Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chrysler 300 cruise control problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 10 cruise control complaints filed for the 2013 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 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 cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗High Beams Are Inop, Shutter Door On High Beams Open And Then Close In Cold Ambient Temperatures. DTC B1632-11 And B1636-11 Set
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Chrysler 300s describe several distinct cruise control and throttle problems. The most serious: unintended full-throttle acceleration lasting several seconds after the driver releases the pedal and applies brakes. In one October 2015 incident at 25,000 miles, the engine held 4,500–5,000 RPM for 4–5 seconds during a passing maneuver; the wife experienced the same behavior in December. Another owner reports acceleration to over 105 MPH while passing at 80 MPH, requiring extreme brake force. A third owner (at 540 miles) experienced independent acceleration from 5 MPH that cruise control and brakes could not stop—only shifting to Neutral worked.
Cruise control itself stops working in at least one case at 39,000 miles, accompanied by ABS and traction control light failures. That owner's dealer blamed a wheel sensor at $187, claiming it wasn't related to a concurrent alternator recall, though the owner disputes this reasoning given the coincidental failures.
A separate issue: forward collision warning (FCW) only operates when adaptive cruise control is active, contrary to what the manual suggests. One owner reports false positives—FCW triggering on cars turning off-road—and multiple dealer visits without resolution.
One complaint describes the vehicle stalling when light brake pressure was applied in an intersection, with loss of power afterward. Another owner experienced brake slip in snow with abnormal noise.
Dealers have consistently offered minimal diagnostics—one suggested floor mat removal without further investigation.
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control disables without warning
Cruise control stops functioning, often in conjunction with other system failures (ABS, traction control). In one case, a wheel sensor failure at 39K miles coincided with cruise control loss; owner disputes dealer claim that sensor failure is unrelated to the alternator recall.
When: 39,000 miles; regularly serviced vehicle with no prior issues
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control stops working; ABS service light comes on and stays on; Traction control light comes on and stays on; Alternator warning light (lightning bolt) flashed twice before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced wheel sensor for $187; owner believes this should be covered under alternator recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall issued; dealer claimed wheel sensor failure unrelated to recall despite sensor being mentioned in recall notice.
Unintended acceleration on cruise control or throttle engagement
Engine maintains full power (4,500–5,000 RPM) for 4–5 seconds after driver releases gas pedal and applies brakes while passing or accelerating. Occurs in multiple vehicles. Dealer attributed one case to floor mat but owner removed mat and wife experienced similar event. Another complaint reports acceleration to over 105 MPH while passing at 80 MPH, requiring extreme brake force.
When: October 2015 (25,000 miles); December 2015 (wife's incident); 42,000 miles (105 MPH incident); 540 miles (low-speed acceleration)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues producing full power after pedal release; Vehicle accelerates independently; Brakes and cruise control button unable to stop vehicle (low-speed case); Throttle response delayed or uncontrollable during passing maneuvers; Vehicle accelerated to over 105 MPH unintentionally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested floor mat removal; no diagnostic performed in any case. Low-speed case required shifting to Neutral to stop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer response limited to floor mat check; no recall or service bulletin mentioned; manufacturer notified in 105 MPH case but vehicle remained undiagnosed and unrepaired.
Forward collision warning (FCW) does not operate independently
Forward collision warning activates only when adaptive cruise control (ACC) is on, contrary to owner's understanding of the manual. FCW occasionally triggers on vehicles turning off-road (false positives). Dealer service visits unsuccessful in correcting the issue.
When: Complaint timing not stated
Symptoms owners cite: FCW activates only when ACC is active; FCW does not work when ACC is off; False positives: FCW triggers on cars turning onto side roads; Manual documentation unclear on FCW/ACC integration
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits at two different dealerships; no repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; issue remains unresolved after dealer service attempts.
Vehicle stalls when braking in intersection
Vehicle stalled when driver applied slight brake pressure in intersection; owner states it would not regain speed. Vehicle hit from rear by oncoming car. Owner also reports brakes would not grip the road in snow and made noise.
When: February 23, 2015 (snow incident); intersection incident timing unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls when light brake pressure applied; Loss of speed/power after stall; Brakes slip on snowy road surface; Brake noise during snow incident
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle left in work parking lot; no repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler recall center refused to take vehicle back or escalate to management; owner reports negative interaction with recall center personnel.
Loss of speed control and ABS due to wheel sensor failure
Speed sensor and wheel hub assemblies failed on two wheels, disabling ABS and cruise speed control. Error message displayed on dashboard while vehicle was moving.
When: Failure mileage not stated; occurred during vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: ABS failure; Speed control failure; Error message on display screen; Failure occurred while vehicle was moving
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor and sensor wheel hub replaced on two wheels.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
In october 2015 I was driving driving my 2013 Chrysler 300 v6 AWD (with 25,000 miles) on a two lane highway (cruise control was on) when I decided to pass a semi-truck that was traveling well below the speed limit. When I accelerated to wide open throttle (wot) to pass the truck I moved into the opposite lane and saw a car in the distance. I changed my mind, released the gas pedal, and applied…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact also stated that the brakes and the cruise control button failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was shifted into neutral in order for the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2013 Chrysler 300?
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 cruise control problem on the 2013 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 18,000 and 42,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 42,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/300.
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.