While driving, my 2016 Chrysler 200 (3.6L V6) experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure. All systems shut down simultaneously, including the dashboard, engine, power steering assist, and electrical accessories. The vehicle coasted to a stop and would not restart—no crank, no dash lights, no response. After allowing the vehicle to cool for approximately 30–45 minutes, electrical power…
2016 Chrysler 200 electrical problems
severe 83 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 83 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Chrysler 200, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 83 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.
Electrical accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Used 2016 Chrysler 200 buyers should be aware of widespread electrical issues: vehicles unexpectedly stall while driving (often requiring multiple restart attempts), airbag warning lights illuminate due to loose wiring harness defects under seats ($1,200–$4,000 to repair), and complete electrical failures or power loss occur across the fleet. Independent mechanics confirm airbag wiring is endemic across 2015–2017 model years with parts availability delays spanning years. Two documented cases of vehicle fires with undetermined causes raise serious safety concerns.
The 2016 Chrysler 200 electrical cluster reveals systemic failures across multiple systems. Stalling while driving is the most common complaint: vehicles die at traffic lights, on highways, and during turns with zero warning, often requiring multiple restart attempts and leaving drivers stranded. The "Shift to P to Start" message appears repeatedly; some vehicles lose all electrical power simultaneously (dash, radio, speedometer black) before recovering after minutes. Dealerships cannot replicate these failures or retrieve diagnostic codes.
Airbag warning lights plague these cars. Owners and independent mechanics consistently report loose wiring connectors under passenger and driver seats, with diagnostic codes B0020-13 and B0028-13 (seat airbag circuit open). Wiggling the wiring temporarily silences the light. Dealerships quote $1,200–$4,000 for harness replacement; repair cycles are documented (same failure recurring after dealer fix). One mechanic notes this defect is nearly universal across 2015–2017 models. Parts availability has delayed recall repairs for years in some cases.
Battery and electrical system failures are widespread. Dashboard lights stay on after engine shutoff, draining batteries. The TIPN (power distribution module) fails around 35,000 miles, costing $1,500–$2,000 to replace. Two vehicles caught fire—causes undetermined but underbody electrical connection failures suspected in one. Dealers often cannot diagnose root causes; owners report low oil despite no oil-pressure warning and fuel starvation issues unresolved after tune-ups. One owner experienced complete power loss identical to the 2015 model's PDC recall, yet the identical 2016 has no recall despite the same platform.
Same Chrysler 200 electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling/Loss of Power While Driving
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly during operation, often with multiple restart attempts required. Commonly accompanied by 'Shift to P to Start' message on dashboard. Occurs at various speeds (20–65 mph) and conditions (city streets, highways, during turns, coming to stops). Vehicle often restarts after 5–10 minutes or multiple manual restart attempts. Some cases involve temporary loss of all electrical systems before power returns.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; examples include early operation (300 miles) through higher mileage (90,000 miles); most common in first few years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Dashboard message 'Shift to P to Start' or 'Push Brake and Press Start' appears; Vehicle requires multiple restart attempts; Battery and check engine lights illuminate; Complete electrical shutdown (all dash lights, radio, speedometer go black) followed by power restoration; Vehicle may coast to a stop with no steering assist or brake power assist; Steering wheel locks during stall event; Occurs with no prior warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: No specific codes retrieved in many cases; diagnostic equipment fails to replicate or retrieve fault codes, Some complaints mention battery/electrical issues but root cause undiagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate failure or identify root cause. One narrative mentions low oil level (though oil light did not illuminate). One case cites loose wiring that was welded, but failure recurred. Computer resets attempted but failure persisted. One owner cites similarity to 2015 model recall for PDC (Power Distribution Center) connector defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in several cases; referred owners to dealers or provided case numbers (e.g., 34043687) but repairs not completed or failures recurred. One narrative notes 2015 model recall for similar issue (Campaign 15V470000) but 2016 model not recalled despite identical platform and component architecture.
Airbag Warning Light / Wiring Harness Defect
Service airbag light illuminates intermittently or constantly. Dealerships and independent mechanics report loose or faulty wiring connectors (particularly under passenger and driver seats). Multiple owners cite diagnostic codes B0020-13 (left side) and B0028-13 (right side) indicating seat airbag circuit open. Some narratives mention wiring that can be temporarily resolved by wiggling connections. One owner's acquaintance reported actual fire in electrical connection box under seat.
