The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Chrysler 300 have filed 54 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 41,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 300 | 4 |
| 2010 300 | 5 |
| 2011 300 | 6 |
| 2012 300 | 74 |
| 2013 300 (this page) | 54 |
| 2014 300 | 66 |
| 2015 300 | 23 |
| 2016 300 | 12 |
| 2017 300 | 5 |
3crashes
1fire
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 54 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. 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 Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
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
The 2013 Chrysler 300 transmission problems span the entire ownership lifecycle. Out of 54 complaints, the W5A580 automatic transmission dominates the failures. Owners describe harsh 3–4 and 4–5 shifts, RPM flares between gears, slips into neutral at highway speeds, and entry into limp mode. When the transmission flares, it either re-engages after a delay or stays stuck in neutral until the vehicle drops below 18 mph or is shut down and restarted. Check engine codes P0730–P0735 frequently appear.
Shifter problems are equally severe. Vehicles shift from Park to Reverse or Drive independently while parked—some roll away and crash into other vehicles or roll over exiting owners. Some won't shift out of Park at all. The electronic shifter is unresponsive to driver input or delayed, creating hazards at intersections. Shift paddles located inches from the steering wheel are struck unintentionally during normal driving, causing sudden downshifts to first gear at highway speeds.
Accelerator unresponsiveness is common: vehicles lose power mid-highway, refuse to accelerate despite pedal input, or decelerate without cause. One owner reported needing force to cross railroad tracks. Another vehicle entered a Service Transmission warning state with the engine unable to shut off and the transmission stuck in Drive. Multiple owners report vehicles stuck in limp mode, transmission fluid leaks, and abnormal noises.
The critical issue: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) was issued to address shifter and transmission failures, but parts were unavailable for months. Dealers held vehicles disassembled, unable to complete recalls. Some owners reported that even after recall repair, the same failures recurred. Dealerships openly told owners they could not fix the problem and refused warranty repairs.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Inadvertent downshift to first gear via paddle shifters
Drivers report that the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles near audio controls are struck unintentionally during normal driving, causing sudden downshifts to first gear regardless of vehicle speed. One driver reported downshifting to first at 70 mph on a highway within 30 minutes of purchase.
When: Within 30 minutes to various points during ownership; occurs during highway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unexpected downshift to first gear; High RPM flare as engine tries to maintain speed in first; No apparent way to disable paddles; Requires shifting to neutral to mitigate
Repairs/costs cited: No repair solution mentioned; owners report inability to disable paddles
Hard shifts, slips, flares, and limp mode—transmission W5A580-NAG1-722.6
The W5A580 transmission exhibits erratic shifting behavior including harsh 3-4 and 4-5 shifts, gear slips with severe RPM rise, flares between gears, and entry into limp mode. Owners report the transmission either falls back into gear or enters neutral and will not re-engage until speed drops below 18 mph or vehicle is stopped, restarted, or shifted through park.
When: Variable; occurs during acceleration and upshifting; often at worst times (merging, city traffic)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky shifts between gears; RPM flares (overspeed) between gears; Loss of power/neutral condition mid-drive; Slipping sensation during acceleration; Check engine light with transmission codes P0730–P0735; Stuck in third gear or limp mode after flare
Codes mentioned: P0730, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report needing to carry diagnostic scan tools to clear codes; dealers unable to provide permanent fixes; some mention possible torque converter issues or dirty components; transmission filter and solenoid replacement did not resolve failure
Harsh transmission shifts—early warranty period failures
Owners report transmission beginning to shift harshly within months of purchase (February 2014, less than 6 months for one owner). Dealership service notes part unavailable or not yet in development, warranty remedies refused.
When: 2–6 months after purchase, around 36,000-mile warranty limit
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh, abrupt transmission shifts; Gradual onset of shifting problems
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers informed customers part was not manufactured or under development; no repairs performed; vehicles revalued at loss; some owners involved attorney general
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denials; dealerships refused to revisit issue; Chrysler corporate stated parts not in development
Unexpected gear shifts while parked or stopped—shifter engages wrong gear
Vehicles independently shift from Park to Drive, Park to Reverse, Drive to Park, or fail to stay in selected gear. Many occur while vehicle is parked and unattended or while stopped at traffic lights. One incident involved vehicle rolling backward after exiting, striking another vehicle. Another involved vehicle nearly rolling into a building.
