Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chrysler 200 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Chrysler 200 have filed 69 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 200 | 75 |
| 2012 200 | 87 |
| 2013 200 (this page) | 69 |
| 2014 200 | 15 |
| 2015 200 | 152 |
| 2016 200 | 40 |
| 2017 200 | 9 |
Owners have filed 69 engine 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 engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 engine 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.
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Chrysler 200 engine is plagued by a cascade of failures that leave owners stranded and mechanics baffled. The most common complaint is sudden stalling at idle, during low-speed turns, at traffic lights, or even at highway speed—with zero warning lights or diagnostic codes. Owners have waited up to an hour for the engine to restart; a few have had to jiggle the fuse box to restore power. Multiple mechanics, including a 25-year ASE master technician, cannot diagnose the problem using standard tools. Fuel pump replacement hasn't solved it.
Bearing failure represents the most catastrophic mode: metal debris fills the oil pan on well-maintained vehicles, and the bearings wear so badly the engine seizes. One owner found the dipstick dry despite regular oil changes.
Heater cores clog with manufacturing debris—sand left inside from improper engine block cleaning during assembly—costing $900 to $1,500 to replace. Head gaskets blow early, leaking coolant onto pedals and into the cabin. Catalytic converters clog and fail without clear cause. One vehicle caught fire at highway speed.
Owners cite recalls N52 and N02 for stalling, yet Chrysler claims those are void and excludes many VINs from coverage. Service bulletin 09-002-14 Rev B addresses cylinder #4 misfire but coverage is disputed. The pattern is clear: Chrysler knew these problems existed but has resisted taking responsibility across the board.
Same Chrysler 200 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalls without warning at idle, low speed, or in traffic
Engine shuts off abruptly during normal driving—at stop lights, stop signs, while slowing to a stop, turning, or idling—with no warning lights or diagnostic codes. Owners report the car dies at various speeds from 10 to 65+ mph. Many say restart is possible immediately; others wait 5 minutes to over an hour. A 25-year ASE master tech confirmed he sees the pattern but finds no fault codes.
When: Most commonly occurs within first 50,000-90,000 miles; some incidents very early (1,500 miles); pattern continues across wide mileage range
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off with no warning lights or audible cues; No diagnostic fault codes retrieved by mechanics or OBD-II readers; Loss of power steering and brake assist when stalled; Engine may restart immediately or require 5 minutes to over an hour before restarting; Throttle pedal unresponsive or stuck at floor during stall event; RPM fluctuation and stuttering preceding some stall events
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose; fuel pump replacement documented but did not resolve issue; some owners report jiggling the fuse box to restore power
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls N52 and N02 exist for stalling but are listed as void; NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 referenced by owners but their VINs excluded; manufacturer declined to offer assistance in multiple cases
Engine stalls with loss of power on acceleration; throttle control failure
While accelerating or attempting to maintain speed, the vehicle loses power and stalls. Owners report the accelerator pedal goes to the floor with no response, or RPM climbs but vehicle fails to accelerate. Loss of power occurs at highway speeds (60–70 mph) and lower city speeds (20–35 mph).
When: Various mileages; documented from 17,000 to 190,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle decelerates unexpectedly while at speed; Accelerator pedal depressed but vehicle fails to accelerate; RPM increases but no power delivery; Loss of engine power at highway speed; Jerking during acceleration or gear changes
Codes mentioned: P2173 (Throttle Control Actuator)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body, throttle body sensor, and temperature sensor replacements documented; repairs do not prevent recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners reported exclusion from recalls despite experiencing same symptoms as recalled vehicles; Chrysler service bulletins 09-002-14 Rev B referenced by owners for cylinder #4 misfire but coverage disputed by manufacturer
Engine knock, hard start, and catastrophic bearing/oil pressure failure
Engine produces loud knocking or clunking during start-up or under load. In severe cases, bearings wear to failure, filling oil pan with metal debris and leaving no oil circulation. One owner's engine seized at highway speed with oil pressure warning; another found the dipstick dry and metal debris in the oil pan, requiring complete engine replacement.
When: Knocking reported early in ownership; bearing failure documented at 50,000–107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or clunking noise during cold start; Engine hesitation to start; Oil pressure warning light illumination; Oil pan filled with metal debris and worn bearing material; No oil or minimal oil on dipstick despite regular maintenance; Engine seizes while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Engine teardown revealed bearing failure and metal debris; one engine declared non-repairable; oil pressure pump replacement attempted but did not resolve catastrophic failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for this defect but excluded specific VINs affected; manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance
Pentastar tick—cylinder head and camshaft rocker/lifter noise
A known issue in 2011–2013 Pentastar engines causing an audible ticking from the cylinder head, camshaft rockers, or lifters. The tick is well-documented enough to have earned the name 'Pentastar tick' within the owner community. Chrysler extended warranty to 150,000 miles for the cylinder head but not for camshaft components, leaving some owners without coverage.
