I have a 2010 Chrysler 300 and when I fill my tank up I take the handle out when it clicks I don’t keep filling because I know not to. My car will smell like someone poured gas into my backseat and if I roll the driver side window down for air it seems to get stronger for a little over 3 months now until it gets a quarter in a half below full. Now I don’t fill my car up all the way due to that and no one has figured it out yet. I have replaced lines and caps and now the fuel pump to find out none of it was the problem. I was followed home tonight to be told my car was pouring out gas from under the fuel pump area while I was driving. So I took a video of it pouring out under the driver back seat area and then I pulled off the back seat to find gas all on top of my brand new fuel pump. First I figured maybe the seal wasn’t on right but everything was put on correctly but yet I have no clue why there is gas everywhere especially seeing the pump is in correct. I can’t drive my car nor take my grandson anywhere with my car smelling like gas. Not understanding why my old and new fuel pump is backing up and I wouldn’t run my car on empty nor overfill. I have spent a bit of money into my car replacing things to continue to have the same problem. Major issue scared to ride in my car not knowing if it is going to catch on fire and that is my main transportation. By the way I changed my fuel pump because my car wouldn’t start yesterday and I didn’t hear the fuel pump turning on so tapped it a few times and it clicked on and it was whining so loud I parked it a few blocks away at a family members house scared to be stuck on the side of the road going home yesterday. Seatbelt lock box quit working as well I literally have to push it in 50 times to get it to click very irritating especially if you are in a hurry but that is way minor compared to my gas issue for the last few months Wish I could share video to show gas pouring out can’t see in pictures
Chrysler 300 fire or smoke problems
97 of the 4,930 owner complaints about the Chrysler 300 describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 97
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 69,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 8ABS 8Wipers 7Stalling 7Whining noise 6Power steering loss 6Warning lights 5Check engine light 5
What owners say
On August 18th, 2025 around 6:45 pm, our anti-lock break system stopped working, started smoking and caught fire. The fire came up through the engine under the hood and melted everything. There were no warning signs. Just smoke and flames. Luckily we were able to pull over and exit the vehicle. The fire was extinguished with 2 fire extinguishers. The car is a total loss.
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, The contact stated the sun visor of the vehicle had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s home. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 26,972.
My car was parked at my house last nite and I came home to fire department at my house extinguishing my car that was engulfed in flames. The fire department said it was electrical fire. They told me they think the battery got to hot and caused the fire. The vehicle will be with progress insurance garage. For inspection. If me or my kids were in the vehicle we would of been either burnt beyond repair or dead. No warning lights at all. No noises nothing it ran perfect. My insurance progressive is taking my vehicle today or tomarrow for inspection.
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was HOT. The contact turned the vehicle off and waited for about 30 minutes and the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
This will be my 3rd time having this [XXX] Plastic oil filter/cooler housing replaced and this will be 2nd time having done less than a 2yr time-frame... But this time; after getting the oil changed at Walmart today, my car was about to catch on fire from majority of the oil was running done on the passenger side of the car where the transmission sits and burning off of the Hot [XXX] Catalytic Converter! It's [XXX] shame that Chrysler/Mopar had more than enough complaints about this well known Catastrophic Issue and won't take any Accountability for it... That's why Dorman [XXX] and a few more companies had at least stepped up to the plate and created an better version, of the oil filter cooler housing. Not only is it better but is also all aluminum and doesn't warp or become brittle under extreme conditions from atmospheric temperatures nor engine heat! [XXX] which eventually manifest as severe oil and coolant leaks. The number of complaints regarding the Pentastar V6 oil filter housing and cooler assembly is staggering. See them here, at [XXX] . There have been so many complaints – with the OE replacements even, that Chrysler has discontinued the manufacturing of the Pentastar oil filter housing and cooler assembly. Even more surprising is that Chrysler has known about this problem for a long time and has never issued a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and examined under the hood of the vehicle and noticed there was smoke coming from the alternator. After the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The dealer was contact and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System) and that the contact had to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 158,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chrysler 300. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number 16V240000 (Power Train). The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and entered into Limp Mode. Additionally, the contact stated that when he depressed the brake pedal to stop at a stop light, he noticed a dark cloud of smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and determined that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that recalls on the vehicle were previously performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Odometer been tampered with and also my car caught on fire the other day
It was noticed that the vehicle was suddenly leaking oil as in a quart on the pavement where I had parked. Took it to a service center and the oil filter housing cooler is cracked. He advised to not drive it as the oil is pouring down the top of the motor and could cause a fire or other electrical problems. Upon trying to order the part, it would seem that a lot of other people are having the same issue. The manager at our service center was told it was on backorder. 30,000 was the number he was told of this exact part that other people were also trying to get. The vehicle smelled of burning oil and was smoking when it was last driven. I am on week 2 of not have a vehicle and am looking at the very least another 5 weeks, before the part could possible arrive. If this many people are having the same problem why is not a recall.
Related recalls
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Risk
- Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
Recall number 19V203000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T75.
Recall number 17V741000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Recall number 17V435000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
- Risk
- If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Recall number 14V634000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
Recall number 14V567000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 300 and dodge charger vehicles. These vehicles may lose ABS/ESC system function due to an overheated power distribution center.
- Risk
- This could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 18, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 12V197000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler 300, dodge challenger, charger, jeep commander, grand cherokee and dodge ram vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (win) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch.
- Risk
- The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (win module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 23, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V200000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable fasteners at the bulkhead stud may not have been properly tightened.
- Risk
- A loose fastener can cause an instrument panel fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the bulkhead stud battery cable fasteners to the proper specification. Owner notification began on july 6, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V334000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chrysler 300 fire or smoke
Which Chrysler 300 years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (24 complaints), 2006 (14 complaints) and 2011 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix fire, smoke or burning smell on the Chrysler 300?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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