Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chrysler 300 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Chrysler 300 have filed 120 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
120
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 300 | 28 |
| 2010 300 | 25 |
| 2011 300 | 109 |
| 2012 300 | 181 |
| 2013 300 (this page) | 120 |
| 2014 300 | 63 |
| 2015 300 | 10 |
| 2016 300 | 10 |
| 2017 300 | 26 |
2crashes
15fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 120 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 120 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Fuel Pump Connector Replacement The technician may experience a crank/no start after the fuel pump module was replaced. This bulletin involves replacing the fuel pump connector harness (pigtail) when replacing the fuel pump module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗High Beam Headlamps Flicker This bulletin involves installing jumper wires from the Power Distribution Center(PDC) to the headlamp connectors. The technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).B1632-15 - Left High Beam Control-Circuit Short To Battery Or Open. B1636-11 - Right High Beam Control-Circuit Short To Ground. In addition the customer may describe the following:High beam headlamps flicker in cold weather. High beams lamps not working properly in cold weather.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2013 Chrysler 300 describe a pattern of electrical failure centered on the alternator. The most severe failures involve the alternator catching fire or smoking—sometimes while parked, more dangerously while driving at highway speed. Owners report battery saver mode warnings followed by sudden loss of all electrical power, including steering, braking, and engine operation. Several owners found themselves stranded on busy highways or trapped in traffic unable to steer or brake.
Battery drain while the vehicle sits parked is another complaint, with cars failing to start after just five to seven days. Power loss and stalling during normal driving happened repeatedly for at least one owner despite dealer visits.
Chrysler issued two recalls (14V-634000 in 2014 and 17V-435000 in 2017), but both have been plagued by parts shortages. Owners waited months or longer with no repair date provided. The 2014 recall covers only 160-amp alternators; owners with 180-amp alternators reported identical failures but were denied coverage. Those who paid out-of-pocket for repairs ($900–$1,274) were promised reimbursement, but the process has been slow. Dealers sometimes blamed the battery or failed to diagnose the problem. One owner even had an alternator catch fire at an independent shop with a water extinguisher required to put it out.
Same Chrysler 300 electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure with fire risk
Alternator suffers internal component/diode failure resulting in smoking, sparks, flames, and fire while driving or at rest. Battery is destroyed by the heat. Hazard occurs without adequate warning or is preceded only by brief 'Battery Saver Mode' message. Fire department response required in several cases.
When: Varies from ~30k to 115k miles; failures reported 2014-2018
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine bay; Burning odor (plastic or rubber); Flames/sparks from alternator; Battery Saver Mode message; Radio/electrical systems dying; High-pitched humming or whining noise; Crackling/sizzling from alternator
Codes mentioned: Battery Saver Mode indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and battery replacement; costs cited range $900–$1,260 per owner. Repair shops and independent mechanics can source replacements; dealers initially claimed parts unavailable for recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-634000 (2014, 160-amp alternators only); NHTSA Recall 17V-435000 (2011–2014, initially parts unavailable); Chrysler refused to cover 180-amp alternators despite identical failure mode; offered reimbursement only if owner paid upfront; parts shortage delayed recall completion by months to over a year.
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power mid-drive with no or minimal warning. Power steering, braking, and engine stalling occur simultaneously. Steering wheel locks and cannot be moved. Vehicle coasts to stop; owner loses control. Dangerous on highways and city streets.
When: Occurs during normal highway and city driving, mileage ranges 25–80k miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights go out; Radio dies; Steering becomes inoperable (wheel locks); Brakes lose power assist; Engine stalls; Wipers may activate randomly before shutdown; Battery Saver Mode message seconds before failure
Codes mentioned: Battery Saver Mode indicator, ABS warning light, Traction control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and battery replacement required; tow truck necessary; owners report $217–$407 towing costs in addition to repair. One owner paid $1,274 total.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-634000 and 17V-435000; Chrysler dealer service unable to diagnose prior to failure; recall parts unavailable for extended periods; manufacturer refused to acknowledge 180-amp alternator failures.
Dead battery after vehicle parked a few days
Vehicle fails to start after 5–7 days of parking. Battery is completely discharged despite no accessories left on. Jump-start briefly revives power; battery loses charge again within days. Repeated cycles of failure.
