948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P1DB7-00 - Torque Converter Clutch Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chrysler 200 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Chrysler 200 have filed 665 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,000 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
665
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 200 | 35 |
| 2012 200 | 46 |
| 2013 200 | 54 |
| 2014 200 | 14 |
| 2015 200 (this page) | 665 |
| 2016 200 | 59 |
| 2017 200 | 10 |
20crashes
11injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 665 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Chrysler 200, 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
Of the 7 model years of Chrysler 200 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 665.
Powertrain accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
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.
MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Control Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Notification W84 Powertrain Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Chrysler 200's powertrain is a chronic failure point. Owners describe sudden, complete loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds—the transmission shifts into neutral without warning, the engine stays running but the car coasts to a stop in traffic, and restart is delayed or impossible. This has happened to owners on interstates, at intersections, and on narrow ramps, creating serious collision risk.
Harsh and violent gear shifts plague the car from purchase, with owners reporting jerking that worsens in cold weather or persists for years despite multiple dealer visits. Some transmissions skip gears entirely (jumping from 3rd to 1st), lunge forward unpredictably, or get stuck in a single gear.
Battery drains and electrical shutdowns are frequent, with some owners replacing the battery three to four times before the root cause is addressed. Engine stalling during deceleration, braking, or turns forces drivers to restart mid-traffic with loss of power steering and brakes.
Electronic shifters lock up, refuse to shift, or slip into reverse accidentally while driving forward. The transmission sensor clusters fail intermittently, triggering service warnings the dealer cannot reproduce. When repairs are made—replacing sensors, reprogramming control modules, or swapping the entire transmission—the same failures return within weeks.
Recalls (R08, R24, S55) address park rod, electrical connector, and sensor wire harness defects, but owners report recall repairs either incomplete or ineffective. Chrysler shifted from physical part replacement to software "limp mode" programming as a temporary workaround while drivers wait for permanent fixes. Dealers often blame owners for the "learning" nature of the transmission, refuse to cover out-of-warranty repairs, or claim they cannot replicate safety-critical failures during testing.
Same Chrysler 200 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of power/transmission failure on highway
Vehicle loses all engine power, transmission shifts to neutral, or becomes unable to shift while driving at highway speeds (55-70 mph), leaving drivers stranded in traffic lanes. Engine remains running but vehicle coasts to stop. Cannot restart immediately.
When: Occurs while driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph); often without warning or after initial startups
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of forward power while engine still running; Transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral; Service transmission light illuminates; Beeping/dinging alert sounds; Inability to shift out of park or into drive; Shifter knob becomes locked; Dashboard warning messages ('shift to park,' 'service transmission')
Codes mentioned: P0700 - Transmission Control Module (TCM) issue, U1424 - Lost communication with TCM, CHECK ENGINE light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace shifter assembly, transmission control module (TCM), power distribution center (PDC) electrical connector, transaxle range sensor wire harness, or entire transmission. Software reflash/reprogramming of TCM and PCM attempted. Repair often unsuccessful; failure recurs within days or weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls R08 (transaxle park rod), R24 (power distribution center electrical connector), S55 (transaxle range sensor wire harness). Extended to 'limp mode' reprogramming to prevent neutral shift but limits speed to ~30 mph. Initial solution of wire harness replacement delayed due to parts backorder. Chrysler refused rental/loaner vehicle reimbursement in several cases. Recalls acknowledged but repairs ineffective or incomplete.
Harsh, jerky, or erratic transmission shifting
Transmission shifts abruptly or violently between gears, especially during acceleration, deceleration, or gear selection. Car may jerk, lunge forward, or downshift unexpectedly. Occurs at low speeds (2–5 mph) and highway speeds (25–60 mph).
When: From purchase or within first 1,000–10,000 miles; persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh shift from 2nd to 3rd gear (especially when cold); Sudden violent jerking during upshift or downshift; Transmission skips gears (e.g., 3rd to 1st); Car lunges forward unexpectedly from stop; Vehicle shudders or trembles during gear changes; Delayed shift engagement (3–5 seconds to enter gear); Transmission sticks in one gear (4th, 7th); Car behaves as if in neutral after acceleration
Codes mentioned: TCM/PCM update or 'learn and play' reprogramming codes, Transmission fault codes (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform TCM/PCM software updates, 'learn and play' transmission recalibration, and clutch pack failure diagnosis. Full transmission replacement required in clutch pack failure cases. Repairs often temporary; harsh shifting recurs shortly after. Owners report $428–$1,500+ repair costs; warranty does not always cover shifting complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notifications reference transaxle park rod (R08) and sensor wire harness (S55). TCM software updates recommended as initial fix, but owners report these do not resolve jerking. Dealers cite 'new transmission learning driving habits' excuse despite issue persisting after service. Extended powertrain warranty covers some repairs but not all, and only within specific timeframes.
