The chrome covering the door handle started peeling about 2 years ago and I have sliced my finger wide open on several occasions, when my daughter sliced her finger open on the very sharp chrom covering that was peeling, I decided it was time to report it. If I had been able to afford going to the emergency room, I am sure I should have had stitches on at least one occasion. My husband tried to help and tried to peel the rest of it off, but it just changed where the slicey part is, not its on the palm of my hand instead of my fingers.
Chrysler 300M door locks problems
19 of the 873 owner complaints about the Chrysler 300M describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 47,515
By model year
- 20041
- 200018
Often reported together
What owners say
The inside drivers door latch broke where the latch mechanism connecting the rod attaches. I can only open the door from the outside. The handle assembly is molded I can't open the door quickly in the event of an emergency. The repair has not been completed, the door panel is on backorder.
My wife purchased her 300m in 2003 within the first year the driver side rear door lock would make a loud noise and not unlock. Now a year later the front passenger side door is making the same noise and cannot be unlocked unless you cycle the lock switch and manually raise the lock. I consider this a very unsafe condition and with the number of complaints I've read so far it is far from a isolated incident.
Around 42000 the right rear passenger automatic door lock started making a loud buzzing noise and refused to unlock automatically. Now you must automatically unlock the door then manually release the lock. Now at 62000 the left rear passenger lock is making a loud buzzing noise but still will unlock. This could be very dangerous in a crash because you cannot unlock the right passenger door with out knowing to release the locks automatically and then manually unlocking the doors. A family member who also owns a chrysler product of the same year has had issues with the doorlocks and took it to the dealer (his was still under warranty) and was told that several models of that year have defected locks. They replaced all his locks after the second lock went out.
The passenger's rear door locks will not lock or unlock on their own. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the lock mechanism. Consumer informed the mechanic that the driver's door lock problem occurred more than once, and problem had not been resolved.
The consumer stated that the rear passenger automatic door lock burned out. *tc the consumer would have to hit the front auto lock and the buzzer, then go around and open the door manually. There were several other makes and models that had the same problem. *sc
The rear door locks failed. The 1st right rear at 46000 and the next left rear at 62000. The first time the lock actuator became very noisy,k and I had it replaced before total failure at a cost of 220.00 at the dealer, off warranty. The next was this past week at 62000. This time the lock completely failed and made it impossible to open the door from inside or out. This time it cost 340.00 I consider both failures at fairly low mileage as a sign that this lock mechanism is very defect prone and the fact that the door would not open in any way a huge safety hazard in case of an accident or fire.
Right front and left rear door lock/release selanoid went out at the same time. Once locked, the passenger(s) cannot manually unlock the door to normally exit, escape a fire or drowning, etc. The driver or front passenger has to use the front door electric release button to get the malfunctioning (selanoid) lock to unlock to the halfway position. This then allows the passenger to manually unlock the locking button fully and open the door. A passenger inside the vehicle can not use manual force to open his/her door, especially women or children who may try to exit the vehicle. The locked door may be open externally by use of the key. The automatic keyless entry device will not work (open) on these defective door locks. I have an extended warranty they will cover the repair, with a deductible, however I thought you should know about this since the passenger or a driver will definitely be trapped in the vehicle if they need to get out. Also, I am a retired police supervisor and have had extensive accident investigations experience and have never seen a lock malfunction in this manner. If you have had any similar complaints, I would appreciate it if you would let me know prior to getting my locks repaired.
When my chrysler 300m was less than 2 years old, the lock on the front passenger door began making horrible grinding noises, and no longer opened electronically. I ultimately had to replace the entire locking mechanism at a cost of $228.99. Less than a year later, the rear passenger door lock began making the same grinding noise, and stopped working electronically. It's about time chrysler recalled this and fixed it once and for all as I see that I'm far from the only person being inconvenienced. In addition, should there be an accident and immediate need to evacuate the vehicle. Precious moments would be wasted trying to get the back door lock released to the button can be manually raised, and the door opeed.
2000 chrysler 300m defective door latch actuator. I have a small child and fear the hook-up connection between the speed cables and door latch actuator may create a deadly situation. On december 13, 2003 cowles nissan chrysler replaced the right rear door lock actuator latch assembly due to it malfunctioning. Three weeks later the left front lock actuator assembly malfunctioned and requires replacing. My dealer cowles nissan chrysler, woodbridge, va refused to address this safety issue or assist with contacting the manufacturer with the replacement of the remaining defective door lock actuators. The n.h.t.s.a office of defects report on the 2000 chrysler 300m found the following problems: "vehicle speed control: 1.linkage 2.cables 3.accelerator pedal
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, an internal hood latch component may have been manufactured with a crack, which could propagate and break, allowing the primary/secondary latch spring to disengage.
- Risk
- This could result in loss of both primary and secondary hood latch function, allowing the hood to open without warning. This could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the latch assembly. Owner notification began on september 22, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑992‑1997.
Recall number 03V332000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chrysler 300M door locks
Which Chrysler 300M years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (18 complaints) and 2004 (1 complaints).
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