Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chrysler 300 engine problems
moderate 306 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
306
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
6crashes
6fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 306 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Chrysler 300 we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 306.
Owners have filed 306 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Chrysler 300 models report pervasive engine problems spanning multiple distinct failure modes. The most widespread complaint involves engine stalling after refueling—the vehicle stalls within minutes of leaving the gas station, typically at stops, low speeds, or during turns, with loss of power steering and electrical power. Owners found that keeping the tank at three-quarters full or less prevents or reduces the problem. Chrysler extended the fuel tank warranty to lifetime coverage on affected vehicles due to a fuel float valve defect, though parts were backordered for months and coverage only applied to select VINs.
Catastrophic engine failures occur at low mileage with no warning. Valve seats deteriorate and drop into cylinders, damaging pistons and valves beyond repair. Engines require complete replacement at $5,000–$8,500. Some owners experienced a second engine failure after replacement. Sludge buildup is reported on 2.7L engines at very low mileage (21k–44k miles) despite owners performing regular oil changes; dealerships blamed owners for negligence, though independent mechanics confirmed the problem is inherent to the engine design.
Intermittent stalling with no check engine light or diagnostic codes affects numerous owners. Dealerships are unable or unwilling to diagnose these issues. Multiple service visits and replacement of unrelated components (transmission fluid, PCM, spark plugs) fail to resolve the problem. Rough idle and recurring check engine lights (P0300) related to valve carbon buildup recur despite dealership TSB service and valve cleaning.
Same Chrysler 300 engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling after refueling
Engine stalls shortly after or during refueling, often within the first mile, particularly when tank is filled to capacity. Owners report stalls at stops, slow speeds, turns, and highway speeds. Loss of power steering occurs during stalls. Stalls recur multiple times per trip. Stopping at 3/4 tank or lower prevents or reduces incidents.
When: Begins immediately after fill-up; mileage ranges from under 50k to over 100k miles. Complaints span 2006 through 2014.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls seconds to minutes after refueling; Stalling at stops, intersections, slow speeds, and turns; Loss of power steering during stall; Loss of electrical power and dashboard lights flashing; Rough idle and hesitation; RPM dropping to near zero before stall; Multiple stall events per trip; Problem subsides after 2–3 gallons consumed or when tank kept at 3/4 or less
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple cylinder misfire), Various codes related to fuel system sensors, No codes in many cases despite stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank replacement ($1,200–$1,453.90). EVAP canister, solenoid, pump, filter assembly replaced on some vehicles. Vapor canister installed without resolving issue. Gas cap replacement attempted. TSB performed for carbon buildup on valve system. Owners report dealerships unable to duplicate or diagnose when check engine light is off.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel tank warranty extended to lifetime on affected vehicles per NHTSA PE13016. Chrysler acknowledged fuel float valve defect in 5.7L/6.4L 300C models. Extended warranty only applied to select VINs. Parts placed on back order for months; repair delays reported through 2014. Chrysler initially denied any awareness or ownership of the problem.
Catastrophic engine failure (valve seat dropout, piston damage)
Valve seats deteriorate and drop into cylinders, causing valve and piston damage. Engine failure occurs without warning, often at parking lot idle or during normal driving. Owners report hearing metallic grinding or clanking before failure. Replacement engine cost $5,000–$8,500. Multiple instances of same vehicle failing twice after engine replacement.
When: Mileage 43k to 100k miles. Occurs at all model years 2006. One case reports second engine failure at 83k miles after first replacement at 43k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic grinding or clanking noise from engine; Engine will not start or cranks but does not run; Complete loss of power while driving or parked; Smoke from tailpipe; Engine shaking violently after restart attempts; Loss of compression in multiple cylinders; Piston fragments or missing pieces of piston top
Codes mentioned: No codes in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. Repair costs $5,000–$8,500 including labor. Valve seat dropout identified as cause; one owner noted valve retainer retrofit available. Owners report mechanics saying they have never seen this type of failure before. Used engine installation attempted in some cases ($3,500) with mixed results.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler declined responsibility; dealership advised to junk vehicle. No recall issued despite manufacturer awareness of similar failures in customer forums and car complaint websites. Chrysler customer service indicated company was not surprised by the failure, suggesting prior knowledge. Warranty period expiration cited as reason for no coverage.
Engine sludge and premature seizure
Engine accumulates sludge at low mileage (21k–44k miles) despite regular oil changes, causing knocking and eventual engine seizure. Dealerships blame owners for neglect despite documented maintenance. 2.7L engines particularly affected. Second engine seizure reported on same vehicle after replacement.
