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 ↗2008 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Performance Derate Above 55 MPH Immediately After Start-Up When Accelerating At Wide Open Throttle This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience any of the following conditions: Performance derate above 55 MPH when accelerating at wide open throttle immediately following engine start-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a wide spectrum of powertrain electrical and mechanical failures in the 2008 Chrysler 300. Complete loss of power while driving—killing engine, brakes, steering, and lights—is the most severe reported failure; one owner lost power on the highway after purchase and subsequently replaced the PCM, starter, alternator, power distribution, fuses/relays, and throttle components without resolution. Multiple owners report the engine stalling or shutting down completely while driving, parked, or at standstill, sometimes several times daily, with mechanics and dealers unable to identify the cause.
Transmission issues are frequent: early mechanical switch failure preventing gear shift (at 17,920 miles), inability to shift out of Park when cold that requires restart, and hesitation or refusal to downshift. Owners also report transmission-related clicking noises upon engaging Drive or Reverse. Antifreeze leaking into the transmission assembly is documented at unknown mileage. Starting problems range from no-start conditions requiring multiple restart attempts (up to 20 minutes) to intermittent crank-but-no-fire events.
Throttle response failures include complete unresponsiveness lasting 30 seconds with no diagnostic codes, and engine idle-only conditions during warm-up. One owner experienced electrical relay sounds without engine engagement. Electrical system recalls (14V567000) were issued but parts were unavailable for extended periods, and in one case the failure recurred post-repair.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss while driving
Total electrical system failure killing engine, brakes, steering, and all lights while vehicle is in motion.
When: Immediately upon highway driving; one owner at 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All power cuts out; Loss of brake function; Loss of steering; All lights extinguish; Engine will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced PCM, starter, alternator, power distribution, all fuses/relays, throttle, and throttle sensor without resolving issue.
Engine stalling/shutting down while driving
Engine unexpectedly dies during operation with no warning or hesitation, can occur multiple times daily.
When: Variable; reported at 87,000 miles for one owner; some instances at standstill, some while moving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Stalling at traffic lights; Stalling in Park or at standstill; Occurs several times daily; No warning before shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to mechanics and Chrysler dealers multiple times; cause could not be determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 (Electrical System) issued; one owner reported failure recurred after dealer repair under this campaign.
No-start / intermittent crank-no-fire
Engine will not turn over or cranks without ignition, sometimes requiring 20 minutes of repeated start attempts.
When: Variable; reported at 17,920 miles and up to 120,000 miles; one instance after one hour of parking
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not fire; Will not turn over with key or fob; Electrical relay sounds in rear without engine engagement; Requires multiple start attempts; Vehicle stranded mid-road
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM suspected as cause in one narrative; one owner reported replacing starter without resolution.
Transmission shift interlock / Park lock failure
Gear shifter stuck in Park, unable to release, particularly when engine is cold; requires restart to release.
When: Cold start conditions; one instance at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not release from Park when cold; Requires restart to shift out of Park; Does not occur when engine is warm
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed to local mechanic but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated issue not covered under Recall K59 (Transmission Interlock Problem) despite similar symptoms; faulty ignition switch was replaced on one vehicle.
Transmission shift failure / delayed response
Transmission refuses to shift or shifts with significant delay; occurs at low vehicle speeds with low accelerator response.
When: At 17,920 miles (mechanical switch breakage); variable for other instances
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift at 40 mph; Low response to accelerator pedal; Hesitation when shifting gears; Downshifting without driver input; Clunking sound from rear axle area
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanical switch replacement repaired two instances; other shift hesitation cases not resolved by dealers.
Throttle unresponsiveness
Throttle fails to respond to input, leaving vehicle at idle speed; occurs intermittently with no diagnostic codes available.
When: Within couple of miles of starting; during warm-up phase; one instance at 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle stops responding for 30 seconds; Engine drops to idle only; Occurs 5+ times per owner; Engine will not accelerate during warm-up; No warning, intermittent events
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visits yielded no codes; throttle and throttle sensor replacement attempted by one owner without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused warranty repair due to intermittent nature and inability to reproduce in dealer environment.
Transmission clicking/solenoid noise
Clicking noise from transmission area when shifting into Drive or Reverse, lasting 2-3 seconds.
When: Upon engagement of gear
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from transmission when shifting; 2-3 second duration; More noticeable in enclosed spaces like garages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified as normal Chrysler behavior due to solenoid sequencing in transmission control module.
Antifreeze leaking into transmission
Coolant system breaches and leaks antifreeze fluid into transmission assembly, contaminating transmission fluid.
When: Mileage not available
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze present in transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed transmission replacement necessary; no authorized dealer diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer had not issued a powertrain recall to provide remedy.
Traction control engagement in rain/uphill
Tire lock-up and transmission hunting behavior when driving uphill in rain; vehicle behaves erratically.
When: During rain on inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Tire lock-up; One rear tire unable to engage properly; Car acts erratically; Only occurs during rain
Unintended acceleration / lurching
Vehicle jerks forward or stops suddenly during normal driving without driver input.
When: After approximately 8,000 miles; at 25 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks forward; Unintended stopping; Check Engine light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 (Electrical System) issued; failure recurred post-repair.
Electrical system recall part unavailability
Recall parts needed for electrical system and transmission repairs were not available from manufacturer for extended periods, preventing timely repair completion.
When: During recall service period; one instance at 114,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notifications issued (14V567000 Electrical, 15V313000 Air Bags, transmission recalls); Parts unavailable for repair; Extended delay beyond reasonable timeframe
Codes mentioned: 14V567000, 15V313000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler issued NHTSA Campaigns 14V567000 and 15V313000; manufacturer acknowledged parts delays but vehicles remained unrepaired.
Related electrical failures: windows and trunk
Windows and trunk fail to open intermittently, suggesting broader electrical distribution issues affecting multiple systems.
When: At 114,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windows fail to open intermittently; Trunk fails to open intermittently; Brake pedal sinks to floor when depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was made aware; vehicle not repaired.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that anti-freeze was leaking into the transmission assembly. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an authorized dealer. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but had not issued a power train recall to provide a remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 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 powertrain problem on the 2008 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 17,920 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,920; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $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.
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/2008/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.