The Chrysler 200 Years To Avoid
We've compiled four Chrysler 200 years to avoid based on common known issues. We explore why you should avoid them and which more reliable years to focus your used car shopping experience on instead.
The Chrysler 200, a family sedan that aspired to offer the driving experience of a luxury car, had a tumultuous and brief existence within Chrysler’s relatively small lineup of vehicles. Introduced with high hopes and promising features, the 200 aimed to attract buyers seeking a combination of practicality and elegance. However, despite its ambitious goals, the Chrysler 200‘s journey was marked by challenges and ultimately led to its discontinuation after a short run. The dwindling popularity of sedans and small cars certainly didn’t help.
In this article, we will discuss the specific Chrysler 200 years to avoid as these models were plagued by various issues that compromised their reliability and overall value. Let’s get to it.
Which Chrysler 200 Years to Avoid?
Below are the Chrysler 200 model years to avoid due to known issues and high number of consumer complaints:
- 2011 Chrysler 200
- 2012 Chrysler 200
- 2013 Chrysler 200
- 2015 Chrysler 200
2011 Chrysler 200
Sadly, the debut model of the Chrysler 200 was anything but reliable. CarComplaints.com has documented over 700 complaints and three recalls for the midsize car and was awarded the “Clunker” badge.
One of its main pain points is that the engine will simply die while driving, which is a major safety hazard. Numerous reports describe the vehicle suddenly stalling while driving at various speeds, with no warning signs or dashboard indicators. Attempts to restart the engine often fail, leaving drivers stranded and vulnerable in traffic. Despite multiple trips to dealerships and expensive repairs, such as replacing throttle bodies, computers, and sensors, the problem persists.
On a related note, electrical issues have also plagued the 2011 Chrysler 200. Owners report sudden, complete power losses while driving, rendering the vehicle unresponsive and difficult to control. The car’s gauges, lights, and wipers cease functioning, creating hazardous situations on the road. Attempts to diagnose the problem have proven challenging, as the vehicle often fails to display any error codes when scanned. The electrical gremlins have continued to terrorize owners even after trips to the dealership.
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2012 Chrysler 200
The 2012 Chrysler 200 might be objectively more reliable than 2011, but it has its fair share of issues. CarComplaints has logged over 1,000 complaints and four recalls for the 2012 Chrysler 200.
At the top of its list of complaints is a faulty heater system which can be brutal if you live in colder areas. Complaints flood about the uneven distribution of warmth, with the driver basking in comfortable temperatures while their unfortunate passenger shivers in the cold as they’re only treated to lukewarm air. Mechanics point fingers at sludge-clogged heater cores, but their costly remedies often are mere band-aids on a gaping wound. As the issue persists across multiple vehicles, Chrysler remains tight-lipped, leaving disgruntled owners literally and figuratively out in the cold.
Another reason why the 2012 model is one of the worst Chrysler 200 years to avoid is the faulty engine. Many drivers of the 200 have reported experiencing problems with the car’s engine. These issues include stalling while driving, overheating, and losing power steering and brakes as the engine cuts out unexpectedly. These problems persist even after replacing components such as thermostats and oil coolers, leaving mechanics puzzled. These issues pose a serious safety risk to drivers and require immediate attention.
HOW LONG DO CHRYSLER 200s LAST?
If you’re interested in this midsize sedan, you’re probably asking: how long do Chrysler 200s last?
2013 Chrysler 200
The 2013 Chrysler is yet another year to avoid due to many major issues including the engine, transmission, and heater system. CarComplaints has documented 1,000+ complaints and five recalls for this model year.
Vehicle stalling is a familiar pain point for owners of the 2013 Chrysler 200. Several vehicle owners have reported that their vehicles stall while driving, without any warning. This issue occurs under various speeds and driving conditions, and in many cases, the vehicle does not start back up immediately, leaving the drivers stranded until the car is towed or starts again mysteriously after some time has passed.
Although dealerships have attempted to fix the issue with temporary solutions such as firmware updates or sensor replacements, these fixes have proven to be ineffective in the long term, leading to repeated incidents. Some owners have even resorted to TIPM overhauls, but even these solutions have not resolved the underlying problem permanently.
Moreover, due to its problematic transmission, the 2013 Chrysler 200 has become a nightmare for many owners. Drivers report a disconcerting ”thumping” sensation when the vehicle shifts gears, particularly at lower speeds. This jarring transition often catches people off guard. Despite repeated trips to the dealership, the issue persists, with some service departments dismissing it as ”normal” behavior for the model.
2015 Chrysler 200
Last but not least, we have one of the most problematic Chrysler 200 years to avoid, if not the most problematic. CarComplaints has gathered a staggering 3,000+ complaints and eight recalls for the 2015 model year, with the “Avoid Like the Plague” badge.
What makes this year the most unreliable is the faulty transmission, including issues like transmission failure, jerking, rough shifting, etc. Due to its “possessed” transmission, the 2015 Chrysler 200 has become a source of frustration and fear for many owners. Drivers report harrowing experiences of the vehicle suddenly shutting down while cruising at highway speeds, leaving them vulnerable to rear-end collisions. The car’s erratic behavior continues with lurching and jerking motions. Repeated trips to the dealership for software updates and component replacements didn’t help much.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHRYSLER 200
Maybe you love the controversial car. In that case, you should work to get in on the most reliable Chrysler 200 year selections.
In addition, the 2015 Chrysler has been subject to several customer complaints, mainly due to engine stalling issues that arise unexpectedly. These stalling events create significant safety hazards, particularly when the vehicle stops operating suddenly in the middle of traffic, which affects the driver’s control over steering and braking. Adding to the trickiness of the issue, the car does not produce any diagnostic error codes, which poses a challenge for mechanics to diagnose and fix the root causes of these sudden shutdowns.
Overall, if you’re going to avoid one version of the Chrysler 200, the 2015 model year is certainly an instant pass.
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