2011 Chrysler 200 brakes problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler 200 in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2011 Chrysler 200 with 14 brake complaints reports recurring rotor warping, squeaking that persists after repairs, sudden brake pedal loss, ABS module failures that Chrysler can no longer supply parts for, and one case of complete brake failure on the freeway due to a recalled brake booster that Chrysler refused to cover. Brake problems appear to start as early as 3,000 miles and continue into high mileage with both performance and safety risks.
Owners of the 2011 Chrysler 200 describe multiple brake failures across the 14 complaints. The most common issue is rear rotor warping and squeaking noise that starts around 3,000 miles and persists even after dealership rotor reglazing or replacement. One owner brought the car back three times within the 12,000-mile brake warranty and was initially told nothing was wrong; a second opinion revealed warped rear rotors the dealership missed. Another owner reports all four brake pads wore out by 24,000 miles with grinding noise; the dealer called it normal wear despite the low mileage.
Two separate incidents describe the brake pedal dropping to the floor with no resistance, requiring multiple pumps or the emergency brake to stop the vehicle; both times the engine stalled. One owner braking at 20 mph downhill found the brakes did not respond and discovered contaminated non-brake fluid in the reservoir. Most critical is an owner whose brakes failed completely on the freeway due to a corroded brake booster with damaged vacuum lines—Chrysler refused to cover the active recall, claiming the VIN was listed in Canada, even though the owner lives in Indiana and part numbers matched.
ABS system failures appear late or suddenly: check engine and ABS lights illuminate together with stalling over three years despite sensor replacement, or the ABS light comes on randomly after dealership brake service. One owner was told Chrysler no longer supplies the ABS module, making repair impossible.
Same Chrysler 200 brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Rotor Warping and Brake Noise
Squeaking and grinding noises from rear brakes, with rear rotors warping during early ownership. Owners report the noise persists after rotor reglazing or replacement and is sometimes accompanied by brake pad wear.
When: Starting at 3,000–23,000 miles; one case recurred at 35,900 miles after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Constant squeaking and grinding with braking; Squealing noise when lightly depressing brake pedal; Noise worsens over time; Front-end shake when braking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership rotor reglazing did not resolve noise; independent mechanics identified warped rotors and replaced them; one dealer noted brake pad crystallization from lack of pressure; recurrence reported after rotor replacement
Premature Brake Pad Wear
All four brake pads wore out at very low mileage. One owner reported grinding sound at 10 mph and was told it was normal wear, though mileage suggests defective wear pattern.
When: 24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All four pads worn with low mileage; Grinding sound when braking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated failure was normal wear and tear; brakes needed replacement but owner did not pursue repair
Brake Pedal Loss and Floor-Drop Incidents
Brake pedal went to the floor with no resistance, requiring multiple pump attempts or emergency brake engagement to stop vehicle. Two separate incidents occurred months apart, with engine stalling accompanying both events.
When: First incident early in ownership; second incident late November 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal dropped to floor with no resistance; Required multiple pump attempts to slow vehicle; Engine stalled during or immediately after incidents; Pedal appeared to lodge on floor against driver's shoe
Repairs/costs cited: After restart, pedal returned to normal; no diagnostics performed in narratives
Brake Hesitation and Delayed Response
Brake pedal depressed but brakes did not respond immediately, occurring while driving downhill at 20 mph and in reverse. Diagnosis showed non-brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir, which caused hesitation.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but brakes hesitated to respond; Abnormal noise in reverse; Vehicle leak underneath
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced power steering lines and flushed contaminated brake fluid reservoir; exact repair details unknown
Brake Failure on Freeway
Brakes went out completely on freeway due to corroded brake booster and damaged vacuum lines. Owner stated an active recall existed for the brake booster but Chrysler refused to honor it, citing VIN listed in Canada despite owner living in Indiana and part numbers matching recalled parts.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes failed on freeway; No water shield present on brake booster
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid $750 out of pocket for brake booster repair; mechanic saved corroded part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active recall exists for brake booster corrosion; Chrysler refused coverage citing VIN in Canada and offered only a customer feedback form
ABS Module Failure and System Errors
ABS indicator light illuminated with check engine light and stalling, or ABS errors appearing on dashboard with parking brake and traction control faults. Dealers replaced sensors but failure recurred over three years. One complaint noted Chrysler no longer supplies the ABS module, making repair impossible.
When: Approximately 108,000 miles for stalling case; timing not specified for other ABS failures
Symptoms owners cite: ABS indicator light illuminates randomly or continuously; Check engine light illuminates; Parking brake error showing on dashboard; Traction control error on dashboard; Vehicle stalls when indicators appear
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, ABS
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced two sensors without resolving recurrent failure; ABS module replacement attempted but Chrysler no longer supplies the part; aftermarket and used modules would not work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer aware of ABS supply issue but part no longer available from manufacturer
Brake Fluid Contamination
Non-brake fluid substance found in brake fluid reservoir, causing brakes to hesitate and requiring fluid system flush.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes hesitated to respond; Contaminated fluid in reservoir
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer flushed and replaced contaminated brake fluid
Idling and Forward Creep with Loud Engine Noise
Vehicle idles forward on its own and makes loud popping or booming noises when brakes are applied, occurring daily. Likely related to vacuum or brake system interaction.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves forward at stops without gas pedal input; Loud booming or popping noises when brakes applied; Occurs daily
ABS Light After Brake Service
ABS indicator light came on randomly following front and rear brake pad replacement at a Chrysler dealership.
When: After brake service
Symptoms owners cite: ABS indicator light illuminates randomly after brake work
Codes mentioned: ABS
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; condition appeared after dealership brake service
Synthesized from 14 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 2011 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 18,800 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,800; a quarter make it past 74,000. 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 $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.