2011 Chrysler 200 airbags problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 36 airbags 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.
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler 200 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (36).
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Chrysler 200 had a widespread Takata occupant restraint controller recall (16V668000) that left thousands of owners unable to get parts for repair, with several crash incidents where airbags failed to deploy. Prospective buyers should verify whether any open recalls have been completed with genuine parts before purchase.
Owners report two main categories of airbag failure. First, multiple crash incidents where airbags failed to deploy during impacts: a vehicle hit a tree stump at 25 mph with no deployment, another was rear-ended by a 60 mph vehicle with no airbag activation, and a third flipped after swerving to avoid deer with the roof detaching and airbags inert. One owner was hospitalized after a rear-end collision totaling the vehicle with zero airbag deployment.
Second, the Takata occupant restraint controller recall (Campaign 16V668000) created a massive parts availability crisis. Owners notified starting September 2016 found dealers unable to source parts for months or over a year. Chrysler's communications were contradictory—one owner received notification that parts were available in July 2017 but dealers still had none. The manufacturer offered an August 2017 repair timeframe in one case that slipped. One case noted "no permanent fix" was available. Owners also report isolated headrest airbag deployments from potholes and while parked, and airbag warning lights illuminating at low mileage. A clockspring failure required replacement at 125,000 miles.
Same Chrysler 200 airbags reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag non-deployment in frontal/side crashes
Airbags failed to deploy during vehicle collisions, including frontal impacts and rollovers. Multiple owners reported front-end damage without airbag activation, and one reported a vehicle rollover with roof detachment and no airbag deployment.
When: At time of crash; mileage ranged 30,000 to 100,000
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment on impact; Front-end damage without restraint activation; Vehicle roof detachment in rollover (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle totaled with $21,000 repair estimate. One vehicle towed to independent mechanic and repaired for body damage only. One vehicle totaled and towed to wrecking lot.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 (airbags/seat belts) issued; parts unavailable; August 2017 timeframe cited in one case
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) recall parts unavailability
Owners notified of NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 (Takata recall) but unable to obtain parts for months or over a year. Dealers and Chrysler both reported parts on backorder with no estimated delivery date. One owner reported Chrysler notified parts would be available in July but were not.
When: Recall notices issued September 2016 through early 2017; owners attempting repair throughout 2016-2017
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to schedule recall repair due to parts unavailability; Conflicting information from dealer and manufacturer; Delayed notifications after parts allegedly became available
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; one owner offered manufacturer reimbursement if owner sourced their own repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000; parts distribution disconnect; Chrysler advised Q1 2017 at earliest in one case; one case noted 'no permanent fix' available
Seat belt failure to retract
One owner reported seat belt failed to retract; another reported seat belt failure to properly retract during rollover accident. Associated with recall Campaign 16V668000.
When: At time of crash (one case); mileage 110,524 (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt did not retract during normal operation; Seat belt failed to restrain occupant during rollover
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000; parts unavailable; manufacturer told one owner they would follow up but never did
Headrest airbag unintended deployment
Two separate reports of headrest airbag deploying while vehicle parked and unoccupied, or while driving without impact. One incident occurred when hitting a pothole at low speed (30-35 mph); another occurred while vehicle was parked with engine off.
When: One at low speed over pothole; one while parked and stopped
Symptoms owners cite: Headrest airbag deployed without vehicle impact; Struck driver in back of head while driving; Deployed while parked with engine off
Airbag warning light illumination
Owners reported airbag warning indicator illuminated on instrument panel. One case involved clockspring failure diagnosed at dealer requiring replacement.
When: 9,700 miles (one case); one case at approximately 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on dashboard; Associated horn inoperability (one case indicating clockspring failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Clockspring replaced in one case; no cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: manufacturer notified but provided no assistance
Clicking sound from airbag system
One owner reported hearing a clicking sound upon vehicle start with no warning indicators illuminated, received recall notice but parts unavailable.
When: 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound heard when starting vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 parts unavailable since November 2016
Synthesized from 36 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 airbags problem on the 2011 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 9,700 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,700; 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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.