The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle inadvertently moved forward. The contact had to depress the brake pedal all the way to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,799.
2015 Chrysler 200 brakes problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 brakes complaints filed for the 2015 Chrysler 200, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler 200 we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 31.
Owners have filed 31 brakes 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 Chrysler 200 has widespread brake system issues reported across 31 complaints ranging from noise-only problems to complete brake failure. Spontaneous parking brake engagement, hard brake pedal, and reverse-only grinding noises are frequent; FCA has acknowledged the reverse noise issue has no fix, and some owners faced brake failure at highway speeds. Get any used 200 with a full brake system inspection and test drive that includes hard stops and reverse braking before buying.
Owners report two main categories of brake problems on the 2015 Chrysler 200. The first is noise: loud grinding, squealing, or squeaking specifically when in reverse, sometimes metal-on-metal sounding, occurring regardless of brake pressure. FCA dealerships have acknowledged this as a known issue affecting multiple 200s with no available fix—owners were even told the noise is normal for FCA vehicles.
The second category is function failures. Spontaneous parking brake engagement happens at low speeds or when the vehicle loses traction on ice or mud, completely immobilizing the car and stranding owners. Brake pedal feel is erratic—sometimes rock-hard requiring two feet to stop, sometimes spongy or clicking, sometimes unresponsive at highway speeds resulting in rear-end collisions or near-misses. One owner had complete brake failure at 35 mph; another at 60 mph despite prior complaints of delayed response. Some owners report the pedal becoming hard after car washes, and one discovered front caliper leaks at just under 12,000 miles. Dealers have recommended brake booster and caliper replacement; at least one electrical system recall was issued but parts remained unavailable.
Same Chrysler 200 brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Reverse-only grinding, squealing, squeaking noise
Loud grinding, squealing, or squeaking sounds occur specifically when vehicle is in reverse, sometimes described as metal-on-metal. Occurs 90% of the time in reverse according to one owner. Multiple dealers have confirmed this issue appears across multiple 2015 Chrysler 200s; one owner reports at least five other 200s with identical symptoms. Dealership initially attempted to resolve via 'break-in' procedure, but problem persisted. FCA has acknowledged this is a known issue with no available fix.
When: In reverse; one owner reported it starting at 1,200 miles; within 28 days of ownership in another case
Symptoms owners cite: loud grinding noise when in reverse; squealing or squeaking in reverse; metal-on-metal sound when braking in reverse; noise occurs regardless of brake pressure applied; persists after brake pad replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replaced brake pads and attempted 'break-in procedure'; problem recurred. FCA technicians have investigated with no resolution available per owner report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA acknowledged as known issue with no fix available; dealership stated issue is normal for FCA vehicles
Spontaneous parking brake engagement
Electronic parking brake engages automatically and without warning while vehicle is in motion, particularly at low speeds or when vehicle begins to slip on ice/snow/mud. Owners report inability to drive vehicle immediately after engagement and safety concerns during winter driving. One owner stranded multiple times; another concerns about highway speed hydroplaning scenarios.
When: At low speeds; when vehicle slips on snow, mud, or ice; one owner reported ~10 times over one winter; another reported instances in July 2016
Symptoms owners cite: parking brake engages automatically while driving; complete vehicle immobilization after engagement; occurs particularly when vehicle slips or loses traction; happens at low speeds (parking lots, reversing, slow acceleration); occurs without any warning
Codes mentioned: SERV AWD code (mentioned in one complaint, clears after restart)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported mechanic stated parking brake was 'in transition' and needed replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 15V470000 (Electrical System) issued but parts not available
Hard or stiff brake pedal
Brake pedal becomes abnormally stiff or hard to depress, making it difficult or impossible to stop the vehicle. Incidents range from requiring two-foot braking to complete brake failure requiring emergency brake or neutral shift to stop.
When: At low speeds and intersections; one owner experienced it at 40 mph, another at 20 mph, one at 35 mph; occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: brake pedal becomes extremely stiff or hard; requires excessive force to stop vehicle; delayed stopping response; brake pedal unresponsive to normal pressure; brake light illuminates on dashboard; service electronic brake warning light appears
Codes mentioned: Electronic brake system failure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement recommended by dealers; one owner reported caliper leaks at 11,967 miles; complete braking system replacement recommended in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Brake booster replacement performed or recommended; one dealer refused to release vehicle due to caliper leak concerns
Brake pedal feels spongy or sinking
Brake pedal exhibits inconsistent feel—sometimes soft, sometimes stiff, sometimes feels as if it will sink to the floor or break off. Pedal may click when depressed. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; occurs when slowing down quickly but can happen anytime; no predictable pattern
Symptoms owners cite: pedal feels soft or spongy; pedal clicks when depressed; pedal sinks or feels like it may go to floor; pedal feels like it might break off; inconsistent braking feel between stops
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had appointment for dealership evaluation; issue not resolved in narrative
Complete brake failure at highway speed
Brakes fail to respond when depressed at highway speeds, resulting in inability to stop vehicle. One owner rear-ended vehicle in front on freeway in stop-and-go traffic despite slamming pedal to floor; car totaled. Another experienced brake failure at 60 mph. Owner reported noticing delayed braking in weeks prior.
When: One at 60 mph with 8,000 miles; one at 35 mph with 17,000 miles; one on freeway in stop-go traffic with prior history of delayed response
Symptoms owners cite: brakes do not respond when depressed at speed; initial slow response or delayed stopping; complete lack of braking force; pedal pressed to floor with no stopping effect
Codes mentioned: Electronic brake system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Braking system replacement performed in one case; brake booster replacement recommended in another
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; recall 15V470000 noted in another but parts unavailable
Brake pedal unresponsive or weak response
Brake pedal provides insufficient stopping power requiring full pedal depression or multiple attempts to stop. Vehicle fails to slow at expected rate or takes longer than normal to stop.
When: At various speeds; one owner experienced at low speed intersection; one at stoplight; one after car wash
Symptoms owners cite: insufficient braking force; vehicle fails to slow as expected; must depress pedal all the way to floor to stop; delayed response to brake application; soft brake pedal feel
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had insurance arrange tow after brake pedal became hard and unresponsive after car wash
Front caliper leaks
Both front brake calipers leak fluid, discovered at low mileage. Dealer initially disputed whether leakage was actually occurring despite visible seeping from caliper.
When: At 11,967 miles
Symptoms owners cite: fluid seeping from driver side and passenger side front calipers; visible leak when inspected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to release vehicle due to concern over caliper leaks; owner obtained rental
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially denied problem existed despite visible evidence; did not release vehicle
Scratching or squeaking noise when releasing brake
Small screeching or scratching noise heard from brake caliper area when foot brake is released, most noticeable immediately after coming to complete stop.
When: Most noticeable after proceeding from complete stop
Symptoms owners cite: small screeching or scratching noise from caliper area; noise occurs when brake pedal is released
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2015 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 brakes problem on the 2015 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 8,000 and 55,143 miles, with the median around 36,410. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 55,143. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2015/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.