2011 Chrysler 200: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 102,000 miles · MI

As I was exiting the freeway coming from 55 MPH down to 45 MPH the car just shut off a car swerved around jumped down in a ditch due to my vehicle going to a fast halt I waited hours for a tow still didnt get it my car is left in the street because I was alone and couldn't push.... It is dark blue and dark on the street it was 11pm when it just broke down. I had no warning it did recrank but as I hit the gas softly I cuts back off now I have tried so many times due to the danger of my location the battery died this has to be a recall and class action suit.

Filed Jan 25, 2017 · Electrical · 79,800 miles · NJ

The alternator experienced a rapid failure: while driving on I-95 north through maryland at highway speed (~65 MPH), the ABS and steering control indicator lights began to blink on and off, joined shortly thereafter by the brake indicator. This went on for about 10 seconds before the vents suddenly began to blow hot air. I pulled over to the shoulder and shut the engine. The car would not restart and the battery died--no hazard lights, or anything. I lifted the hood to check and it smelled like something was burning. After having the car towed for service, they said it was the alternator. The car is a 3.6l with a 160 amp alternator. The same alternator was recalled for the same issue (the federal safety agency recall 14v‑634) in the rear-wheel drive versions of these chryslers. From my understanding, the alternator in my car is identical to the recalled alternator, differing only in the housing. There were never any indicators that the alternator was going bad--no dimming lights, no history of requiring jump starts, etc. This came out of nowhere and would have put us in a dead car in the middle of a major interstate in a rainstorm had we not pulled over to the shoulder immediately.

Filed Jul 29, 2016 · Driver assistance, Engine · 31,841 miles · NJ

My 2011 200 gave no signs of having any problems, started right up on the first key turn, I went to go leave the parking lot of where I was but as I pulled out onto the busy road and started accelerating, the car stopped going faster and instead started to only rev as I pushed on the gas pedal. Cars were approaching behind me so I pulled over to the side of the road, just in time for my car to indicate it switched itself into reverse. At this point I start panicking unsure what was going to happen next. My car was at about 5 MPH at this point when the engine just died. The electronics worked for a while, until the battery died, but the engine had no hope in being started, even with a jump. After being taken to the shop I was told the alternator had failed while I was driving and that the mechanic had burnt his hand while checking it. They also mentioned something about the ground not being in place. The car had only been on for minutes, and has less then 32000 miles on it. Knowing chrysler had a recall on alternators in the past I contact them first but they gave me the run around, and still are giving me the run around, but I believe there is something else going on with my vehicle then they are letting me know as they mentioned the dealership had been emailing the engineers in regards to my car. I don't feel safe putting my 15 month old son in this car, let alone myself in this car. This car is only 5 years old and still has low mileage, and I've taken care of it like a baby. There were no warning signs of anything wrong, and no reason for anything to fail unless it was something internal and that leaves me unknowing if it will happen again, at any given moment.

Filed Apr 16, 2016 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · TN

Dash board lights flash, horn enables for about 20 seconds and vehicle does not start. Two batteries replaced. Two days of ase certified mechanic time. Half of which was charging the brand new battery that died within a week. On or about march 22, 2016, attempt to start car failed with the dash board light flash, horn enables, and the vehicle will not start. Horn enables for about 15 seconds each time we attempt to start. Autozone gold battery replacement performed by owner. Horn has not worked since this first incident; which should be considered a safety issue and not only addressed for possible wiring concern but passenger safety. Within one week, battery was completely dead and battery was replaced and installed by owner. Within one more week, battery was completely dead. On april 13, vehicle was dropped at ase certified mechanic mayberry in columbia, tn and most of 4/13 was attempting to charge the battery. On 4/14, diagnosis resumed with fully charged replacement battery. Loose battery cable tightened. No other issue found. No solution found. Suspect owner will once again have dead battery within days. No horn function.

Filed Mar 29, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 21,000 miles · NY

Over the past 4 months, our parents vehicle has been in to the dealership for servicing 6 times due to the vehicle being completely dead. The car never sat longer than 2 - 3 days without being driven. They were told the problem was due to the license plate light, then the glove box light not turning off, then they weren't sure. On 2/26, the vehicle would only start and run, while connected to the jumper. The dealership took the car in and had it for 2 full weeks. The dealership could not diagnose the problem. Mom & dad picked up the vehicle on march 14th, no explanation as to the cause of the problem. Went back to the dealership on march 19th to find out if any further information had been determined... Nothing! They were then advised the car has to be driven all the time, to avoid dying because the computer system never shuts off and therefore, drains the battery when the car is idle. They were further advised to purchase and use a battery tender trickle charger and to keep it connected to the vehicle whenever the vehicle is not in operation. This is very inconvenient as our parents are in their 80's and don't get around so easy anymore. This is not an acceptable solution. They've had this vehicle for almost 4 years, if the computer issue as described by the dealer were accurate, why did it work properly for the first 3.5 years and now has issues? The vehicle is still under warranty however, without accurate diagnosis, nothing is being done. The last communication we've had with the dealer was friday march 27th. Telling us if the car doesn't die again by this coming friday (april 3, 2015), they'll be closing the case. The problem has not yet been diagnosed or resolved. Is there anything we can do, any information you can provide, to help our parents get this issue resolved?

Filed Dec 4, 2014 · Electrical · 47,000 miles · WI

While driving on the road to my destination my car battery light came on. Drove it another 15 miles before the car began to die. I brought it to the dealership where it was determined my alternator had drained the battery and was no longer usable.