When: While parked with engine on or off; while stopped at lights; upon exiting vehicle; around 4,000–85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifts from Park to Reverse or Drive without driver input; Shifter position does not match actual gear (e.g., in Park but reads as Drive); Vehicle rolls backward or forward when parked; Gear engagement fails; vehicle won't shift or re-engage after rolling; Vehicle stuck in Park, unable to shift to other gears; Soft or loose shifter; shifting not timely or responsive
Repairs/costs cited: Some attributed to loose battery terminals, loose shifter parts, or software malfunction; computer replacement noted in one case; many not repaired or diagnosed; some involved emergency brake application to stop rolling
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) recall issued; remedy under development or parts unavailable for extended periods; some owners reported recall repair did not permanently fix issue
Loss of power and accelerator unresponsiveness
Vehicle loses power or fails to accelerate when pedal is depressed, sometimes during highway driving at speed (55–75 mph) and in heavy traffic. Transmission warning light may illuminate. Vehicle may coast to shoulder or require towing.
When: Variable, including immediately after recall repair; reported at 13,957–88,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal does not respond or becomes unresponsive mid-drive; Vehicle loses power and decelerates without cause; Transmission warning light or check engine light illuminates; Vehicle can coast but not accelerate
Codes mentioned: Engine codes related to transmission control
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission filter and solenoid replacement attempted but did not resolve; dealers unable to duplicate or repair; one owner had to apply force to pedal to cross railroad tracks; required towing of 70 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted multiple times with no repair solution offered; some owners told manufacturer could provide no answer; parts not available
Transmission won't engage or disengages mid-drive
Shifter lever moves or transmission disengages without driver action while driving, often accompanied by loud noises. Vehicle may slip out of gear, requiring re-selection or restart to re-engage. Occurs at low and high speeds.
When: Various mileages; some at low speeds, some at 40–75 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever moves independently; Transmission disengages or enters neutral mid-drive; Loud noise from transmission or shift mechanism; Accelerator not responding after disengagement; Requires manual re-engagement of gear or vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Loose battery terminal and alternator connection found in one case but re-occurred after repair; independent mechanic diagnosed transmission failure; most not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 noted; parts unavailable or remedy under development
Vehicle enters limp mode with independent acceleration
While driving on cruise control at highway speed, vehicle independently enters limp mode or shifts to manual mode and then independently accelerates to unintended speed despite driver not adjusting accelerator.
When: At 41,000 miles; highway cruising
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed dirty torque converter, no fault code retrieved, not repaired
Service Transmission warning and inability to shut off engine or disengage gear
Service Transmission warning displayed on dashboard; engine will not shut off via power button despite repeated attempts; vehicle stuck in Drive and will not shift to Park; ABS light also illuminated.
When: Approximately 30,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Transmission warning message on dashboard; ABS brake light and alert light illuminate; Engine will not turn off via power button; Vehicle stuck in Drive, will not shift to Park; Vehicle running and in Drive if driver exits; Finally shuts off after multiple power button presses
Repairs/costs cited: Owner posted video to YouTube but no repair documented
Vehicle rolls away from Park position
Multiple reports of vehicles rolling away or rolling backward when shifted to Park, both with engine off and on. Some occur while owner is exiting vehicle, leading to injury in at least one case. Park indicator may show Drive despite shifter in Park.
When: Various mileages from 4,000 to 85,000 miles; occurs with fresh owner or after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or away when in Park; Vehicle continues to roll even with parking brake engaged in some cases; Gear indicator shows Drive when shifter in Park; No warning; happens suddenly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner struck and dragged, sustaining leg and face injuries; another rolled over owner; some crashes into other vehicles or property; no repairs completed for most
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) issued for this issue; remedy under development or parts unavailable; some owners received recall notice only after incident occurred
Shift paddle location causes inadvertent engagement near steering wheel
Shift paddles positioned inches from steering wheel and audio controls in easy reach of hands during normal driving, making accidental contact during turns, reaching for audio, or bumping with arm. Design places safety-critical control in high-traffic hand area.