When: Common issue reported from near-purchase through vehicle life; one case as early as 5–6 months post-purchase at ~42,500 miles; persists beyond 78,000 miles and extended warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light illuminates intermittently or remains constantly lit; Light triggered by minor impacts (potholes, bumps) or seat adjustments; Wiring connection loose under passenger or driver seat; Airbag light disappears temporarily after wiggling wiring connections; Recurrence of light after dealer repair (multiple repair cycles documented)
Codes mentioned: B0020-13 (Left side Airbag circuit open), B0028-13 (Right side Airbag circuit open)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships quote $1,200–$4,000+ for wiring harness replacement (labor + parts). One narrative cites replacement of jumper wiring on both sides quoted at over $2,800. Multiple owners report two or more repair cycles with same component. Parts availability issues noted in some cases; one owner reports parts ordered in Nov 2022 still unavailable as of Feb 2026. One independent mechanic reports this is common across 2015–2017 model years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Chrysler/FCA acknowledges the issue is known and common but is not recall-covered. Some owners denied warranty coverage due to mileage or warranty expiration. One narrative reports Chrysler willing to pay for $1,200+ part but owner responsible for ~$400 labor. FCA refused comment on fire incident in narrative #1. One owner notes lack of recall despite widespread complaints online.
Battery/Electrical System Failure
Vehicle battery drains or fails prematurely, causing stalling, no-start conditions, or complete electrical shutdown. In one case, front and rear LED lights remained on after engine shut off, leading to dead battery. Owners report battery tested and confirmed functional, suggesting electrical draw issue rather than battery defect. One narrative compares issue to 2015 model PDC connector recall.
When: Reported early in ownership and throughout vehicle life; one case at 35,000 miles with LED lights remaining on; multiple cases requiring jump starts or tows
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start (clicking noise, no crank); All dash lights or specific LED lights remain on after key removed; Battery fully drained despite recent charge or new battery; Battery light illuminates on dashboard during stalls; Vehicle dies during driving and will not restart without jump; Instrument panel blinks on and off; warning lights cycle on/off
Codes mentioned: Battery codes/electrical system codes not clearly specified in narratives; one references NHTSA Campaign 15V470000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed in at least one case but did not resolve issue. Repair shops have diagnosed battery failure, alternator failure, and low oil (in one case all three at 480 miles). One repair shop surprised no recall issued given frequency of TIPN (Totally Integrated Power Node) replacements; estimated cost $1,500–$2,000. One owner states they cannot afford $1,500–$2,000 repair on college-student budget.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer actions documented for battery/electrical issues. One owner compares to 2015 recall (15V470000) but notes 2016 identical platform has no recall.
Vehicle Fire
Vehicle caught fire while operating or parked. One case involved fire under the seat in electrical connection box (reported by acquaintance). Another case involved fire with smoke from hood area on city street with no dashboard warnings prior. Insurance declared vehicle total loss.
When: Narrative #1: 27,000 miles; Narrative #31: no mileage stated but occurred on city street during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible from hood area or under seat; Vehicle suddenly bursts into flames; No dashboard warning lights prior to fire (in narrative #31); No temperature warning or alarms before fire started
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #1 vehicle declared total loss by State Farm. Cause undetermined per insurance; Chrysler/FCA declined further investigation. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA initiated investigation per owner request but refused to comment on fire source or honor warranty. Insurance company informed by FCA corporate that no further investigation would be conducted. No recall issued.
Brake System Anomalies
Brake pedal becomes hard to depress or unresponsive. One case involved brake warning light illumination after dealership discovered rodents chewed through brake fluid container wires. Another case involved perception of brake failure (extremely hard pedal) traced to brake booster failure after only 2 years of ownership.
When: Early in ownership (within 2 years per one narrative); one case at 73,000 miles with hard pedal during start attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely hard to depress or unresponsive; Dashboard brake warning light illuminates; Feels like brakes have failed (very high pedal resistance); Brake booster failure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: One case: rodents chewed brake fluid wires; dealer confirmed damage but vehicle not repaired. Another case: brake booster replacement needed after 2 years. Cost not stated for booster; owner expressed surprise at failure timing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In rodent-chew case, manufacturer notified but no assistance provided. Booster failure case: dealership assessed but no manufacturer response documented.