When: Typically manifests during normal operation; can appear before 100,000 mile factory warranty expires or beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous ticking noise from cylinder head area; Ticking from camshaft rockers and lifters
Repairs/costs cited: Extended warranty covers cylinder head to 150,000 miles; camshaft rocker and lifter repairs fall outside extended coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledges the issue but limits extended warranty to cylinder head only, excluding camshaft components
Heater core and radiator blockage from manufacturing debris
Heater core and radiator become clogged with manufacturing debris—sand, grit, and dirt from improper cleaning of engine blocks during machining. Owners report inadequate heat output, uneven heating between driver and passenger sides, and in cold climates, inability to defrost windshield. Some vehicles overheat as a result. Repair costs $900–$1,500 at dealerships.
When: Issues appear within first 2–3 years of ownership; one owner noted the problem during 2018 winter with 80,000 miles on a 2013 model
Symptoms owners cite: Inadequate or no heat from heater vents; Uneven heating (e.g., driver side heat only, passenger side none); Engine runs below normal operating temperature; Windshield defrost not functioning properly; Debris visible in antifreeze (sand, grit, dirt); Vehicle overheating in some conditions; Grit and debris found during thermostat replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement may help temporarily but does not address root cause; heater core replacement costs $900–$1,500
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned; Chrysler has not acknowledged manufacturing defect despite multiple similar complaints
Blown head gasket and coolant leaks
Head gaskets fail prematurely, causing coolant to leak internally and externally. Owners report a sweet burning smell, temperature warning lights, engine smoking, loss of power, and inability to accelerate. One repair bill reached $3,000. Coolant also leaks internally onto accelerator and brake pedals, creating visibility hazards through smoke in cabin.
When: Failure reported within first 6 months of ownership in one case; another around 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sweet burning smell from engine; Temperature warning light illumination; Smoke or light gray smoke from hood or vents; Strong coolant odor in cabin; Loss of engine power and inability to accelerate; Excessive heat in cabin; Coolant leaking onto pedals; Fogging of windows from coolant vapor
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement documented at cost of $3,000; dealership repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or warranty extensions mentioned in narratives
Catalytic converter failure and clogging
Catalytic converters fail and become severely clogged, triggering check engine light and reduced engine performance. Replacement cost cited as prohibitive (over $1,000). Failure mode appears unrelated to owner misuse and occurs on well-maintained vehicles.
When: Reported at unknown mileage in one case; another at approximately 80,000 miles after emissions recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Reduced engine performance; Catalytic converter severely clogged
Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost prohibitive; one owner declined repair due to expense
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance mentioned; catalytic converter failures appear to fall outside recall scope
Heater control clicking and failure
Heater produces a clicking noise when turned on (lasting approximately 30 seconds) before either stopping or failing entirely. Issue reported on a vehicle with only 36,000 miles, suggesting an early defect.
When: At 36,200 miles on a 2013 model
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise for approximately 30 seconds when heater is turned on; Heater may stop functioning after clicking
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented as repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine fire
Vehicle emits smoke from under the hood at highway speed and subsequently catches fire. Fire department extinguished the fire. Vehicle was a total loss.
When: At approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emitted from underneath hood at 60 mph; Engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle damaged and towed to impound; not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist
Oil pressure warning light and engine shaking
Oil pressure warning light illuminates while driving; engine shakes severely when restarted. Condition prevents reliable vehicle operation.
When: Sudden occurrence during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illumination; Severe engine shaking upon restart
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented as repaired; owner had to tow vehicle home
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
EVAP purge valve malfunction and related component failures
Check engine light illuminates with diagnostic code P0441 indicating EVAP purge valve failure. Multiple related components—water pump, gasket, serpentine belt, idler pulley, and multi-function switch—required replacement.
When: Failure mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: P0441 (EVAP Purge Control Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump, gasket, serpentine belt, idler pulley, and multi-function switch replaced; cost not provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Plastic radiator hose connector failure and coolant leak
The connector joining the radiator hose from the fluid reservoir to the radiator is made of plastic and breaks, spilling radiator fluid. Repair required full system flush, pressure check, and refill.
When: Failure mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator fluid leaking to ground; Plastic hose connector breakage
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replaced, system flushed, pressure checked, and refilled; cost $546 in parts and labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Fuel tank leak
Fuel tank leaks, creating fuel odor and causing engine to stall and lose power while driving. Vehicle continues to be drivable but represents a fire hazard.
When: At 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel tank leaking; Fumes present; Engine stalls and loses power while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not contacted; no response documented
Synthesized from 69 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have 3 Chrysler vehicles and every one has had the heater core go bad! Last year it was our 2013 Dodge avenger. Now it is the 2013 and 2014 Chrysler 200's we own. The heat stopped working in all 3 of these vehicles...all within 1 year of eachother. There has to be some sort of defect in order for the same thing to happen to all 3 of these chryslers. I wanted to report this if you keep any sort…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Chrysler 200?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 69 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,855 and 105,439 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,855; a quarter make it past 105,439. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.