Model year guide

2002 Chrysler 300M

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Chrysler 300M is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

2002 Chrysler 300M — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Chrysler 300M at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints96
Combined19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Chrysler 300M recalls 2

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

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.

Seats:front Assembly:recliner NHTSA Campaign #03V035000 · manufacturer #C04 · 05/02/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Chrysler 300M common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2002 Chrysler 300M MPG & running costs

Combined19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,550
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S4)
Passenger volume105 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Chrysler 300M costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,750
Fuel only$17,750
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
197.6 in
Width
74.4 in
Height
55.5–55.9 in
Wheelbase
113.0 in
Curb weight
3,627–3,651 lb
Front track
61.4–61.8 in
Rear track
61.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Chrysler 300M — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE Closed

BASED ON THE LOW FAILURE RATE, THE ABSENCE OF FAILURES OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE ABSENCE OF INJURIES, AND ODI'S FIELD INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANT…

NHTSA #PE03010 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Feb 2003 · closed Sep 2003

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 83

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 83.

This SKU is a Engine Heater Hose Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the hose bending geometry. If the hose is not formed properly, it will interfere with surrounding components and prevent installation.

Bulletin RFI20210322_626- · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2021

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC…

Bulletin 9004275 · Electrical System · Jul 2020

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Bulletin 23-015-20 · Equipment, Structure · Apr 2020

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 31-005-19 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 300M. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Chrysler 300M. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the driver seat recliner bolts could break which would allow the seat back to recline unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Correction: Dealer will replace the recliner bolts with new shoulder bolt and, for vehicles with power driver seats built through January 2000, the recliner tracks will be realigned and a longer recliner driveshaft will be insta…

Transport Canada #2003035 · Feb 2003

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Chrysler 300M

The Chrysler 300M is a full-size luxury car that was produced by DaimlerChrysler from 1999 to 2004. It is a front-wheel drive, 255 hp V6 engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. Versus its platform mates, the 300M was roughly 10 inches (25 cm) shorter to make it more easily exportable to Europe. Priced above the Concorde and identically to the LHS, the 300M shared Chrysler's flagship position with the LHS until the LHS's discontinuation after 2001, upon which it became Chrysler's sole flagship model.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Chrysler 300M trims & engines on record

Trims
Special · 300M
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

2002 Chrysler 300M vehicles on record

Other Chrysler 300M model years

2002 Chrysler 300M — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chrysler 300M have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 Chrysler 300M. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler 300M?

Across all 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Chrysler 300M get?

The 2002 Chrysler 300M has a U.S. EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined (16 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.