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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chrysler 200 powertrain problems
moderate 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 35 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) 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. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2011 Chrysler 200 owners report a documented pattern of powertrain problems. Most alarming is unexpected engine shutdown at highway speeds with complete loss of power steering and brakes—incidents that leave drivers unable to control the vehicle in traffic. Owners report the engine restarts after 30 minutes to an hour with no fault codes. One owner documented nine fuse #33 (PCM) failures over 5,000 miles, each killing all drivetrain power during gear shifts.
Transmission behavior is consistently problematic. Hard jolts between gears, particularly during downshifts and when releasing the accelerator, occur repeatedly across multiple vehicles. Owners describe violent bucking uphill and transmission hesitation before completing shifts. Battery drain cycles and complete electrical failures appear in multiple complaints—vehicles won't start after sitting 2–3 days, requiring jump-starts despite short idle times. Dealerships have replaced thermostats, alternators, and PCMs without resolving core issues. Multiple owners note their dealers claim inability to replicate the problems or state the behavior is normal. NHTSA opened an investigation in 2012 for faulty PCM on 3.6L models but closed it without a broad recall.
Same Chrysler 200 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling while driving
Engine shuts off suddenly with no warning lights or check engine codes, sometimes while at highway speeds. Power steering and brakes are lost during the event. Vehicle restarts after 30 minutes to an hour, or sometimes immediately.
When: 120,000+ miles; also reported at 32,000 miles and early in ownership (1-4 years); occurs without predictable pattern—highway, stop-and-go traffic, acceleration, braking, or at stops
Symptoms owners cite: engine dies without warning; no check engine light; no dashboard warning prior to stall; power steering lost; power brakes lost; loss of vehicle control; vehicle restarts after delay or immediately with no trace of problem
Codes mentioned: U1403, P061C, U0401
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspections and PCM/ECU updates attempted without resolution. One owner noted mechanic found loose ground at alternator. Multiple owners report dealers unable to diagnose or reproduce the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA investigation opened 6/2012 for faulty PCM (2011-2013 with 3.6L), closed 9/2012 with customer service satisfaction program; no widespread recall issued despite owner reports. One recall noted for 2015 models only for stalling during deceleration.
Hard transmission shifts / jolting between gears
Transmission jerks or jolts hard when shifting, particularly during downshifts or when releasing accelerator. Jolts can be violent and cause loss of concentration. Noise described as clunking, popping, or grinding. Severity varies by day and increases over time.
When: Early ownership (8,000 miles onward); occurs during acceleration, deceleration, stop-and-go traffic, highway driving, and low-speed turns
Symptoms owners cite: hard jolt when shifting into gear; violent bucking during uphill acceleration; transmission clunking or popping sound; transmission sounds whiny; difficulty shifting into gear; transmission revs up and hesitates before shifting; low transmission fluid pressure warning; vehicle body jolting/jerking motion
Codes mentioned: low transmission fluid pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership software updates and transmission adjustments performed without resolution. One owner's repair shop quoted transmission reset. One owner replaced alternator and adjusted loose ground without full fix. Mechanic noted this is a 'known issue' for the model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims 'it's learning the way you drive' or that shifting behavior is normal. No recall addressing transmission shift quality. One owner mentioned dealership computers received engineer inquiries.
Repeated battery drain / inability to start
Battery drains while vehicle sits unused for 2-3 days without being driven. Vehicle becomes completely dead and will not start; requires jump-start. Occurs repeatedly over weeks or months despite short idle periods.
When: Early-to-mid ownership; vehicle sitting unused for 2-3 days between drives
Symptoms owners cite: battery completely dead; vehicle will not start; vehicle will only start with jumper cables; battery drains during idle periods
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspected 6 times in 4 months with no diagnosis. Initially blamed on license plate light, then glove box light staying on, then computer system that never shuts off. Dealership recommended using battery tender trickle charger continuously when not driving—unacceptable workaround for elderly owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised vehicle must be driven frequently to avoid battery death; no repair offered. Case closed by dealership without diagnosis or resolution.
Fuse #33 (PCM/switch bank) blowing repeatedly
Fuse #33 (switch bank/diagnostic link connector/PCM) blows repeatedly between gear shifts, causing complete loss of power—no power steering, no power brakes, no engine power. Owner replaces fuse multiple times to continue driving.
When: 34,000 miles through 39,000+ miles; occurs during shifting in any mode (automatic or manual-stick), particularly during downshifts in traffic or when slowing
Symptoms owners cite: fuse blows during shifting; complete drivetrain shutdown; no power steering; no power brakes; loss of vehicle control at highway speeds; fuse needs repeated replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement is temporary fix; no permanent repair identified. Occurs 9+ times over ~5,000 miles of driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented fix available per owner inquiry.
Alternator failure with ground connection issue
Alternator fails at very low mileage (under 32,000 miles) without warning. Mechanic noted loose ground connection in addition to alternator failure, suggesting possible electrical system defect.
