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 ↗2016 Chrysler 200 powertrain problems
moderate 59 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 59 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Chrysler 200, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 59 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.
Among the 7 model years of Chrysler 200 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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
Owners of 2016 Chrysler 200 vehicles consistently report the engine shutting down without warning while driving—sometimes in traffic, during highway merges, or at intersections. The vehicle typically displays a "shift to park" message but no check engine light beforehand. Restarts work after several attempts, though the problem recurs repeatedly throughout ownership, starting as early as 6,157 miles.
Transmission issues run parallel: the vehicle hesitates to shift into Drive after selection, revs to high RPM without moving, then jerks violently when it finally engages. Shifts feel rough and jerky in normal operation, and some owners report the transmission dropping into Neutral at highway speeds.
An unsafe shift-knob design allows accidental gear changes from minimal contact—a cell phone or hand bump can shift the car into Park at highway speeds without requiring the brake pedal to be pressed.
Electrical failures are common. Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously during stall events; in one case, a dealer software update for a recall created new electrical failures (no-bus codes, radio/window failure). Battery replacements and power-steering loss during stalls have been reported.
Additional issues include excessive oil consumption without a low-oil warning light, abnormal transmission noises (grinding, popping, clicking), starter failures, and the parking brake engaging unexpectedly. Dealership diagnostics often fail to reproduce problems or attribute symptoms to normal 4-cylinder behavior, while software updates and component replacements have not permanently fixed issues for owners.
Same Chrysler 200 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Unexpected stalling and power loss while driving
Engine shuts down completely while vehicle is in motion, often without warning lights or diagnostic codes visible beforehand. Vehicle displays 'shift to park' message on dash; requires restart to regain power. Occurs across wide range of speeds and conditions.
When: Throughout ownership; as early as 6,157 miles; some reports at 50k+ miles; reported at 80k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; No warning lights before shutdown; 'Shift to park' message on instrument cluster; Difficulty restarting, requires multiple attempts; All electrical systems shut off during event; Occurs in traffic, on highways, at stop lights, during turns and merges
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission Soon warning light, Engine light (sometimes illuminates after restart), Airbag failure light, Parking/emergency brake light, Tire pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed software updates to transmission control module (TCM); battery replacement; engine replacement attempted; transmission replacement attempted; some vehicles treated multiple times without permanent fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist for 2015 model year (U90 recall mentioned); no recall issued for 2016; software updates performed under warranty; manufacturer contacted but no further assistance provided in some cases
Transmission shift problems and delayed engagement
Transmission hesitates or fails to shift into selected gear, particularly when accelerating from stop or during gear changes. Vehicle revs to high RPM without moving forward, then suddenly engages with violent jerk. Some complaints describe transmission refusing to downshift when needed.
When: 27,997 miles; 42,000 miles; throughout ownership for some owners
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed or refused shift into Drive after selecting it; High RPM fluctuation (up to 5,000 RPM) without vehicle movement; Violent jerking when transmission finally engages; Rough shifts between gears with jerking sensation; Transmission gets stuck or locked in certain gears; Inability to downshift when appropriate
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission Soon light, Transmission control module faults
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed in some cases; software updates attempted; transmission fluid change performed without permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty transmission replacement covered in some cases; software updates offered
Unsafe gear shift mechanism design
Electronic shift knob can be accidentally knocked or bumped into Park, Reverse, or Neutral while driving without requiring brake pedal to be depressed or any physical resistance. Creates hazard that requires immediate corrective action by driver.
When: Multiple occasions during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift knob moves too easily from Drive to other gears; No brake requirement to shift gears; Accidental shifts occur from minimal contact (cell phone sliding, hand brushing knob); Vehicle can be shifted to Park at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; design defect
Electrical system failures and control module issues
Vehicle experiences intermittent electrical system failures that knock out power to engine and transmission controls. Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously during power loss events. Some events suggest battery or power distribution failures.
When: At 24,000 miles (early in ownership); 51,000 miles; throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical shutdown during driving; Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously; Loss of power steering during stall event; Airbag warning lights; Parking brake warnings; Radio and windows not functioning after dealer repair
Codes mentioned: Airbag failure, Power train control module fault, No bus code (after dealer flash update)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed; power steering assisted; dealer flash updates applied; new issues created after recall repair (case #34798487); radio/window functionality lost post-dealer service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U90 and powertrain software update performed at one dealership, which introduced new electrical failures
Rough transmission shifting and jerking
Transmission shifts with noticeable roughness, jerking, and jolting during acceleration and deceleration. Condition present during normal operation but worsens under load. Dealerships attribute behavior to normal 4-cylinder operation despite owner concerns.