When: 2013–2015; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: No power on key turn or push-button start; ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) light flashing; Brake pedal locked (cannot depress); Complete battery drain
Codes mentioned: ETC light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (dealer replaced at least once); trickle charger purchased by owner as workaround. Costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed 5-day and 11-day diagnostic attempts with no diagnosis; updated electronic controllers per TSB but claimed unrelated to no-start issue; Chrysler customer service denied knowledge of recalls or complaints; no official recall issued for this specific complaint cluster.
No-start with delayed electrical recovery and stalling during drive
Vehicle will not start after sitting; jump-start allows brief operation. After restart, engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speed without warning. Steering and braking functional but loss of power creates dangerous situation. Behavior repeats.
When: Week 1 of ownership through several weeks later; one case at highway speed on interstate
Symptoms owners cite: No power/starter cranking; Stalling while accelerating or cruising; Loss of acceleration response; Engine restart after stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not identify problem after 11-day investigation; TSB updates applied (controller reprogramming) but deemed unrelated by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Chrysler customer service stated no known complaints or recalls related to issue; owner suspects design-level electrical drain issue across Chrysler/Dodge lineup.
Infotainment and control module failures
Instrument cluster and radio become inoperable intermittently. Shifter becomes unresponsive. Erroneous messages ('Wrong Gear/Change Gear') display. Vehicle unable to shift into Park despite being in Neutral. Multiple independent electrical anomalies.
When: ~8,000 miles; failure mileage not specified for others
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment panel goes black; Radio inoperative; Shifter unresponsive to input; Erroneous gear warning messages; Unable to shift to Park from Neutral; Unknown warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Infotainment system replacement performed; failure persisted after replacement. Vehicle taken to dealer twice without duplication.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification or TSB identified in narrative.
Random electrical activation and trunk pop
Security alarm activates without key fob input. Windshield wipers activate independently. Hazard lights flash. Trunk pops open repeatedly while driving, parked locked, or during fueling. Doors and windows inoperable.
When: Ongoing over months; one case at 14,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Security alarm activating unprompted; Wipers moving without activation; Hazard lights flashing; Trunk popping open repeatedly; Doors/windows unresponsive; Abnormal mechanical noise
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer blamed key fob; electronic control module replacement diagnosed but not completed. No repair costs specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: electronic control module replacement recommended but not completed; manufacturer not notified in other cases.
Recall notification and parts shortage - delayed or incomplete remedy
Owners receive recall notices (14V-634000, 17V-435000) but dealers cannot perform repair because parts are not available. Delay extends months to over one year. Manufacturer cannot provide estimated arrival date. Owners left stranded with defective vehicle; some attempt to trade-in or sell at loss; others pay out-of-pocket for alternator replacement and later attempt reimbursement.
When: Recalls issued 2014–2017; parts shortages reported through 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Dealer confirms parts unavailable; Vague timelines from manufacturer
Repairs/costs cited: Owners paid $100–$1,274 out-of-pocket; reimbursement promised but slow or denied (180-amp units); dealerships offered to install used/old alternators requiring future reimbursement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-634000 (October 2014) and 17V-435000 (2017); parts unavailable for months to years; 180-amp alternators excluded despite identical failure mode; reimbursement delayed or denied; no loaner vehicles offered.
Synthesized from 120 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 300. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 02/24/15*lj…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact then stated that while driving, the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local leith Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer at…
Chrysler issued a recall notice for alternator diodes, saying car may stop or not start. Neither the dealer nor the company can tell me when parts will be available to repair the car. I believe it to be unsafe to drive a car that may/will stop without notice. I need better information from Chrysler. *tr
The Chrysler 300c was parked in our garage for about a week. Tried to start it and nothing happened. Electronic throttle control (etc) light flashed. All symptoms pointed to a low battery. Jump started 300 from our other car and drove to the dealer. By the time I got there the battery was charged from the generator. Dealer kept it for 5 days and couldn't find a problem. There were other…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) and stated that the part for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure. Parts distribution…
Multiple occurrences of dead battery / loss of power. Checked that no accessories had been left turned on. Have taken vehicle to dealer with each occurrence because even with charging / jump starting battery, battery loses charge after a few days. Found recall info on NHTSA web site, provided this to dealer, dealer claims there is no recall, even stated that the print out we provided from NHTSA…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:14v634000 (electrical system) however, part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 01/09/15*lj updated 02/03/15*jb updated 2/24/15*cn updated 9/8/2017*cn
Seat control module. The adjustable pedals move forward on their own while driving.
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 120 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 29,930 and 71,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,930; a quarter make it past 71,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.