Transmission selector knob mechanical failure and safety risk
Transmission selector knob (electronic shifter dial) becomes stuck, locked, or unresponsive. Similar shape and size to AC control knob below it, creating accidental gear selection risk. Car may shift into unintended gear (e.g., reverse while driving forward).
When: Intermittent; can occur at any driving speed
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter knob locked and will not move; Unable to shift out of park; Accidental shift into reverse while driving forward; Electronic display shows incorrect gear position despite selector position; Shifter gets stuck mid-shift
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement. In cases of accidental reverse engagement, owners report near-collision incidents but no injury damage costs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R08 (transaxle park rod) addresses shifter issues. No design change mentioned to distinguish shifter from AC knob or add additional safety features (push-down requirement). Repair address mechanical failure but not design hazard.
Battery drain and repeated battery failure
Battery depletes rapidly despite regular charging/replacement. Vehicle loses all electrical power and shuts down while driving or at rest. Battery tests good at dealership but fails again within weeks.
When: Can occur within days of battery replacement; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Slow or delayed engine cranking; Extended crank time (2–3 times longer than normal); Complete electrical shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering and braking when engine dies; Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle refuses to start after sitting overnight
Codes mentioned: P0700 - TCM/electrical issue, Engine stall/loss of power diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (2–4 replacements per owner in some cases), but problem recurs. Alternator tested and deemed functional. Dealer blames 'bad battery' despite replacement; owners cite electrical system fault. One owner charged $300 diagnostic fee for battery replacement that didn't solve underlying power loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls R24 (PDC electrical connector) and S55 (wire harness) may address root cause, but owners report repairs do not prevent battery drain. Warranty replacement covered initially; out-of-warranty replacement denied after ~3 years.
Engine stall or shutdown while driving
Engine shuts off abruptly while vehicle is in motion, especially during deceleration, turns, or braking. Engine stalls at traffic lights, on highways, or during intersections. Restart may be difficult or impossible without battery disconnect.
When: Typically during deceleration, braking, or turning; can occur at any speed (25–70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies with no warning; Loss of power steering and braking; Car comes to immediate stop in traffic; Service transmission or check engine light illuminates; Engine difficult to restart; may require multiple attempts or battery disconnect; Dashboard warning messages cycle through multiple errors
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE light, SERVICE TRANSMISSION, U1424 - TCM communication loss
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace wiring harness, ABS modulator, tire sensor, transmission sensor, spark plug tube seal, valve cover gasket, or perform oil consumption tests. Often no definitive cause found; dealers state 'loose wires' or 'undiagnosed electrical fault.' Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls R24 (PDC connector), S55 (wire harness), and unspecified electrical bulletins address similar symptoms. Repairs often incomplete or ineffective; vehicle returned to owner still experiencing stalling.
Transmission sensor and electronic control failure
Transmission sensor clusters fail or lose communication with transmission control module (TCM). Vehicle displays transmission-related error messages but sensor fault may be intermittent and unrepresentable in dealership testing.
When: Intermittent failures, often worse in cold weather or after extended driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission service light illuminates; Erratic shifting or inability to shift into desired gear; Reverse gear fails to engage or reverse lights do not illuminate; Transmission goes into limp mode (limited to ~30 mph); Abnormal dinging sound when shifting; Paddle shifters disabled
Codes mentioned: P0700 - TCM fault, Transmission range sensor codes, Communication loss codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reprogram TCM and PCM, replace transmission sensor clusters, or replace entire transmission control module. Reprogramming often unsuccessful; sensor failures recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S55 (transaxle range sensor wire harness) directly addresses this; however, repair involves wire harness replacement or PCM reprogramming. Initial solution delayed due to parts backorder; alternate solution changed from physical part replacement to software reprogramming without owner approval.
Transmission stuck in limp mode or reduced performance
Vehicle enters 'limp mode' after transmission failure, limiting engine acceleration and vehicle speed to approximately 30 mph or less. Mode persists even after restart.
