Takata recall. I am extremely concerned with this recall, and how there is no remedy available. I am very uncomfortable driving my car, especially since I live in florida, and the high humidity and temperatures can make this issue even worse. I have tried to trade my car in on a new one, and many dealerships are unwilling to accept it as a trade because of the recall, meaning they would be unable…
2013 Chrysler 200 airbags problems
severe 157 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
157
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
9crashes
13injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 157 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.
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler 200 in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 Chrysler 200 with known airbag defects poses serious safety risks: the occupant restraint controller can fail to deploy airbags in a crash due to an electrical shorting problem, and headrest airbags have deployed unexpectedly even without impact. Before buying one, verify if it has had NHTSA recalls 16V668000 and 17V640000 completed—if parts were never installed or if warning lights persist, walk away or demand written proof of repair completion.
The 2013 Chrysler 200 has two major airbag issues affecting crash safety and daily reliability. The first is an occupant restraint controller defect (NHTSA Campaign 16V668000) that can prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying during crashes due to a shorting condition in the electronic control module. Owners reported airbag warning lights staying on even when seatbelts are fastened, and in several documented crashes at 30–50 MPH, airbags failed to deploy, leaving occupants unrestrained and injured. Some owners experienced seatbelts that wouldn't retract or secure properly.
The second issue is spontaneous headrest airbag deployment (Campaign 17V640000). Multiple owners reported headrests deploying without any impact—while driving at normal speeds, while parked, or while exiting the vehicle. One incident hit a passenger in the back of the head; another struck an occupant as they unbuckled their seatbelt.
A critical problem compounds both issues: Chrysler issued recall notices starting in 2016 but the replacement parts were unavailable for months or longer. Dealers reported receiving only one part per week; owners on waiting lists were never called back. By 2018, owners still couldn't get repairs completed. The warning lights that signal these defects often remain illuminated even after service attempts, and dealers sometimes demand $500 diagnostic fees or refuse warranty coverage.
Same Chrysler 200 airbags reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Shorting - Airbag/Seatbelt Non-Deployment
Loss of airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment capability due to shorting condition in the occupant restraint controller, caused by a negative voltage transient traveling through front impact sensor wires. This defect means the vehicle may not provide restraint protection during a crash.
When: No specific mileage pattern reported; owners received recall notices starting 2016; crashes occurred between 2014-2018
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag and seatbelt warning indicators illuminated (on and off intermittently); Airbags failed to deploy during actual crashes; Seatbelts failed to retract or secure properly; Horn failure in some cases; Vehicle not providing expected restraint protection in crash events
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000
Repairs/costs cited: Occupant Restraint Controller replacement required. Parts were unavailable for extended periods (months to over a year); dealers quoted wait times of 3-6 months or longer. Some dealers received only one part per week. Recall remedy incomplete as of reporting dates in 2017-2018.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 (Air Bags and Seat Belts); recall issued November 2016. Chrysler/Mopar initially provided interim notice but remedy parts were not available. Manufacturer could not provide confirmed dates for part availability. Owners placed on waiting lists; some never received follow-up. Case numbers were opened but no resolution offered.
Headrest Airbag Inadvertent Deployment
Headrest airbags in front driver and passenger seats deploy spontaneously without any vehicle impact or warning. In some cases, deployment occurred while vehicle was parked or during normal driving at low speeds.
When: Occurred between 2014 and 2018; mileage ranged from 46,066 to 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headrest deployed without warning while driving (35 MPH); Headrest deployed while vehicle was parked; Headrest struck occupant in back of head; No crash or impact occurred prior to deployment; Driver or passenger injuries reported in some cases
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 17V640000
Repairs/costs cited: Headrest replacement required. Dealers and manufacturers initially declined to cover repair under warranty, citing diagnostic fees ($500 quoted in one case) or claiming vehicle no longer qualified under recall. Repairs were either not completed or owners declined to pay out-of-pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). Some owners were informed vehicles no longer qualified for recall coverage after reaching certain mileage. Manufacturer offered no assistance in multiple cases; dealership service departments turned down warranty claims.
