Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chrysler 300 electrical problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 28 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
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 ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure is sudden, unannounced engine and electrical shutdown while driving at any speed. Owners describe complete power loss—engine dies, all lights go out, power steering and brakes disappear—forcing them to shift to neutral and restart. This happens repeatedly with no warning codes, sometimes multiple times in a week at highway speeds, creating a serious risk of collision. Multiple owners report nearly being run over because they lost control.
The root cause points to the ignition switch or WIN (wireless ignition node) module. One owner isolated the problem by tapping the key while driving and confirmed the module was failing. Dealer replacement cost $472 to $1,000+. However, many dealerships cannot diagnose the intermittent fault, and Chrysler's related recalls excluded some 2009 models.
A secondary but severe issue involves the driver's seat heater. Two owners report the seat generating dangerous heat that burned through upholstery and clothing, and one vehicle caught fire completely under the driver's seat while parked. Another failure involves a starter fire under the hood.
Horn failures are common—either completely silent or barely audible despite receiving electrical signal—making emergency warning impossible. Multiple owners cannot use turn signals or wipers reliably. One owner reported complete electrical lockup except for a door-alarm chime, with the battery fully charged but no start function.
Same Chrysler 300 electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch/key module failure causing stalling and loss of all power
Engine shuts down suddenly while driving at any speed without warning. Complete electrical shutdown occurs—engine, lights, power steering, power brakes, radio all lose power simultaneously. Vehicle restarts after shifting to neutral, but failure recurs unpredictably and frequently. No warning lights or diagnostic codes stored. Owners report near-miss highway accidents due to loss of power steering and brakes.
When: Occurs at various speeds with no pattern; some owners report it happening 4+ times within weeks at highway speeds; one owner noted it started at lower speeds but increased in frequency over a year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out abruptly while driving; All electrical systems lose power simultaneously; Lights (interior and exterior) shut off; Power steering and power brakes disabled; Vehicle restarts after shifting to neutral; Failure occurs at any speed unpredictably; No diagnostic codes stored
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics unable to identify root cause in several cases. One independent mechanic suspected timing belt and defective alternator. Dealer diagnosed ignition switch replacement needed ($1000+ quoted).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes similar Chrysler vehicles recalled for ignition issues; this vehicle was not included. NHTSA Campaign 14V567000 (Electrical System) recall issued but parts unavailable for some owners.
Key fob/WIN (wireless ignition node?) module failure
Intermittent failure to start or operate ignition. Key fob stops working; battery replacement does not resolve issue. Tapping or touching the key sometimes triggers stalling. One owner discovered WIN module was responsible after isolating the problem themselves. Key may stick in ignition and refuse to release. Some owners cannot determine if fault is in fob or ignition itself.
When: Intermittent; occurs at random intervals with no discernible pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob fails to operate ignition; Sometimes car will not start when key turned; Key sticks in ignition when parked; Key removal from ignition switch difficult or impossible; Touching/tapping key triggers stalling while driving or parked; Battery replacement in fob does not fix problem
Repairs/costs cited: WIN module replacement cost $472 at dealership (one owner). Key fob replacement performed at dealer for some failures. Dealer quoted $1000+ for new ignition switch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports some other Chrysler vehicles were recalled for this problem; this vehicle was not recalled. Dealer advised on ignition switch replacement.
Seat heater malfunction with fire risk
Driver's seat heater turns on by itself or malfunctions, generating excessive heat without control. One vehicle caught fire under the driver's seat when parked, detected 2.5 hours later with smoke and flames visible. Another owner's seat heater burned a hole through seat cover and burned the owner's coat while driving at highway speed. Seat heater continued generating heat even when switched off.
When: One fire incident occurred after car had been sitting parked (not running); seat warmer incident occurred while driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater generates unbearable heat; Seat heater activates on its own; Heat continues even when seat heater switch is off; Smoke detected inside vehicle; Vehicle catches fire under driver's seat; Visible glow under driver's seat before flames
Repairs/costs cited: One fire incident resulted in complete interior meltdown and loss of vehicle. Owner reported seat warmer burned through coat and seat cover. Dealer instructed owner to contact Chrysler (case number 75085832 opened); no callback received after 4 follow-up attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler case number 75085832 opened but owner received no callback. Dealer refused repair pending Chrysler investigation.
