2008 Chrysler 300 brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Among the 10 model years of Chrysler 300 in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2008 Chrysler 300 has multiple brake system issues including premature rotor and pad wear with recurring vibration, potential complete brake failure, and ABS problems. Get a pre-purchase inspection done specifically on the brake system and test the brakes thoroughly before buying.
Owners report a range of brake failures. Most common is front-end vibration and shaking when braking, starting as early as 6,600 miles and recurring even after dealers replace pads and rotors multiple times. One owner paid $834.78 for a rotor and pad replacement at 6,681 miles, only to have the shaking return 11,000 miles later. Another owner had three dealer visits for the same shaking problem in a short period. Dealers offer little help—one stated the owner is at fault for how they brake, another said to live with it.
More serious: two owners report complete brake failure where the pedal drops to the floor with zero stopping power. One crash resulted in a driver's concussion. A third complaint involves rear brake caliper bolts shearing off, locking the rear wheel and destroying the rim—this happened on a vehicle purchased used just three days prior.
Additional issues include ABS warning light illumination with jerking, noise and squealing from brakes that won't quit despite multiple brake jobs, and a recall (15V373000 for service brakes hydraulic) where the repair part was unavailable for an extended period. One owner also reports brake stuttering that a dealer attributed to normal ABS operation.
Same Chrysler 300 brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Front brake vibration and shaking during braking
Front end shakes or vehicle vibrates severely when brakes are applied, often starting at low mileage. Owners report noise and shaking every time the pedal is depressed. Multiple dealer brake pad and rotor replacements fail to resolve the issue.
When: Starting around 6,681 to 12,000 miles; recurs within 30 days of service in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration and shaking in front end during braking; Shaking steering wheel; Noise from front brakes; Pedal shaking when depressed; Problem persists after multiple brake jobs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced front brake pads and rotors repeatedly; rotor resurfacing also performed. Owners cite $834.78 in repair costs. One dealer stated the problem was owner's fault (stopping method). One dealer said owner must live with the problem.
Complete loss of braking ability
Brake pedal goes to the floor with total loss of hydraulic resistance and stopping capacity. Vehicle continued moving without deceleration, resulting in at least one crash.
When: At 40,800 miles; also reported at low speeds during test drive
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floor; No braking effect; Complete loss of hydraulic resistance; Vehicle unable to stop
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was towed but failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Another case involved a crash resulting in driver concussion.
Caliper bolts shearing off
Caliper mounting bolts failed and sheared off during braking, causing rear wheel lock-up, tire deflation, and severe wheel damage. Vehicle was purchased used only 3 days prior.
When: Immediately after purchase (3 days)
Symptoms owners cite: Bang and sharp change in vehicle dynamics; Rear wheel locked up; Screeching skid; Tire deflated; Large gaping hole visible in aluminum wheel rim; Vehicle would not roll forward freely
Repairs/costs cited: Service manager stated bolts on caliper sheared off
ABS system malfunction with jerking and warning light
Vehicle jerked and ABS warning light illuminated. ABS module was reset to resolve the issue. Also associated with failure to start in some cases.
When: At 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerking; ABS warning light illuminated; Failure to start (on same vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module reset by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 (Electrical System) referenced by manufacturer
Brake noise and swelling during stopping
Owners report swilling noise and squealing from brakes when stopping. Multiple complete brake jobs by dealership failed to eliminate the noise.
When: Occurring from new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Swilling and noise from brakes when stopping; Squealing sounds
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple complete brake jobs by dealership did not fix the problem. Dealer stated owner must live with the problem.
ABS stuttering during braking
Car stutters when brakes are applied. Dealer attributed stuttering to ABS system operation and stated it is not a safety hazard.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Stuttering during braking; ABS system engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated this was not uncommon and related to ABS system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated issue is not a safety hazard
Recall repair unavailable (15V373000)
Owner received NHTSA recall notification 15V373000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the required repair part was unavailable, delaying service beyond a reasonable timeframe.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Recall issued but part unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Part for recall repair was unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V373000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)
Brake loss of power and ineffectiveness
Vehicle loses power when brakes are applied, with brakes feeling as if they will skid out from under the driver's foot. New brake pads do not improve the problem.
When: Reported during test drive approximately 1 month prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power when brakes applied; Brake pedal acts like it will skid; Feels like no brakes; Check engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: New brake pads installed; check engine code indicated possible air valve leak
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 17,000 and 59,132 miles, with the median around 24,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 59,132. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.