The 2006 Chrysler 300 only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of engine and transmission issues. At $4,942 to $11,909, it’s a lot of money considering how unreliable they are.
Is the 2006 Chrysler 300 a Good Used Car?
- No, 2006 is one of the worst years for the 300. Owner reviews complain about broken parts, high ownership costs, and electrical issues.
- Reliability ratings are awful. Avoid models from 2005–2008, and go with a 2009 or newer which have fewer complaints.
- Interior materials are better than average, with plush seats and soft leather available on the higher end models.
- Performance is average from the V6 engine, but the largest V8 is very powerful.
- The Chrysler 300 is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is lower than average, getting up to 21 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chrysler 300?
- Consumer Reports says the Chrysler 300 is very unrefined to drive, and has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Chrysler 300 a 4.7/5 liking the exterior styling, but disliking the poor visibility.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Chrysler 300 4.6/5 and like the powerful V8, but dislike the high ownership costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Chrysler 300 Have?
The most common problems found in the 2006 Chrysler 300 include engine failures, the gear shifter getting stuck in park, and transmission issues.
Engine failures are the most common complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. The components in the engine wear out faster than in other cars, and a new engine costs $3,500 or more to replace.
Gear shifters stuck in park are another issue mentioned by owners at around 60,000 miles. The linkage between the shifter and transmission breaks easily, and costs about $500 to replace.
Transmission problems, including failures so shift, show up on a lot of models at around 70,000 miles. The shift solenoids wear out in the transmission, costing about $1,000 to replace. If there’s any gear damage then you will need a new transmission, which costs about $3,000.
There are 4 recalls on the 2006 Chrysler 300, with the most serious being for the automatic transmission cup plug, which can cause the vehicle to roll away when it’s in park if it fails.
How Long Will the 2006 Chrysler 300 Last?
A properly maintained 2006 Chrysler 300 may last up to 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Avalon. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other cars, at around $400 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most Chrysler 300s from 2006 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the air bag control module for $250, the purge valve, which costs $350, or the air conditioning drier costing $200.
It has been reliable. We have had some issues with it, but it is 13 years old and to be expected with a car of its age.
None that we have had so far. It starts well in cold weather and warmer weather. Trunk is large enough to hold plenty of packages and it is a nice looking vehicle.
It's very reliable and know it does not have any problems it is also good on gas it's just the right car for me.
It is very reliable. I have not had any problems with my Chrysler at all. Except gas mileage you do not get a lot but it is a hemi.
Air conditioner rarely freezes when very hot on long drives. Other than that I really cannot think of anything negative
The only small problem I have with my vehicle is the tire pressure. One of my tires recently blew out on the highway and I didn't have a spare with me. I had to wait for a tow truck
I haven't had any problems with it since I've had it. And I've had it for some years now. All I've had to replace is my tires
Yes it is very berry reliable I Have never had any type of problems with my vehicle I love this car no issues
How Much Is the 2006 Chrysler 300 Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,942 to $11,909, making the Chrysler 300 about $1,000 more than a Ford Crown Victoria or Nissan Maxima. When new, the price range was $23,775 to $39,920. Depreciation is worse than average, losing around 15% of its value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chrysler 300?
There are 4 models of the Chrysler 300. The technology was last updated in 2005, with a redesign coming in 2011.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Remote Keyless Entry
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
Touring is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
C is a step up and upgrades include:
- 18-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Premium Leather Seating
- Wood Interior Trim
- 6-Speaker Boston Acoustics Stereo System With Satellite Radio
C SRT-8 is the performance model and has:
- 20-Inch Unique Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating With Suede Inserts
- Performance Suspension
- Power Folding Mirrors
What Engines Come In the Chrysler 300?
- The base engine is an average 2.7L V6 which makes 190 horsepower and gets up to 21 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more exciting 3.5L V6 which offers 250 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined.
- Next in the lineup is the very powerful 5.7L V8, which has 340 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined.
- The flagship motor is the muscular 6.1L V8 which makes 425 horsepower and gets up to 16 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking only 4.7 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chrysler 300 Come In?
How Big Is the Chrysler 300?
The Chrysler 300 is a large sedan, similar in size to rivals including the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Impala. Passenger room is very good throughout the sedan with a lot of legroom and comfortable seats.
Cargo space is a bit smaller than some of the other large sedans with 15.6 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which fits 3 to 4 suitcases.
How Does the Chrysler 300 Compare to the Competition?
The Dodge Magnum is a competitor which costs about $500 less. Cargo space is better in the Magnum, but the Chrysler 300 has a higher-quality interior. We recommend neither car for 2006, though, since they both share a lot of the same mechanical problems.
The Toyota Avalon is another rival, which is about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are much better in the Avalon, but the 300 is faster with a more powerful engine. We recommend the Avalon since it’s one of the most dependable full size sedans on the market.
Do Owners Recommend the Chrysler 300?
Yes, it is a good vehicle overall. It does lack in some departments, but all modes of transportation have their pros and cons.
Yes, I think it is. It is comfortable to ride long and short distances and gets good gas mileage. It is also a nice.
Yes it is a wonderful vehicle and I love it and won't trade it for anything else it gets me to the places I need to be.
Yes I love it! Except the gas mileage. Other than that great car. I have owned for 2 years. Never have I had problems with the car at all.
Yes very reliable and very comfortable, plenty of power and attractive. Bought it new and have been very pleased
Yes it is very convenient, it takes about 25 dollars to fill it up completely. Low mileage on the car so that is also a plus.
Yes it's a great vehicle I haven't had any issues with it. It's dependable. And great on gas. And cheap to get repairs if needed
Yes very good I love the car very smooth it drives with no problems never has any issues at all I love my car!