Starter fire
OEM starter ignited a fire under the front end of vehicle while starting the car. Owner extinguished fire with fire extinguisher. No warning lights preceded the failure.
When: When owner attempted to start parked vehicle to 'run and get the juices flowing'
Symptoms owners cite: Fire ignited under front end during startup; No warning lights before fire; No movement or spark issue before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Owner extinguished fire with fire extinguisher; vehicle status after fire unknown
Horn inoperative
Horn becomes partially or completely inoperative. Some horns produce only a very faint sound or no sound at all even though electrical signal is reaching the horn. Horn may fail to work when engine is off, creating safety hazard in parking situations. Failure prevents vehicle from passing inspection.
When: Intermittent or permanent; affects multiple attempts to use horn; one owner noted horn issues after turn signals and wipers failed
Symptoms owners cite: Horn produces no sound or extremely faint sound; Horn does not work with engine off; Horn fails at critical moments (near-miss traffic incidents); Faint electrical signal reaches horn but produces no volume
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted horn makes faint noise indicating electrical signal reaches it but horn fails to work as intended. No repair costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V313000 (Air Bags) recall notification received; however, parts were unavailable to complete repair in some cases.
Multiple electrical systems failure affecting turn signals, wipers, and horn
Multiple electrical components fail simultaneously or in sequence, including turn signals, windshield wipers, and horn. Failures occurred after car had difficulty starting.
When: After charging battery and attempt to start vehicle; discovered within same day as failed start
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals inoperative; Windshield wipers inoperative; Horn inoperative
Rear door lock failure
Rear doors will not open from inside or outside of vehicle. Doors will not unlock from driver or passenger side controls.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors locked and unable to unlock; Doors will not open from inside; Doors will not open from outside; Door unlock controls (driver and passenger) do not function for rear doors
Complete loss of electrical function at ignition switch
When turning ignition switch on, vehicle will not start and loses all electrical function except door-open alarm signal. Windows, radio, lights, and all other electrical systems become inoperable. Battery tests charged and normal.
When: Upon attempting to start vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; All electrical functions lose power except door alarm; Windows inoperative; Radio inoperative; Lights inoperative; Ignition shows dead despite charged battery
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic's test indicated WIN and PCM as potential issue; no repair completed in reported case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler told owner no recall exists for this vehicle
Horn stuck/honking involuntarily
Horn continues sounding on its own at random times. Horn does not work properly when applied intentionally but sounds when not expected.
Symptoms owners cite: Horn sounds on its own without driver input; Horn honks involuntarily; Horn does not work properly when driver applies it intentionally
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
This car has a plastic key fob used as the key. Sometimes I turn the key and nothing happens. I have replaced the battery repeatedly in the fob itself. I wish it had a metal key so I could figure out if it is something in the ignition or in the fob itself. I'm afraid I am going to lose power when driving and crash. The dealer said a new ignition is over $1000 but I am not convinced this will…
While driving at highway speed, the car completely shut down. The engine, interior lights, exterior lights, power steering, and power brakes all shut down. The car effectively was moving on a busy highway with no power. I had to pull over to the road side thru traffic and the car had to restart the car. This has started to happen frequently. I noticed that there were recalls on years prior to…
Truck moved into my lane, tried to honk horn(s) but failed to work. Once in a quiet place, discovered horn makes a very faint noise but no honk and no volume from either horn. The fact that it makes a faint noise means it is getting electric signal but failing to work as it should. Extremely dangerous, put my life in danger and now won't pass inspection. Horn not working with engine off is also…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open the vehicle and the trunk opened independently. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the key fob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,477.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler 300. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to vero beach Dodge (currently renamed vatland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at 855 south, us-1, vero beach, fl 32962, (772) 567-6633) where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 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 electrical problem on the 2009 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 61,030 and 94,030 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,030; a quarter make it past 94,030. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2009/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.