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 ↗2018 Chrysler 300 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 21,478 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
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 300 | 66 |
| 2015 300 | 23 |
| 2016 300 | 12 |
| 2017 300 | 5 |
| 2018 300 (this page) | 16 |
| 2019 300 | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Chrysler 300, 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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.
8-Speed Transmission, Additional Transmission Fluid Leak Inspection/Repair Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗8-Speed Transmission, Additional Transmission Fluid Leak Inspection/Repair Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Transmission Message Illumination. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0700-E4 ? Transmission Control System (MIL Request), Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗8-Speed Transmission, Additional Transmission Fluid Leak Inspection/Repair Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report transmission problems starting at low mileage: hard shifts into second, jolting and slipping sensations at low speeds, and failure to engage reverse without engine restart. One owner replaced the transmission only to find the new unit's module was defective. Several owners report the 845RE transmission produces grinding and howling.
Engine stalling without warning lights is the most dangerous pattern. Two separate owners had the engine shut off unexpectedly—one while backing out of a driveway, another in fast-lane freeway traffic. Restarting proved difficult; one owner's vehicle only started after being towed. Diagnosis was hampered when one shop couldn't scan the car because it was too new for their equipment. One owner paid nearly $1,000 for a fuel tank replacement due to electrical fault.
The infotainment system fails across multiple functions: LCD display delaminates and jumps, radio stations change on their own, climate controls shift randomly, backup camera blacks out, and the system randomly accesses contacts to make calls. One owner confirmed the issue reproduces at the service center but declined repair due to cost.
A Puerto Rico owner had the power steering rack-pinion replaced three times at an authorized dealer without success—the assembly won't accept programming after replacement. One owner reports a 2018 PCM recall that has reoccurred. Acceleration loss with the check engine light present created freeway hazards, with one owner unable to speed up to match traffic in rain.
Same Chrysler 300 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift problems and jerking
Transmission slips, skips, jolts, and shifts hard—especially at low speeds and when engaging reverse or park. Some owners report the vehicle lunges forward or hesitates during acceleration. Multiple owners report the transmission will not engage into reverse or drive without shutting the engine off and restarting.
When: Low mileage (26,000 miles reported), intermittent at various speeds including parking-lot speeds and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shift into second gear, worsening over time; Transmission jolting the entire car like slipping in and out of gear; Grinding and howling noises from 845RE transmission; No power and stuttering at first start; Vehicle lunges forward or hesitates to accelerate; Vehicle rolls backward while in drive with brake pedal depressed; Vehicle will not engage reverse; requires engine restart
Codes mentioned: P0340, P0365, U1428
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had transmission replaced; new transmission's module was found to be defective. Some dealerships have been unable to diagnose despite multiple visits. One owner spent ~$1,000 on fuel tank replacement and reports transmission still not right afterward.
Engine stalling with no warning
Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving or backing out, with no warning lights or indication of distress. Owners report the engine either will not restart or starts only after the vehicle is towed or after time has passed. One incident occurred in fast-lane traffic on freeway, creating a safety hazard.
When: Low to moderate mileage; first incident reported at owner's driveway, second on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off suddenly with no warning light or sign of distress; Vehicle will not restart after stalling; Vehicle restarts only after being towed; Starter makes clicking sounds as if out of gas (but fuel present)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had fuel tank replaced (~$1,000 cost) due to electrical fault with fuel tank. One shop unable to read codes because vehicle was too new for their scanner.
Infotainment and instrument cluster LCD display failure
LCD display delaminates, settings do not stay set, display jumps around on its own, and beeps continuously. Radio stations, climate control, and seat settings change randomly. Navigation, hands-free communication lost, and backup camera screen blanks out. Uconnect and Chrysler Customer Care did not respond to owner requests for support.
When: Intermittent, reproduced at service center, ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: LCD display delamination and jumping; Radio/SiriusXM stations change randomly; Climate control settings change randomly (AC/heat/seat); Navigation and hands-free communication lost; Backup camera screen goes blank; System accesses contacts and makes calls randomly; Continuous beeping
Repairs/costs cited: One owner states the repair is very costly and has chosen to live with the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Uconnect and Chrysler Customer Care contacted but no response received
Power steering (Rack-Pinion) programming defect
Power steering rack-pinion assembly required replacement on three separate occasions at an authorized Chrysler dealer in Puerto Rico, but would not accept programming after each replacement. Technicians could not correct the defect despite multiple attempts.
When: Multiple service visits required
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering does not function correctly after part replacement; Power steering programming defect prevents proper operation
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-pinion replaced three times at Flagship Chrysler (Bella Retail Group LLC) in Puerto Rico without successful repair
Acceleration loss and electronic stability control issues
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate or will not accelerate even with pedal floored. Electronic stability control warning light illuminates. Vehicle struggles to maintain speed, especially in rain and traffic. One owner reported the check engine light came on with loss of power and unresponsive accelerator.
When: 95,000 miles (one case); highway and rain conditions; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate and lunges forward; Electronic stability control warning light on; Accelerator pedal unresponsive or vehicle will not accelerate; Vehicle unable to keep pace with traffic; Check engine light comes on with no power
Codes mentioned: P0340, P0365, U1428
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's repair details unknown after dealer diagnosis; case occurred at 95,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures; specific remedies not detailed in narratives
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) defect
One owner reports a 2018 recall was issued for the PCM, and the problem has arisen again. Another owner reports the dealer identified a Power Control Module issue associated with blinking lights, radio noise, and shaking while driving.
When: Post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Blinking lights inside car; Radio making noises; Shaking while driving; PCM defect recurrence after previous recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2018 recall issued for Powertrain Control Module
Window motor failure (passenger side)
Passenger-side window motor does not work reliably; window will not roll up. Occurred multiple times within a short period.
When: 26,000 miles; occurred 4–5 times within 2 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger window does not roll up; Intermittent window motor failure
USB connectivity failure
USB hookup for phone does not recognize the device even after switching to a different port.
When: 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: USB port does not recognize connected phone
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I have found that going at lower speeds, like accelerating from stop, or driving thru a parking lot, the transmission jolts the entire car. Like it is slipping in and out of gear. It also seems to shift really hard in to second gear, not all the time but is just getting worse. The vehicle only has 26000 miles on it and has been serviced at the correct intervals. Also electrical issues with…
Lights blinking in the car the radio keeps making noises shaking when driving they said it was a power control module
Chrysler Model 300s Vehicle, 2018, repair service by an authorized Chrysler dealer in Puerto Rico, certified the replacement of original manufacturer parts of the power steering (Rack-Pinion) on three occasions, which does not accept the programming of technical support by the automotive specialists of the authorized Chrysler repair shop. It is evident that this vehicle faces a hidden problem…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Chrysler 300?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 21,000 and 26,000 miles, with the median around 21,478. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 26,000. 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/2018/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.