When: Triggered by transmission electronic faults; can last for several hours or recur multiple times per week
Symptoms owners cite: Maximum speed limited to 30 mph or less; Engine revs but transmission does not respond; Service transmission light on; Check engine light on; Vehicle cannot accelerate normally even after restart
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Limp mode is a protective measure, not a repair. Vehicle must be driven at reduced speed until transmission is serviced or reprogrammed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls shifted repair strategy from replacing faulty wire harness (S55) to PCM/TCM reprogramming that enables limp mode to prevent complete power loss. This is acknowledged as a temporary measure until permanent hardware replacement becomes available.
Transmission fluid leak
Transmission fluid leaks onto garage floor or under vehicle. Fluid level drops despite no visible external leakage.
When: Intermittent; often recurring after repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid pooling on garage floor; Low transmission fluid despite no visible leak; Transmission slipping or erratic shifting after leak
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers claim 'fluid overage' or excessive fill level and hose down the leak area. Fluid overage replaced or topped off. Leak recurs within weeks. Owners report multiple leak incidents (2–4+ per vehicle over 1–2 years).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives; dealers attribute to overfilling or normal operation.
Park pawl failure – vehicle rolling in park
Vehicle rolls forward or backward when transmission is placed in park. Emergency brake must be used to prevent rollaway. Vehicle may roll even after shift dial shows park engaged.
When: At 3,000–9,300 miles (early ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or forward with transmission in park; Shift dial illuminated as if still in drive despite park selection; Vehicle rolls at dealership during test, but mechanic claims unable to replicate; Vehicle crashes into other vehicles or objects while rolling in park
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission case improperly machined; park pawl does not engage. Transmission replacement required. One owner's vehicle crashed into dealer vehicle during test.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P13 (2014 Ram 1500 similar issue); 2015 Chrysler 200 rolling-in-park issues mentioned in narratives but may not be formally recalled for this model.
Airbag warning light and electrical connector issues
Airbag light illuminates intermittently or continuously. Passenger-side occupant sensor may be faulty, triggering false warnings. Electrical connectors may be loose or water-damaged.
When: Within first month of ownership; recurs multiple times during warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on dash; Dinging alert and dashboard warning message; Airbag light turns off and on repeatedly; Dealership claims water bottle or debris under seat causing wire disconnection; Replacement of wiring and connectors 3–5+ times without permanent fix; Airbag light remains on despite warranty repair attempts
Codes mentioned: Airbag system fault codes (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers remove debris, replace connectors, or rewire passenger-side airbag sensor. Repairs temporary; light recurs within days or weeks. After warranty expiration, dealers quote $1,500–$2,000 for repair but acknowledge 'known issue.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall documented in narratives; treated as warranty service issue. Dealers unable to provide permanent fix.
Delayed or failed shift into drive; hesitation on acceleration
After starting vehicle, transmission delays 15–30 seconds before engaging drive gear. When shifter moved to drive, engine revs but vehicle does not move (as if in neutral). Acceleration hesitates or lags.
When: From initial startup; persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: 15–30 second delay before transmission engages after selecting drive; Engine revs without vehicle movement at startup; Hesitation or lag when accelerating from stop; Repeated occurrence on every cold start or after sitting
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attribute to 'transmission learning driving habits' and perform TCM software updates. No permanent solution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships blamed customer's driving style or stated transmission adaptation would improve with mileage. No recall issued for this specific symptom.
Synthesized from 665 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
My car frequently shuts off while driving and it'll stall. Most of the time it starts back up and runs like nothing happens with no lights when I got it checked it was no found issue with the vehicle regarding the engine, power train etc. It's in good condition and well maintained. I'm not sure of the issue I did research that other vehicles have been recalled due to this issue and when I looked…
My 2015 Chrysler 200 2.4l 45k would not shift from parking to drive, but sometimes it drives in reverse...
My car sometimes revs while going 10 and under, without me pushing the gas. And when I changed gears it slips and jumps
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate and the vehicle lost power as the transmission service immediately error message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that a harness on the transmission and the transmission needed…
We purchesed a 2015 chyrsler 200 in april 2015. In july the check engine light came on so the car was taken in on july 25th for maintenace and state inspection as well due to engine light being on and car shifting hard. Recieved call on july 27th stating car was ready for pick. On 07/27/15 car was returned due to check engine light coming back on, at that time was told car needed a new…
I was driving home from work when the check engine light, engine temperature warning light, and electronic throttle control light came on. In reviewing the potential issues, a number of people have had the same issue, potentially due to a faulty thermostat. When I had the vehicle scanned at autozone, it provided codes p0218 twice and p2181 once. *tr
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Chrysler 200?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 665 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 469 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 14,390 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,390; a quarter make it past 69,000. 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/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.