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 ↗2015 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 23 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Chrysler 300, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Shifter - Automatic Transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe widespread powertrain failures across the 2015 Chrysler 300. The rotary dial shifter is the most common complaint—it freezes, won't engage gears, or acts stuck in neutral, requiring multiple restarts and 5-10 minutes to finally engage. Some owners report the shifter is rough and violent when it does work, jerking the entire car.
Transmissions shift into neutral without warning while driving or parked, sometimes at highway speeds, creating sudden loss of power. One owner received a brand-new transmission that failed with the same surging and bucking within six months. Several owners report transmission delays in shifting during acceleration, particularly dangerous on freeway merges.
Critical mechanical failures include rear differentials actually separating and falling from the car mid-drive before 100,000 miles, and driveshafts breaking after showing progressive clunking for months. Wheel speed sensors fail with as little as 5,000 miles, disabling ABS and stability control—one owner reports parts on indefinite backorder. A few cases involve unexpected vehicle deceleration or stalling. One owner reports the vehicle lunged forward from park while they were exiting, similar to a fatal incident Chrysler has faced legal challenges over. Owners cite that some TCM/PCM recalls exist for this model but their vehicles were excluded despite identical symptoms.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Wheel speed sensor failure
Front left wheel speed sensor failed, disabling ABS, ECS, and AWD. Owners report the sensor goes bad with very low mileage. Dealers cite parts on indefinite backorder due to high demand, suggesting a model-wide defect.
When: As early as under 5,000 miles; sensors failed without warning
Symptoms owners cite: ABS disabled warning; ECS disabled warning; AWD disabled warning on display; Loss of safety functions
Repairs/costs cited: Front left wheel speed sensor replacement quoted at $240; sensor consists of 3 bolts and plug-in. Parts unavailable due to backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Rear differential failure and detachment
Rear differential failed catastrophically before 100,000 miles. Owner heard metal fall from rear of vehicle while driving; differential actually separated from the car mid-drive. Owner reports inability to move vehicle after failure.
When: Before 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal noise from rear; Loss of power/mobility; Differential visibly detached
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential repaired by mobile mechanic (Wayne's Precision and Transmission, Bumpass, Virginia). Cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Driveshaft failure
Driveshaft broke during normal driving, causing loss of stability and mobility. Owner reports progressive clunking/knocking noises from underneath for three months before failure.
When: After three months of increasing noise; November 2022 replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or knocking noises from underneath; Lack of stability; Loss of mobility
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replaced at Wayne's Precision and Transmission, Bumpass, Virginia, November 4, 2022. Cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Rotary dial shifter malfunction and sticking
Electronic rotary dial shifter (part of the transmission control system) fails to engage gears reliably. Shifter freezes, sticks, or refuses to select the intended gear. Messages display 'shift to P then to desired gear' or 'service shift selector.' Issues resolved only after multiple restarts and repeated attempts.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 20,000 miles, 62,000 miles, and intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter frozen or stuck; Won't engage selected gear; Acts like car is in neutral when gear selected; Message on dashboard: 'Shift to P then to Desired Gear'; Message: 'Service Shift Selector'; Hard, rough shifting with jerking; Loud noise when shifting; Requires multiple restarts to engage gear; 5-10 minute delay to engage
Repairs/costs cited: Rotary shifter replacement diagnosed at Ganley Chrysler/Dodge (Painsville, OH) but not performed. One owner reports previous recall did not resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states a previous recall existed but problem persisted after recall work.
Transmission independent shift to neutral and loss of drive
Transmission shifts to neutral independently while driving or parked. Vehicle loses power or becomes immobile. Warning messages display 'Service Transmission,' emergency brake, and gear selection indicators illuminate.
When: Various mileages: 200 miles, 98,000 miles, and intermittently while driving at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to neutral without driver input; Loss of power while driving; Vehicle deceleration and warning message instructing to put vehicle in park; Unable to restart vehicle; Unable to shift out of park or engage reverse/drive; Gear selection unavailable message; Service transmission warning
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission control module repair attempted but issue recurred. Vehicles not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners notified manufacturer; one case involved electrical failure diagnosis at dealer.
Transmission surging and bucking on deceleration and acceleration
Transmission surges with hard bumps/jerks during deceleration at intersections and during acceleration. Issue occurred in a newly installed transmission (8-speed 845RE type), indicating a defect in replacement transmission units.