When: 32,000 miles or less; early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: alternator fails; loss of power while driving; transmission shifts itself; battery dies; no restart capability even with jump
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced. Mechanic burned hand during inspection. Loose ground connection noted but relationship to alternator failure unclear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler gave 'run-around' per owner; dealership emailed engineers regarding the car but provided no resolution or explanation.
Idle surge / stalling at stops
Engine surges at idle when stopped at lights or intersections, idle speed jumping unpredictably. Engine stalls when coming to a complete stop or during deceleration; engine fades for approximately 7 seconds before shutting off completely.
When: Early ownership; occurs at stops, during deceleration, or when slowing down
Symptoms owners cite: idle surge while stopped; engine stalls when stopping; engine stalls during deceleration; RPM fades slowly then engine cuts off; no check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership aware of issue but unable to provide resolution. Multiple attempts at diagnosis unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership has no answer for resolution; aware of the issue but no recall or repair offered.
Loss of power during acceleration or passing
Vehicle loses power or dies suddenly when accelerating or attempting to pass another vehicle. No warning and vehicle will not restart for extended periods.
When: Various mileages; occurs during acceleration from stop or at moderate highway speed (40 MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: engine dies during acceleration; complete loss of power; no restart capability for hours; no warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostic reader showed no fault codes; charged diagnostic fee but found nothing.
Transmission not engaging after stopping
After driving for approximately 25 minutes, transmission fails to engage when accelerating from a stop. Vehicle will not move until shifted back to park, engine turned off, and then back to drive.
When: After ~25 minutes of driving; occurs at stop lights
Symptoms owners cite: transmission fails to engage after stopping; vehicle will not move when in drive; requires shifting to park, restarting, and re-engaging to function
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to find problem.
Transmission shudder / vibration during shifts
Vehicle shakes or vibrates when gears shift, or shakes at steady highway speed (60-70 MPH) with RPMs jumping. Transmission runs rough with hesitation before completing upshift.
When: Various speeds and conditions; noticeable at 60-70 MPH on highway; early ownership (3,500 miles) through later ownership
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shudder during shifting; vibration throughout vehicle during gear change; forward lunge during shift; RPM jump during steady cruising; hesitation before upshift; transmission revs higher than expected
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates and transmission reset by dealer may help per mechanic note. No permanent resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic stated transmission reset is needed; not covered under standard service.
Brake and power-steering loss (separate from stalling)
Brakes and power steering become inoperable during normal driving, separate from complete engine stall events. Brakes make grinding or squeaking noise during slow stops or backing up.
When: Various mileages and driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power braking; loss of power steering; brake grinding or squeaking during slow stops or backing; brake pedal vibration; harder brake pedal depression causes more vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer told owner brake inspection found nothing wrong despite audible grinding noise.
Battery electrical system malfunction with coolant leak
Multiple related failures: battery drains, all dashboard lights illuminate with beeping, heater malfunction, engine overheating, coolant leak, fuel pump issue (gas pump continuously stops during refueling).
When: Mileage not specified; multiple systems failing in sequence
Symptoms owners cite: battery drained repeatedly; all dashboard lights on with beeping; heater not working (then recovered); engine overheating; coolant leak; coolant loss; fuel pump stops during refueling; cannot restart vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced without fixing issue. Root cause not identified.
Engine hesitation / stumble during acceleration
Engine hesitates or stumbles when accelerating from stop or at low speeds; will not increase speed smoothly and then jolts into next gear. Attempt to stall multiple times during warm-up.
When: Early ownership; occurs from complete stop or while cruising at 45 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: engine hesitation when accelerating; no smooth speed increase; jolting into gear after hesitation; transmission tries to stall; multiple stall attempts during warm-up; slight hesitation when starting and during various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate or diagnose issue.
Steering difficulty / traction control issues
Steering becomes difficult to maneuver, particularly over bumps. Traction control and engine power indicator lights illuminate during loss of power events.
When: 60,000 miles and higher; 65 MPH on interstate in heavy traffic
Symptoms owners cite: difficult steering over bumps; traction control light illuminated; engine power loss indicator light; total loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis: tires rotated (noted as irrelevant to actual issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Clunking noise from drivetrain / transaxle area
Loud metal-to-metal clunking sound from left wheel/axle area or transaxle, triggered by releasing or pushing gas pedal. Sound is getting worse over time.
When: Present from purchase; worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: loud clunk when gas pedal released; loud clunk when gas pedal pushed; metal-to-metal sound quality; noise from left wheel or axle area
Repairs/costs cited: Scheduled for shop inspection to disassemble and diagnose.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I purchased a Chrysler 200 limited in march 2011. On several occasions, the transmission has jerked really violently in between gears (first to second and second to third), made a loud popping noise while driving slow. The first time this has happened, I thought that something hit the car. I have since taken my 200 to the warranty service center here and they said they could not find anything…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Chrysler 200?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 35 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 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,100 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 31,841. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,100; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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.