Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
moderate 334 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 334 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
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.
Of the 15 model years of Chrysler 300 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 334.
Owners have filed 334 powertrain 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 powertrain 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 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Stall Immediately Following Fuel Tank Fill-Up (X53 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience an engine stall condition just after filling the fuel tank. The integral mulit-functional control valve may allow liquid fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system causing a rich fuel condition when the purge system is initiated..
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Stall Immediately Following Fuel Tank Fill-Up (X53 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience an engine stall condition just after filling the fuel tank. The integral mulit-functional control valve may allow liquid fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system causing a rich fuel condition when the purge system is initiated..
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Two dominant powertrain defects plague the 2006 Chrysler 300 across 334 complaints. The first is a shift lever stuck in Park due to breakage of a pink plastic interlock latch in the shifter mechanism. This occurs suddenly with zero warning, can strand a vehicle, and costs $350–$500 to fix. Chrysler issued a partial recall (K39) for certain model years and production plants, but many owners report their VINs were excluded despite having identical shifters and failure modes. Owners confirm that aftermarket metal replacement parts ($22–$40) exist and outlast Chrysler's factory plastic design, yet dealers keep installing the same fragile component.
The second—and more dangerous—is random engine stalling that strikes at idle, low speeds, and highway speeds without predictable pattern. Owners report intervals ranging from days to months between stalls. Dealers have replaced fuel tanks (under recall), PCMs, spark plugs, coils, transmission control modules, and accelerator pedals with minimal success. A subset of failures stem from PCM communication loss due to loose processors and broken solder joints inside the module; parts are severely backordered (75+ vehicles waiting per technician reports). Owners describe loss of power steering and brakes during stalls, near-misses with semi trucks, and one uncontrolled spin-out at low speed on a four-lane highway. Chrysler engineers have visited some vehicles but claim inability to replicate the fault, leaving owners frustrated and terrified to drive.
Additional failures include valve seats dropping inside cylinders (destroying engines at 90,000+ miles), transmission jerking in cold weather, and AWD transfer case binding that risks front-axle separation. Repair costs frequently exceed $3,000–$4,000, and Chrysler's warranty coverage has been inconsistent or withheld.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling at idle, low speeds, and full throttle
Engine shuts down unexpectedly when stopped at lights, rolling stops, slow-speed driving, or wide-open throttle. Often accompanied by dash light flashing, loss of power, and lurching. Restart typically successful. Occurs randomly with intervals from days to months between incidents.
When: Reported across wide mileage range; some owners note stalling after fuel fill-ups specifically
Symptoms owners cite: Random stalls at idle and low speeds; Stalls during wide-open throttle with violent lurching and loss of power; Check engine light intermittently comes on (code P0700 cited); Dash lights flash during events; Engine restarts successfully after stalling; Loss of power steering and braking when engine dies
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0763, P0762
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank replaced (recall campaign); owners cite dealer attempts to replace transmission, PCM, throttle body cleaning, fuel pump, ignition switch, and coil packs. Owners report fuel tank replacement provided temporary relief or no relief; PCM replacement and other electrical/fuel component fixes have not resolved the issue permanently for most owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on fuel tank (lifetime replacement cited); extended warranty campaign (X53) for fuel tank replacement; owners report Chrysler claims no solution exists and has advised some to sell vehicles. TSB procedure mentioned for cold limp mode (shift to park, turn off, wait 10 sec, restart).
Shifter stuck in Park (pink plastic shift interlock latch failure)
Transmission shift lever becomes locked in Park position and will not move to Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. Can occur suddenly without warning or after vehicle sits overnight. Pink plastic shift interlock latch/return spring hook breaks from normal use. Affects 2005–2007 model years (and possibly 2008+). Some owners report recall K39 exists for certain VINs/plants but their vehicles excluded despite identical design.
When: Occurs with no correlation to mileage or age; some before 75,000 miles, others earlier. One owner reports 44,849 miles; another at 73,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move out of Park; Shifter moves slightly right but not down to next gear (Reverse); Rocking vehicle has no effect; Steering wheel unlocks but gears remain locked
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement cost range $350–$500 (owners cite $381, $450+, $490–$500 repair bills). Dealers report replacing shifter with same pink plastic part; Dorman makes metal/aluminum aftermarket replacement ($22–$40, available online) that is more durable. Some owners report goodwill adjustments ($100 deductible applied). Temporary workaround: remove shifter cover, manually manipulate pink plastic tab or pull release cable with screwdriver to shift into Neutral.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler CSN K39 recall exists for 2005–2007 300 LX models only (not 300C or some production plants). Many owners report VIN exclusions despite identical part and failure mode. Chrysler customer service advises $150 diagnostic fee (may apply to repair cost) required before considering coverage; dealers confirm they have yet to see Chrysler cover costs even when aware of the issue. Some dealers informed owners recall does not apply based on production plant. No recall extension to 300C models reported.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure with communication loss
PCM loses communication with transmission and other modules, causing erratic engine behavior. Technicians report loose main processor on circuit board and broken solder joints inside PCM that cannot be repaired. Owners report PCMs on severe backorder (75+ units cited waiting for single part). When tapped or shaken while engine running, unit causes stumbling or stalling.
When: Failure mileage varies; one owner at 102,000 miles; another encountered after extended dealer involvement
Symptoms owners cite: Momentary loss of power with check engine and other lights flashing; Rough idle at random times; Throttle control and ESP lights flash on dash; Loss of acceleration; vehicle cannot exceed ~20 mph before loss of power; Engine stumbles or stalls when PCM unit is tapped/shaken; Eventual complete stalling
Codes mentioned: P0700
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement needed; parts severely backordered (75+ vehicles waiting). Repair shops cite broken solder joints cannot be repaired; computer repair shops confirm this is very common issue across multiple Chrysler models in recent months. Interim diagnosis: technician aligned misaligned pins and cleaned connections (worked ~2 weeks before failure resumed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under 8-year/80,000-mile factory warranty (one owner cited). However, dealers unable to obtain parts due to mega-backorder situation. Chrysler contacting vendor for ETA; unwilling to provide rental car, loaner vehicle, or vehicle of comparable value while customer waits for part.