Airbag Warning Light Persistently Illuminated
Airbag warning indicator (check airbag light) remains constantly or intermittently lit even when no fault is apparent. In some cases, the light appeared after headrest recall service was performed.
When: Reported from 11,000 miles through 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check airbag warning light continuously on; Warning light comes on and off intermittently; Light persists even when seatbelts are properly fastened; Light appeared after headrest replacement service; No actual airbag deployment or crash event
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic work declined by dealers due to fees (ranging from unknown to $500+ quoted). Airbag clockspring assembly was diagnosed as needing replacement in at least one case but vehicle was not repaired. One owner reported the light appeared after recall headrest replacement and dealer wanted $500 to diagnose and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler informed owners in some cases that their VINs were not included in recalls despite warning lights. In other cases, manufacturer acknowledged recall applicability but blamed parts availability. No warranty coverage offered.
Airbag Deployment Failure During Actual Crashes
Airbags failed to deploy when vehicles were struck in crashes at moderate speeds (30-50 MPH), resulting in occupant injury. One case involved a vehicle struck by a deer at 50 MPH; another involved a highway collision at 30 MPH.
When: 2014 and 2018; mileage 46,066 miles in one incident
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during side-impact crash (SUV hit passenger door at high speed); No airbag deployment during frontal collision (deer strike at 50 MPH); Seatbelts failed to restrain occupants; Occupant injuries: whiplash, back injury, leg injury, chest injury; Vehicle required substantial repair (new grill, bumper, doors, paint)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were towed to independent mechanics or dealers for collision repair only; airbag system was not diagnosed or addressed post-crash. In one case, airbag spontaneously deployed months after vehicle repair, causing secondary injury.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer were not contacted in some cases. In one instance, owner cited NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 as related to the crash. VIN was included in recall for at least one vehicle. No manufacturer response recorded.
Massive Parts Availability and Recall Execution Failure
Widespread and prolonged unavailability of occupant restraint controller replacement parts needed to complete NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 recall. Owners reported wait times spanning months to over a year, inconsistent dealer communication, and no confirmed remedy timeline.
When: Recall issued November 2016; complaints span 2016-2018 with no resolution by documentation dates
Symptoms owners cite: Owners notified of recall but parts not available to perform repair; Dealers placed owners on waiting lists with no follow-up; Multiple dealers contacted reported same parts unavailable; Manufacturers could not provide estimated availability dates; Interim recall notices provided without remedy details; Communication breakdown between manufacturer, dealers, and owners
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000, NHTSA Campaign 17V640000
Repairs/costs cited: Parts on backorder indefinitely. Dealers reported receiving only one part per week (one dealer quoted 17-week wait). Initial estimate of Q1 2017 availability was extended with no new date provided. Owners unable to schedule repairs despite multiple contacts with dealers and manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Mopar issued interim recall notices (NHTSA 16V668000) but could not supply remedy parts. Manufacturer opened case numbers for some owners but offered no resolution. Offered loaner vehicles in limited cases (declined by owners). Referred owners to NHTSA hotline. Trade-in value affected at dealerships due to unresolved recall.
Synthesized from 157 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
2013 Chrysler 200. Consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair occupant restraint controller recall notice. *smd
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags) however, the parts to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactrer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram tampa (9207 e adamo drive, tampa, fl 33619;…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts…
Takata recall, I received a letter explaining that my vehicle was under a recall involving the airbags and restraints, I have not received any updates or explanation as to when the parts will be available for my vehicle. I do not feel safe driving or having my family in the car with this recall still open. *tr
Had airbags trouble with your 2013 Chrysler 200?
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 airbags problem on the 2013 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 157 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 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 42,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 63,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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.
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/2013/Chrysler/200.
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.