because of this, many drivers have reported minor injuries and concussions.

2- Excessive oil consumption problems

Some 2015-2016 Chrysler 200s with 2.4L Tigershark engines have been reported to consume too much oil. Owners of affected models have complained that their vehicles tend to consume a quart of oil every 1,000 miles and that the low oil pressure warning light does not come on when the oil level drops to 3.5 quarts or less. .

The engine’s piston rings were reportedly not compatible with the cylinders, causing oil to leak and burn on the compression cycle. It must be taken into account that low oil levels prevent the moving parts of the engine from being properly lubricated. This could cause various components to wear out prematurely and lead to a host of drivability problems if left unaddressed.

3- Transmission failure

Transmission failure is one of the common 2015 Chrysler 200 failures reported by many drivers. Owners of affected vehicles have reported that their cars automatically downshift despite having a new transmission.

Many drivers have also complained that they cannot use their brakes and parking brakes, leading them to coast to a stop. While some were able to safely stop their vehicles, others suffered minor accidents due to this problem .

Many owners also reported that their vehicles jerked and kicked forward when they hit the brake pedal. This caused some headlights to come off their housings and the rear tires to come off their rims while driving.

Some 2015-2017 Chrysler 200s with a nine-speed transmission have been reported with a couple of gear shifting issues. Affected vehicles lurch through gears, sometimes shutting down or automatically shifting into neutral.

According to the automaker’s conclusions, this issue was caused by a crimping issue with 26-way connectors on the sensor cluster harness assemblies.

In 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recalled certain 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles equipped with a nine-speed gearbox because they tend to shift into neutral when moving. This prompted NHTSA to issue the recall notice, as unexpected changes can increase the risk of an accident.

4- Engine problems

Both generations of the Chrysler 200 have had widely reported issues with shutting down without warning. In 2012, NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation after 15 units of 2011-2013 Chrysler 200s shut down during low-speed deceleration, such as braking at a stop sign or stop light.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a faulty powertrain control module (PCM) initiated a purge monitor check whenever the vehicles were idling or slowing down. This resulted in an excessively rich steam condition which caused the engines to shut down.

5- Electrical problems

One of the many advantages of owning a late-model Chrysler is its Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The TIPM is the gateway for the entire electrical system of the vehicle that takes commands from the switches and modules . Converts commands to voltage or ground. The TIPM, however, does not come without flaws.

Some first generation Chrysler 200 owners have reported problems such as the fuel pump not sending fuel to the engine and air bags deploying randomly due to a faulty TIPM.

No recalls have been made for the affected Chrysler 200 units. However, other FCA-owned brands, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, have been recalled to extend the warranty for fuel pump repairs and reimbursements for prior TIPM replacements.

6- Failures in the heater

Many 2012 Chrysler 200 owners have complained about a faulty heater on the passenger side. Most report that the problem recurs even after flushing the heater core and replacing the radiator . Heater core replacement typically costs $60-$100, while a new radiator ranges in price from $200-$800, plus labor costs.

7- Engine shutdown problems

There have also been several reports of the 2012 redesign going off without warning. Owners of the affected units report losing control of the steering and brakes before the engine shut down.

While most were able to start their vehicles after disengaging the negative battery terminal for a few minutes, some were unable to do so even after replacing the fuel pump.

To end

Even a model as reliable as the Chrysler 200 is bound to develop problems that could affect its driveability and performance as the mileage accumulates.

Therefore, it is important to be attentive to the symptoms that may indicate a defective part. It’s also a good idea to keep track of recalls issued by NHTSA, so you can fix your vehicle’s problems before they become bigger problems down the road.