2020 Chrysler 300 Safety Report

The 2020 Chrysler 300 presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but concerning recall and complaint patterns. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, including 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover. This indicates solid structural integrity and occupant protection in most collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has been subject to two recalls, one of which addresses a critical safety component: the side curtain air bag inflators. This recall (NHTSA ID: 21V-795) warns of potential inflator rupture, which could result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, leading to injury or death. This is directly corroborated by multiple complaints, including one where the front passenger’s side curtain air bag erroneously deployed without a collision, and another where the driver's airbag burst while the car was unoccupied. Complaint data, though limited to 10 total, highlights several serious issues. Three complaints are related to 'AIR BAGS', with specific instances of unintended deployment and failure to deploy in a crash. One complaint details a vehicle fire originating from the sun visor, and another mentions a panoramic sunroof glass explosion. The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category, with 3 complaints, includes issues like an LCD screen delamination affecting critical vehicle controls and side mirrors tilting excessively in reverse. The 'POWER TRAIN' category has one complaint describing a grinding noise and vibration from the shifter knob, suggesting potential transmission issues. Despite the good crash test ratings, the recalls and specific complaints raise significant concerns, particularly regarding the air bag system's reliability and potential for catastrophic failure. The fire incident and sunroof explosion also point to manufacturing or component quality issues beyond typical wear and tear. The low number of total complaints (10) for a vehicle of this age could be interpreted in different ways; it might suggest that these issues are not widespread, or it could be due to underreporting. However, the severity of the reported problems, especially those linked to recalls, warrants careful consideration.

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Chrysler 300 has good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the critical airbag recall and investigate if the specific vehicle has had recall repairs completed. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any signs of LCD screen issues or unusual noises from the transmission, and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection.