- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Chrysler 300M Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2003 Chrysler 300M with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (11) and the airbags (4). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2002 has 96 and the 2004 has 71.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical 300M year, for its age
#170 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Chrysler 300M problems
Share of all 33 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Chrysler 300M recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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33 complaints about the 2003 Chrysler 300M
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
The steering axle attach to the rack of pinion keep coming off. When that happen the wheel fell to the ground. In my car this is the 3rd time that happen. *Tr
The car suddenly slowed down to a complete stop while I was driving it on the highway. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. While driving approximately 50 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,600.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, the service light illuminated. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v567000 (electrical system) and 15v313000 (air bags). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Car is jerking as it is trying to shift to the next gear at 55+ miles per hour. It is also sluggish like it is working harder to just drive and the check engine light has come on but aamco transmission and gp auto couldn't find anything work with the engine or transmission. Gp auto tells us it is the aps brake system that is locked up thus making the car drive like the parking brakes is on holding the transmission back from shifting. Currently has 175,365 miles on a 2003 chrysler 300m
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would jerk, surge forward, and then suddenly shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Car intermittent power -trying to get in gear. Electric not functioning properly. Code at dealership indicated cam shaft sensor.. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 03v035000 (seats: front assembly: recliner) in 2003 and the vehicle was repaired. After the recall work was performed, the driver seat recliner bolt failed and the seat collapsed. The contact stated that the dealer repaired the seat a second time but the bolt failed again while the contact was driving 60 mph around a bend. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a third time for the repair and the dealer again,...
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repaired the seat bolt yet the seat bolt failed a fourth time and was repaired. The contact stated that the seat bolt failed for the fifth time. The contact called the dealer to report the fifth failure on march 15, 2011 and he was advised that the part would become available april 7, 2011. He contacted the manufacturer and they advised him that they would expedite the delivery of the part. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact noticed that the transmission would not shift into third gear. The contact restarted the vehicle and it functioned properly; however it would violently jerk when slowing down. The dealer was aware of the issue and made two attempts to remedy the failure by replacing the transmission valve. The contact informed the manufacturer who took a complaint. The vehicle was at the local dealership awaiting repairs. The current mileage was 89,549 and the failure mileage was 62,036. Updated 03/22/11*lj updated 1/4/11 *cn
The car was in the garage carport during the night. At about 5:25 in the morning the car start to burning by itself and it looks like an electricity failure has happened. The car burned all the front parts from the front bumper to the dash. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. The contact received a recall notice for the cam sensor which was not listed on the nhtsa website. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off; yet, he the contact pulled to the side of the road. He later restarted the vehicle but the failure continued to occur intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership for the recall repair. After the repair was performed, the vehicle continued to shut off. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and...
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was told that the catalytic converter was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership and he was informed that the recall repair had damaged the catalytic converter. The contact called the manufacturer and was told that because the vehicle was no longer under warranty, they were not going to take any responsibility. The current and failure mileages were unknown.
Had just gotten car back from dealers garage for air conditioning repair. Had driven less than about 10 miles slow city driving 35mph max. When suddenly without warning of any kind the transmission went to full throttle instantaneously. Hit brakes, tried to change gears, steer out of traffic, almost impossible to control. Finally turned off the key to the engine. Turned on twice to see if any improvement. None. When mechanic arrived within about an half hour and turned on engine no problem except the car would not...
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go in reverse. Computer diagnosis showed build up of pressure in transmission code of some kind and the mechanic advised the transmission overdrive hub had broken. Transmission needed rebuilt or replaced. Had not thought to request dealer hold old parts but just called to request them to hold . *Tr
The dash area above the glove box on the front passenger side has developed a clean slit now in excess of 6" long expanding toward the windshield. It appears to be part of the breakaway portion of the dash in the event of an airbag deployment. I am concerned that, in addition to the unsightly appearance of the dash, that it may interfere with or trigger an airbag deployment, and may therefore be a safety hazard. We have had a total of 4 300m's and three of the four have had this problem. The first two (1999 and 2001) were repaired under the 3-year warranty, but the 2003 is out of the warranty period. *Tr
Our 2003 chrysler 300m airbag light and dtc code p 0581 both went on approximately 3 months ago. P0581 indicates cruise control multi-function input a circuit high. The car has 38,000 miles. I spoke with a chrysler dealer and was told the two occurrences indicated a bad 'airbag clock spring coil'. In my research I found there was a recall on chrysler llc minivans for the same problem, also that there are many instances of this occurring in other chrysler models. Because this seems a consistent problem...
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with chrysler llc vehicles, is there any investigation in progress? Also, the dtc code p0420 indicating 1/1 catalytic converter is not functioning properly. Chrysler llc seems to have problems with safety and emissions. *Tr
The horn, cruise control, radio controls on the steering wheel stopped working. Also the red "air bag" light on the dash is luminated. I've done some research on the symptoms and it appears to be a broken clock spring. Chrysler has had numerous recalls and complaints for this problem on their vehicles. It appears that they now have the same problem with the chrysler 300m. It is illegal to drive without a horn that works and I have to assume that because the air bag light is on that it is not working either. This is obviously a safety issue that needs to be addressed. *Tr
The preset drivers seat and mirror does not go to the preset position when the key fob has been pushed(unlocked) it works sometimes,(50%). *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler 300m. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to hydroplane and the vehicle spun off the road and struck three guard rails. The air bags failed to deploy. He sustained severe headaches and migraines and could not move his right arm. He also sustained a severe whiplash. The vehicle was completely destroyed. He has not notified anyone other than the insurance agency. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were unknown.
Purchased 2003 chrysler 300m in aug 05, with 9,500 miles. From the beginning engine light came on, was reset; in addition, gas gauge and light flicker. In aug 2006, on a trip to ca light came on and at one point car would not start immediately. Stopped at paso robles dealer who reset code. On i!0, Outside san bernadino, in the third lane of heavy traffic, the car died with on warning other than the check engine light. Due to the alertness of the tractor trailer truck driver on my right, I was able to glide off...
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the highway without causing a massive pileup. Once home I had the original dealer replace the sensor. Contacted chrysler, received a phone call from a haughty young man - chrysler will not pay. Since then I have had to replace one o2 sensor and now the catalytic converter is gone. Chrysler refuses to cover these under the extended warranty. My dealer found a way to cover the sensor and now the catalytic converter. In the meantime my car sits in the driveway, utterly useless. In addition, this is not the first time that I have had problems with chrysler products: dodge lancer stopped on two occasions on lightly traveled highway. Replaced two o2 sensors on two separate intrepids and a dodge caravan. Also replaced transmission sped sensors on the 97 intrepid and the 00 caravan. The snippy phone call was the last straw. They are not interested in improving their product or in satisfying their customers. I am through with chrysler after thirty years! *Tr
Check engine light came on while driving. Engine started hesitating at random times. Code readout indicated failure of cam shaft position sensor. When this was repaired, mechanic stated that codes were also present indicating failure of catalytic converters (1 per exhaust line). These should not fail during normal use. *Jb
Dt: the contact stated while driving the vehicles made a loud clanking noise and stalled. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off of the freeway onto the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle and driving only five feet it began clanking very loud. A tow truck was called. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but the problem could not be diagnosed. The vehicle is now in transit to a certified dealership. *Ak
Dt: the consumer states that 2003 chrysler 300m stalled on the freeway at 55 mph. The check engine light came on , and the car did not restart immediately. Consumer had to wait about 25-30 minutes before vehicle restarted. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the repair shop. It was diagnosed as the cam shaft position sensor. The sensor was fixed, and the check engine light came back on. Took the car back to the repair shop and the front oxygen (o2 )sensor failed. It was repaired, and the check engine...
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light came back on for the third time. The mechanic determined that the rear o2 sensor malfunctioned. The rear o2 sensor was checked, and the mechanic determined it was the catalytic converter which was replaced. This happened over a period of 7 days. The consumer's vehicle was still in the repair shop, and dealer was waiting for the converter to come in. The manufacturer covered the charges for the 2 sensors and the converter. The owner is not suppose to have vehicle back until august 18, 2005 when the part will finally come in.*Ak
My 2003 300m has chrome wheels that hold snow and ice. The out of balanced condition requires to drive no faster than 30 mph until the ice is removed. The vibration is so great that I feel damage is being done to the front suspension. *Nm
Consumer paid for a theft deterrent system which was made by the manufacturer. Vehicle was broken into. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that unless the door was pried opened the alarm system will not go off. The thieves broke the glass to gain entry and the vehicle was saturated with water because of the rain. *Ak *tc
Rear brakes were defective. The problem was discovered during an oil change. The mechanic stated they wore out. *Ak *nm
While driving the srs light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the driver side air bag needed to be replaced. *Ak *sc
Chrysler 300M: every year compared
All 300M years2003 Chrysler 300M vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Chrysler 300M | 33 | 1 | A | |
| 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser W/Sab | 258 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 258 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Town & Country | 245 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Sebring | 74 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Voyager | 32 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Concorde | 27 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Concorde LTD. | 27 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Chrysler Lebaron | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Chrysler 300M
Does the 2003 Chrysler 300M have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Chrysler 300M: exterior lighting (April 2009). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler 300M?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (11), airbags (4), brakes (3).
How many complaints has the 2003 Chrysler 300M had?
33 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 15, 2003 and the latest on June 23, 2020. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Chrysler 300M a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 75 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Chrysler 300M year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chrysler 300M years have the most complaints?
1999 (351), 2000 (249), 2001 (99). See every Chrysler 300M year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Chrysler 300M has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data