When: At 21k–44k miles on 2.7L engines. Occurs on vehicles with documented regular maintenance and oil changes.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or grinding noise; Engine seizure requiring replacement; Gears not shifting properly; Sludge buildup visible in engine
Repairs/costs cited: Rebuilt engine installation $5,000. Second engine failure at 83k miles on same vehicle after first replacement at 43k miles. Dealers claimed sludge resulted from owner negligence despite documented oil changes. Independent mechanics confirmed sludge is inherent to 2.7L design, not owner error. Recalls mentioned as VIN-specific and not applied to all affected vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied; dealerships blamed owners for improper maintenance. Chrysler declined coverage citing lack of maintenance documentation even when owners had service records. No recall for 2.7L sludge issue; owners advised manufacturer no longer offers 2.7L engines in newer models.
Intermittent stalling with no diagnostic codes
Engine stalls randomly at stops, low speeds, turns, or while driving at constant speed. No check engine light or diagnostic codes present. Stalling is intermittent and difficult to reproduce; dealerships unable to diagnose. Multiple service visits yield no resolution. TCM sensor, transmission fluid, or unrelated parts replaced without success.
When: Onset varies; complaints span 2006–2014. One case reports three years of stalling before filing complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent stalling at stops or low speeds; Stalling while turning; Stalling while driving at constant speed; Stalling with loss of electrical power and flashing dashboard lights; Momentary engine die lasting half second; No pattern to incidents; occurs days or months apart or repeatedly in short timeframe; RPM gauge drops to zero during event
Codes mentioned: No codes in many cases, TCM sensor code found in one case but determined not to be the problem
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reset and replacement attempted without resolution. Transmission fluid adjusted (excess removed) without resolution. Fuel injector tune-up attempted. Owners report $150 diagnostic fees with no actionable findings. Multiple dealership visits (2–5) with no diagnosis. One owner reports 11 returns to dealership over one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state they cannot diagnose intermittent issues without reproducing the problem. Dealers request extended driving to cause failure. One dealership refused to service vehicle for warranty claim because check engine light was not illuminated at time of visit, despite receiving service bulletin and code documentation from customer.
Rough idle, misfire, and P0300 codes
Check engine light recurs monthly or frequently with P0300 (multiple cylinder misfire) and related codes. Engine idles rough. Carbon buildup on valve system suspected. Dealerships perform TSB carbon-cleaning procedures that are either incomplete or ineffective, requiring multiple visits.
When: Onset within months of purchase (8/4/07 in one case). Persists over years with recurring check engine light.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on approximately once per month; Rough idle; Multiple cylinder misfire (P0300); Loss of power; Engine sputtering
Codes mentioned: P0300 (multiple cylinder misfire/rough idle), Various other failure codes appearing intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Carbon removal TSB performed at dealerships multiple times (Brandywine Chrysler, Gegnas Chrysler), claimed to take less than a day. Second opinion from Midas revealed procedure incomplete: manifold removal, valve cleaning, possible rotation, and valve spring service required. Valve spring retainer locks replaced, spark plugs changed, air filter changed, MAP sensor replaced, fuel system cleaned, EGR valve replaced. Check engine light reappears after completion of all repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for carbon buildup on valve system. Dealerships claim TSB completion in one day; independent mechanic disputes adequacy of procedure.
Engine overheating and coolant loss
Engine overheats with steam blowing from tailpipe. Internal engine cracks or leaks develop. Radiator failure, fan failure, and sensor failure occur.
When: At 76k miles in one case; onset variable across complaints spanning 2007–2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Steam blowing from tailpipe; Internal engine cracks causing severe internal leaks; Coolant loss
Repairs/costs cited: Fan and sensor replacement performed ($cost not specified). Engine replacement required in one case due to severe internal crack ($8,000–$8,500). Radiator repair quoted at $750 before discovering internal engine crack requiring full replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or extended coverage mentioned for overheating issues.
Catalytic converter failures
Catalytic converter requires replacement multiple times. Check engine light illuminates. Dealer installed wrong part in at least one case. Independent mechanic required multiple repairs (converter and O2 sensors) before failure recurred.
When: At 54,635 miles in reported case.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illumination; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced twice at dealership without resolving issue. Dealer-installed part found to be wrong by independent mechanic. Independent mechanic replaced converter and O2 sensors twice before failure recurred. Owner also received NHTSA recall notification (Campaign 15V313000 for airbags) but parts unavailable for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted for converter failures; recall parts (airbag-related) unavailable.
Synthesized from 306 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle near the engine compartment. The contact also mentioned that the failure was progressing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Our car is Chrysler 300c AWD model year 2006. Currently car has about 46000 miles. Recently without any warring engine stops to work. First incident occurred on december 11, 2013 shortly after we left the gas station were we fill up the tank. We could not restart the car and towed the car home paying fee of $75. Next day the car started and we were able to drive the car. Second incident occurred…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine blew a rod and that there were metal fragments in the pistons as a result the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Chrysler 300?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 306 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 279 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,500 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,500; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chrysler/300.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.