Transmission control issues and shift hesitation
Transmission exhibits jerking, hesitation, or erratic shifting. In cold weather, transmission causes vehicle to jerk with hesitation. Transmission will only shift into second gear and then lock up. Gear shifting extremely difficult unless shifter cover removed and cable loosened. Loss of communication between transmission and computer reported.
When: Cold weather conditions noted; one owner reported after starting vehicle cold
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks or hesitates (especially in cold); Vehicle only shifts into second gear then locks; Gear shifter extremely difficult to operate without mechanical workaround; Transmission searching for correct gear and shifting up/down on its own above 40 mph; Hard 'buck' from transmission as if wanting to lock up
Codes mentioned: P0763, P0762
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replaced; transmission adjusted; valve body removed and replaced. One owner cited $3,750 transmission work. Cold limp mode procedure in owner's manual suggested by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission control module replacement performed by dealers. NHTSA recall 05V460000 (Powertrain: Automatic Transmission) exists but some vehicles not included due to VIN. Manufacturer contacted via OnStar; advised to return to dealer for valve body replacement.
Fuel tank stalling issue (post-fill-up)
Engine stalls or experiences severe hesitation immediately or shortly after refueling. Stalling typically occurs when pulling away from gas station, turning left, idling at lights, or attempting to park. Vehicle jerks and hesitates during acceleration before settling. Can cause complete loss of power shortly after fuel fill.
When: Occurs consistently after refueling; one owner reports pattern over 1+ years with multiple incidents after filling up
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling within minutes of leaving gas station; Stalling during turning, parking, or idle after refuel; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration post-fuel-up; Loss of power; Hard restart after stalling; Erratic idling after stalling event (loping from 2000 RPM to 100 RPM)
Codes mentioned: TCM codes, PCM codes, Fuel system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank replacement (recall campaign). Vapor canister, leak detection pump filter, fuel kit also replaced per one owner's experience. One owner reports fuel tank replaced twice with limited or temporary improvement; another had fuel tank replaced and problem persisted, requiring additional diagnosis of TCM and PCM issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall on fuel tank replacement issued. Lifetime fuel tank replacement warranty mentioned by one owner. Chrysler notified; extended warranty campaign (X53) provided fuel tank replacement. Chrysler statement acknowledged issue as fuel fill-related but noted 'did not represent dangerous or life-threatening situation'—owners strongly disagree.
Valve seat failure with engine damage
Valve seat drops inside cylinder, destroying pistons and requiring engine replacement. Engine makes loud grinding noise (compared to baseball card in bicycle spokes). Occurs with minimal warning; engine may stall or refuse to restart after incident. Well-maintained vehicles affected.
When: Reported at 90,000 miles and 112,000 miles; one occurrence while turning off car to save fuel
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from engine; Engine stalls or will not restart; Engine failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs $3,000–$4,000. One owner's vehicle experienced same failure twice within two weeks of first repair, requiring second engine replacement ($4,000). Vehicles were well-maintained with synthetic oil and proper service records.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused to cover failures and allegedly gave 'cold shoulder' per owner complaint. No warranty coverage offered despite maintenance records.
All-wheel drive binding in transfer case with loss of control risk
Planetary gears in transfer case bind in front-wheel portion of AWD drivetrain. Binding felt when turning into driveway or making sharp turns. If allowed to continue, could cause loss of vehicle control or front axle separation resulting in loss of one or both front wheels.
When: Detected early in ownership; one owner reported immediately after purchase (56,414 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Binding in front wheels during turns; Grinding or resistance when turning sharply
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case repair estimated in excess of $1,000; cost may be higher if additional drivetrain damage present. Not covered under limited 3-month/3,000-mile warranty cited by one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated by owners; not covered under limited powertrain warranty (one owner's case).
Transmission fluid leak from defective cap
Transmission fluid leaks profusely from defective filler cap. Dealership service manager acknowledged problem occurring on all their Chrysler 300 inventory at the time. No proactive customer notification issued by dealership despite known defect.
When: Reported at 1.5 years of age (relatively low mileage implied)
Symptoms owners cite: Profuse transmission fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Defective cap replaced under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported; dealer replaced cap as warranty repair. Dealer stated OSHA was aware (unverified claim; caller found OSHA does not regulate automobiles).
Hard shift/transmission engagement delay
Transmission exhibits jerky, delayed engagement when put into gear. When engine restarted and moved into gear, transmission does not engage immediately but after brief delay causes harsh 'jump' into gear.
When: Noted after engine stalling and restart events
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed transmission engagement after restart; Jerky/harsh shift into gear; Vehicle lurches or jumps forward
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cited; occurred alongside PCM and fuel system issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None specific to this symptom.
Synthesized from 334 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Car will cut off all system and stop when driving ,I fear car behind will run into me causing serous injuries and death.car will stop in motion, city street highway it dosents matter .car has less then 40000.m
The first time this happened was over a year ago. I had just filled up gas tank and pulled out of lot still in a parking lot of a shopping area. Turned left into a fast food place and car shuts down and would not restart until attempted several times. I was able to pull into a parking spot and went inside. Came out started car was pulling out of lot into traffic and car shuts down again. This…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 334 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 301 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 55,000 and 102,021 miles, with the median around 78,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 102,021. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.