Key Fob / Keyless Entry Failure
Vehicle does not recognize key fob; warns of key fob departure when fob is in vehicle; requires mechanical key to unlock (triggering alarm). In one case, vehicle started despite 'Key Fob Not Detected' message, then later refused to start due to computer failure to recognize key fob.
When: Narrative #39: started June 2020 on vehicle purchased May 2020 (brand new). Narrative #29: intermittent issues with fob, then complete failure requiring tow.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not unlock with key fob despite all interior lights illuminating; Alarm sounds if mechanical key used to unlock door; Vehicle warns 'Key Fob Not Detected' or similar message; Vehicle allows brief operation after 'Key Fob Not Detected' warning, then refuses to start; Key fob replacement and battery changes do not resolve issue
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob replaced and batteries changed in both fobs; issue persisted. One case required dealership diagnosis; cost ~$500 for computer-related repair (per owner estimate)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in these narratives.
Service Deficiencies / Incomplete Repairs
Dealership-documented failures to complete work, incomplete recalls, inaccurate service records, or improper reassembly after service. One narrative documents multiple service failures including underbody skid plate bolts not reinstalled, incorrect hardware after battery replacement, check engine codes cleared without repair, and recall parts continuously unavailable. Vehicle history report shows service at dealership never visited.
When: Feb 2024 – Feb 2026 timeframe in detailed narrative; issues ongoing across multiple service visits spanning years
Symptoms owners cite: Skid plate falls off during driving after service (loss of control hazard); Vehicle loses power and stalls repeatedly after battery replacement due to incorrect hardware; Check engine light cleared without documented diagnosis or repair; Recall parts on backorder for years (Nov 2022 – Feb 2026); Vehicle dropped off for recall repair; work never completed; no explanation provided; Service records inaccurate or show service at dealership owner never visited; Multiple warning lights illuminate (transmission, ABS, traction, electronic park brake) after unrelated repair (hub bearing)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts without resolution. Skid plate issue identified immediately after leaving dealership. Battery replacement involved incorrect hardware. No clear resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall parts continuously unavailable per dealer communication spanning 3+ years.
Engine Overheating / Active Grille Shutter Failure
Vehicle engine overheats; active grille shutter fails to regulate airflow to radiator. Owner expresses concern about safety risk if vehicle shuts off while driving due to blocked air filtration.
When: After 3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning or elevated temperature; Vehicle sometimes will not start; Vehicle acts as if it will shut off while driving; Active grille shutter malfunction diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Active grille shutter replacement required. No cost cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented.
TIPN (Totally Integrated Power Node) Module Failure
Power distribution module fails around 35,000 miles. All dash lights illuminate at startup; front and rear LED lights remain on even after key removed, draining battery. Vehicle becomes undrivable. One repair shop expressed surprise no recall issued despite frequent occurrences.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dash lights illuminate on startup; Front and rear LED lights remain on after key removed; Lights never turn off, leading to dead battery; Vehicle dies while driving (~20 mph); Near accident caused by stall during roadway pull-out
Repairs/costs cited: TIPN replacement required. Estimated cost $1,500–$2,000 for diagnosis and parts across multiple repair shops. Owner unable to afford repair; college student making payments on undrivable vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall issued. Repair shop expressed surprise no recall exists despite frequency of failures.
Transmission Jerking / Hard Shifting
Vehicle jerks harshly during gear shifts or acceleration. In some cases accompanied by stalling, rough idle requiring extended warm-up, or transmission shifting to neutral without warning.
When: Various timeframes; one case noted 'a year after' purchase; one case at low mileage (7,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking when switching gears or accelerating; Vehicle lurches through gears; Vehicle shakes when air conditioning engaged; Vehicle automatically shifts to neutral without warning; Grinding or crunching sounds; Clutch slips or doesn't feel right; Burning smell or high engine revs; Poor fuel economy (15 mpg vs. expected 27 mpg); Forward jerking at any speed with no warning
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership unable to determine permanent remedy despite multiple visits (6+ times per owner); owner still seeking resolution. Transmission issues began ~1 year after purchase in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case to determine technical repair guidelines; no resolution documented.
