NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 71 owner complaints for the 2004 Chrysler 3 Series. Most complaints involve electrical system (14) and engine and engine cooling (14).
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 3 Series model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 351 |
| 2000 | 249 |
| 2001 | 99 |
| 2002 | 96 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 71 |
| 2006 | 1,750 |
| 2007 | 624 |
| 2008 | 758 |
| 2009 | 95 |
| 2010 | 137 |
| 2011 | 200 |
| 2012 | 427 |
| 2013 | 306 |
| 2014 | 237 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 76 |
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 153 |
| 2019 | 61 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
“WHILE RUNNING, STATIONARY, AND MOTION THE VEHICAL RAN HOT, MOTOR OIL LEAKING WHILE CAR IN MOTION AND PARKED. CAR DID NOT WANT TO START, AND SHUTS OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC, DIOGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED REPORT INDICATED ELECTRICAL AND SENSOR PROBLEMS AMONG OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES.”
“2004 CHRYSLER 300M. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NUMEROUS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS AND REPAIRS. *SMD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE STRUTS, TIE RODS, RADIATOR, FUEL PUMP, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, CAM SHAFT SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED. THE STRUTS AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.”
“ABOUT 5 DAYS AGO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THAT HAS CAUSED MY CRUISE CONTROL, HORN, AND RADIO VOLUME NOT WORK. I LIVE IN A VERY BUSY AND CONGESTED CITY. I WAS ALMOST RUN OFF THE ROAD TWICE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A HORN THAT WORKS TO WARN PEOPLE TO STATE IN THERE LANES.”
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (14), engine and engine cooling (14), air bags (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.