When: January 2022, six months after new transmission installation in July 2021; also reported at 42,000 miles with hesitation and power loss
Symptoms owners cite: Surging with severe bump on deceleration; Bucking during acceleration; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; No immediate response to accelerator; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: One owner received brand-new transmission replacement (July 2021) but new unit failed within six months with same surging issue. Cost not stated. Another case: hesitation and power loss noted but vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned; owner questions reliability of 845RE transmission units.
Transmission failure to shift gears under acceleration
Transmission fails to change gears when accelerating, remaining in current gear until brakes are applied. Occurs during freeway merges and acceleration from stops, creating safety hazard.
When: Random occurrences while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to downshift during acceleration; Requires brake application to trigger shift; Occurs during freeway merges and acceleration from stop
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Transmission control module and PCM electrical failure
Electrical fault in transmission control module (TCM) or powertrain control module (PCM) causing multiple vehicle malfunctions. Owner reports this was a recall issue for some vehicles but their car was excluded from the recall despite experiencing the same problem.
When: Intermittent failures
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key won't work intermittently; Vehicle won't move from park; Wipers stay on when turned off; All lights activate; Computer won't accept scan tool; Unable to move vehicle out of nowhere; Service warnings illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted. Owner claims remedy parts for a related recall were on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for some 2015 Chrysler 300 vehicles for TCM/PCM issue, but this owner's vehicle was excluded. Owner directed to file complaint with NHTSA.
Vehicle stall and loss of control during reversing
Vehicle stalled while in reverse; after shifting to drive and back to reverse twice, vehicle independently restarted.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while reversing; Independent restart after gear shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification made.
Vehicle deceleration and power loss with no warning
Vehicle slows down and loses power unexpectedly at any speed, then restarts within a couple of minutes with no warning indicator. Occurs intermittently and cannot be reproduced by technician.
When: Early in ownership at approximately 9,085 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected deceleration at any speed; Power loss; Vehicle restarts after couple minutes; No warning indicator illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Technician unable to reproduce failure; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and referred owner back to dealer.
Pulley noise
Multiple pulleys making terrible noise while engine running. Vehicle has less than 45,000 miles.
When: Less than 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Terrible noise from pulleys while running
Repairs/costs cited: All pulleys require replacement. Cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Rotary dial shifter safety issue—unintended park disengagement
Vehicle lunged forward out of park while owner was exiting parked car in garage. Owner compares to a well-publicized incident involving an actor. After dealer and independent engineering inspection, Chrysler stated nothing was wrong, but owner disputes this and believes electronic shifter defect caused the incident.
When: Vehicle parked in garage; incident during exit
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunged forward from park without driver input; Safety system appears to have disengaged
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Owner disputes dealer inspection findings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler sent letter stating nothing was found wrong after dealer and independent engineering firm inspection. Owner states 'everyone knows Chrysler has an issue with their electronic shifters.'
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
At approx. 20000 miles, the rotary knob to shift the transmission was completely frozen in place. After several attempts, and repeatedly turning car on and off, the vehicle engaged. Vehicle at the time of this incident was parked on my driveway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 300. While driving at any speed, the vehicle slowed down, lost power, and restarted within a couple of minutes. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to riverside auto sales of marinette and menominee inc (715-735-3361, located at 4030 hall ave, marinette, wi 54143) to be diagnosed, but the technician was unable to duplicate the…
Shifter won't operate says needs service ?
1. Rear differential failed before 100,000 miles. I was driving and I heard something metal fall in the back of the car. I pressed gas but was not able to move. After inspection and call for help, the part that fell on the ground was the rear differential. How can it just fall out while driving? I had to get it towed and repaired by a mobile mechanic. 2. The sunroof switch is faulty. Several…
The drive shaft broke and had to be replaced. This resulted in lack of stability prior to the break and mobility was comprimised after it broke. The car was repaired at Wayne's Precision and Transmission auto repair in Bumpass, Virginia on November 4th, 2022. The state of Virginia requires annual car inspections which we will have due next June. Symptoms prior to replacement of the drive shaft…
I have had on several occasions about (6) different times the car locks-up and I am unable to get the car in motion in the parked mode , the message board reads (service shift selector). In the stationary position.
Drove car to town thursday 10/11/18 everything was fine get in car friday morning 10/12/18 start car warning comes up on display ecs ABS AWD disabled, I do not drive vehicle till friday 10/18/18 to take it to dealership, they charged $89 to run scan tool to find out front left wheel speed sensor is faulty would be $240 to replace sensor, which consists of 3 bolts and being plugged in, and code…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 59,300 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 59,300. 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/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.