Check Engine Light / Fuel System Issues
Check engine light remains illuminated for extended periods (6+ months). Vehicle fails to run uphill without stalling; will not run when raining; fuel appears blocked (owner pumps gas excessively). Vehicle stalls during left/right turns. Owner failed emissions test; tune-up did not resolve.
When: 6+ months of continuous illumination; emissions test failure in Sept 2019 noted
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light remains on for 6+ months; Vehicle stalls going uphill; requires excessive gas pumping; Will not run when raining; Stalls during left or right turns; Engine requires 10-minute warm-up before vehicle is ready; Failed emissions testing; Tune-up did not resolve issue
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair completed; tune-up performed but ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Flickering or Failure
Instrument cluster or dashboard screen flickers, goes black, or cycles warning lights on and off. Radio, speedometer, and all dashboard information may become unavailable during these events. Vehicle may stall concurrent with cluster failure.
When: Various speeds and driving conditions; one case at 90,000 miles; some cases intermittent across vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster flickers while driving; Dashboard screen goes black (all info including speedometer lost); Radio stops playing during electrical event; All warning lights cycle on and off; Vehicle stalls concurrent with cluster failure; Cluster blinks on and off; does not show accurate speed; Screen turns on and off while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to duplicate failure. Vehicle hooked to diagnostic equipment shows no fault codes. Failure recurred intermittently across varied driving conditions (highway, city streets, driveway, even at dealership during pick-up). No repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Coolant System Issue / Low Coolant
Vehicle coolant level low, detected by owner after dealership failed to notice. In narrative #1, low coolant discovered during trip before vehicle caught fire.
When: Narrative #1: discovered ~2,000 miles after oil change and inspection; ~1,000 miles into 1,000-mile trip
Symptoms owners cite: Low coolant level (detected only when owner manually checked); Vehicle smells hot during operation; No dashboard warning lights indicate coolant issue
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant level topped off by second dealership; no leak identified in coolant system and other checks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not directly addressed; vehicle subsequently caught fire ~1,000 miles after coolant check.
Brake Booster Failure
Brake booster fails, making brake pedal extremely hard to depress, creating hazard when attempting to release emergency brake in parking lot.
When: After 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress; Brake system appears to have failed; Dashboard brake warning light displays (but brake is not actually on)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed brake booster failure; repair recommended but cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Air Conditioning Failure
Hot air blows from vents when air conditioner activated. Dealership added refrigerant; issue recurred. Later diagnosed as fuse box failure requiring replacement, but parts unavailable.
When: Very early in vehicle life (250 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Hot air blows from vents when air conditioning activated
Repairs/costs cited: Freon added by dealer; failure recurred. Subsequently diagnosed as fuse box needed replacement; part not available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no resolution provided.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Airbag light has came on with dealership replacing the wiring harness under the seat twice. The light is now on for a third time. After online forum research, I learned that wiggling the wiring connections can get the connection back and airbag light to go away. It worked. Numerous complaints of loose wiring. Purchased the vehicle brand new currently with 125k miles. First repair was free. Second…
Unknown
Vehicle went in for an airbag light twice right before the extended warranty expired at 75k miles. The dealership claims to have replaced a wiring harness under the passenger seat both times. Just slightly over 75k miles, the light came on again. This time they advised the whole wiring system needs replaced and that it won't be covered. Got in touch with Chrysler directly who stated they are…
The sensor that is under the passenger seat, signalling that an individual is sitting in the seat, has needed to be replaced by the dealership twice now as a connection becomes loose and will dis-attach. This will alert my car to service airbags
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that hot air blew from vents when the air conditioner was activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician added freon but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced, but stated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was…
The car first started off with the screen turning on and off while driving..we didn't think much of it however a few month ago the car began to turn off in the midst of driving. Before turing off the car would begin to yank as if resisting. We proceeded with purchasing a new battery. That was 4 month ago. We are now here 12/2018 and the car has once again started to yank while driving, turn off…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 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 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,000 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 50,149. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 66,000. 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/2016/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.