When: Early in ownership; 42,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh jerking during gear transitions; Violent shaking when taking off from stop; Rough shifting between gears; Transmission feels like engine braking on downshift; Vehicle accelerates or decelerates unintentionally due to transmission; Braking feels jerky due to rough transmission downshift
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission Soon light (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates applied; spark plugs replaced ($160); engine mounts and transmission mounts recommended; no permanent fix found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claim behavior is normal for 4-cylinder engines; software updates offered without resolving issue
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes abnormally high amounts of oil between service intervals. No low-oil warning light illuminates to alert driver. One complaint mentions finding antifreeze contamination in engine oil.
When: Reported during normal ownership; one failure at higher mileage attributed to antifreeze in oil
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops significantly between changes; No low-oil indicator light warns owner; Antifreeze found mixed with engine oil (one report); High oil consumption continues despite multiple oil changes
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple transmission oil changes performed without resolving other symptoms; one owner quoted $6,600 for engine replacement due to antifreeze contamination
Transmission fluid leak
Vehicle leaks transmission fluid during normal operation, resulting in low fluid levels and related transmission problems.
When: At 65,647 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak visible; Intermittent stalling while traveling over 40 MPH; Traction warning indicator illuminated
Codes mentioned: Traction warning indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired by owner
Starter failure and engine cranking issues
Starter motor fails to function, leaving vehicle unable to start. Engine cranking struggles with RPM fluctuation and hesitant startup behavior.
When: At 38,000 miles (starter); 67,000 miles (start hesitation); 87,466 miles (RPM fluctuation)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to start (starter failure); Starter failed twice in owner experience; RPM fluctuates upon starting; Engine revs without vehicle accelerating; Hesitant starts requiring multiple attempts
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light (in RPM fluctuation case)
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement at dealership; battery replacement (twice in one case); computer/software update attempted
Parking brake and gear shift interlock problems
Electronic parking brake engages unexpectedly while vehicle is in gear, or vehicle refuses to shift into Park. Gear shifter becomes non-responsive or locked.
When: Multiple times during early ownership; at 15 MPH during braking
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake activates during driving; Transmission drops out of gear; Vehicle unable to shift into Park; Transmission override pull does not work; Service parking brake and service transmission messages appear
Codes mentioned: Service Parking Brake message, Service Transmission message
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission override attempted without success; transmission module and software updates performed
Unresponsive acceleration and hesitation
Vehicle fails to accelerate properly when driver depresses throttle pedal, particularly during traffic merging and pulling into traffic. Engine response is delayed or absent despite pedal input.
When: 37 MPH during highway merge; various speeds; early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration response when pressing gas; Failure to move forward after brake release; Engine hesitates to respond to throttle; Almost causes accidents during traffic merging; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate from stationary position
Repairs/costs cited: Engine, motor mounts, and transmission replaced in one case without resolving issue
Abnormal engine and transmission noises
Vehicle produces grinding, popping, clicking, and rattling noises, particularly from transmission area, during normal operation and shifting.
When: At 21,000 miles (grinding); throughout ownership (popping/clicking/rattling)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal grinding noise when braking; Popping and clicking sounds from drivetrain; Loud noise from transmission area during hard acceleration; Rattling sound when cranking engine; Odd noise when attempting to restart after stall
Repairs/costs cited: CV axle joint replaced; valve work attempted; transmission oil change performed; independent mechanic found no defects; popping/clicking persisted after all repairs
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
When decelerating at either a red light or to turn, car will completely shut off with no warnings or check engine lights. This started almost a month ago. Then today everything locked up. All electrical lights came on along with the check engine light. There was no power when trying to get the vehicle back home. It should have been towed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chrysler 200. While the contact's girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the engine and gear shifter seized. The vehicle was taken to sandy sansing Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (64348 us-90, milton, fl 32570, 850-623-6866) where it was diagnosed that the battery failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
As I was driving about 40mph and slowing down for a stop sign, the engine died out. Locking my brakes and my steering wheel. At this very moment the gear d was blinking on the dash and telling me to put the vehicle in park. The vehicle was disables and the ignition would not start the car until after several minutes and multiple attempts. This has occurred a total of 5 times in the last 2 weeks.…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Chrysler 200?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 59 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 48 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,000 and 68,900 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 68,900. 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/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.