When: Continuously during normal driving operations
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended paddle contact during steering wheel hold; Accidental downshifts from normal hand position
Repairs/costs cited: No disable function available
Recall repair parts unavailability and extended delay
NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) and related recalls issued but repair parts unavailable for months or never supplied. Dealers unable to perform recall repair; manufacturers exceeded reasonable time frames for remedy supply. Vehicles left in unsafe state pending parts.
When: 2016 recall issued; parts unavailable for extended periods
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Dealer unable to supply parts; Months pass with no parts availability; Vehicles disassembled or held by dealer pending parts; Vehicle unable to be driven safely while waiting
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners reported gears slipping or rolling while waiting for recall parts; some owners carried diagnostic tools to manage codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V240000 (Power Train) issued; remedy under development or parts distribution disconnect per VIN tool; manufacturers stated parts not available; no time frame provided
Transmission overheats or fluid leaks
Vehicle exhibits abnormal noise underneath front end and transmission fluid leakage, accompanied by failure to accelerate above 15 mph.
When: At 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise underneath front of vehicle; Transmission fluid leak; Vehicle unable to accelerate above 15 mph; Shifter shifts independently into Park while in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired; independent mechanic notified but no action taken
Electronic shifter delays and unresponsive gear changes
Electronic shifter frequently unresponsive to driver input, delaying shift from Drive to Reverse or vice versa. At intersections requiring emergency maneuvers, shifter delays or refuses to engage selected gear, creating hazard.
When: Frequent, repeated issue during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter fails to change gear in timely manner; Foot on brake, but shifter remains in original gear; Combination of multiple gear selections required to achieve desired gear; Danger at intersections when quick direction change needed
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Jerking, stalling, and power loss under acceleration
Vehicle jerks when pressing accelerator or coming to stop. Progresses to stalling when accelerating. Vehicle shuts off on interstate. Malfunction indicator light illuminates. Dealerships unable or unwilling to repair, citing transmission problem but no solution offered.
When: Early ownership; brand new vehicle purchased in January
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking when pressing gas or stopping; Stalling when pressing accelerator; Complete shutdown on interstate; Malfunction indicator light remains on
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealerships unable or unwilling to repair; Chrysler corporate unable to explain issue; owner driving vehicle as only transportation despite ongoing failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler unable to authorize repair; corporate unable to provide explanation
Engine and transmission control codes with no diagnostic resolution
Check engine light illuminates with transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes. Chrysler dealership unable to read codes, stating computer is locked and codes cannot be retrieved until light comes back on. No interim solution offered.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Transmission codes present (described as power train module codes); Computer locked; codes cannot be read
Codes mentioned: Power train module-related codes (specific codes not documented)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unwilling or unable to clear or address; customer told nothing can be done until light returns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service stated nothing they can do; no assistance offered
Output shaft failure
Output shaft breaks while vehicle is operating on highway, resulting in loss of power transmission.
When: Highway driving; vehicle had recent recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Output shaft breaks while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Owner questions whether 5.7L HEMI AWD model should be recalled for same issue; recall found only for 3.6L model
Abnormal gear shift noise
Loud abnormal clicking or noise coming from gear shifter or transmission area, occurring both stationary and while driving.
When: Early ownership, approximately 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal noise from shift mechanism; Occurs at low speeds (15 mph); Recurs on several occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Transmission control module (TCM) and PCM issues causing starting problems
Recent purchase exhibits constant starting issues with diagnostic codes pointing to Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failures. Multiple shops unable to fix despite repeated repair attempts.
When: Recent purchase; issue present from start
Symptoms owners cite: Constant starting issues; TCM and PCM codes recurring; Problem persists after multiple repair attempts at multiple shops
Codes mentioned: TCM (Transmission Control Module) codes, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) codes
Repairs/costs cited: Five shops unable to resolve; owner suspects applicability of existing recall for same issue
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,957 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,957; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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.
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.