2018 Chrysler 300
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 8-spd |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 389 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $27,506–$35,699 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Chrysler 300 at 6.6/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.6/10, while Technology at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.1/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.0/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $27,506–$35,699, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Chrysler 300 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Chrysler 300 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Chrysler 300 ranks #1259 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $27,506 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$15,440 ($3,088/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Recall repairs | $0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers |
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Chrysler 300 scores 6.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.6 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.0/10 | $32,538 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $31,532 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 6.8/10 | $30,525 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.9/10 | $29,519 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.8/10 | $28,513 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.6/10 | $27,506 | |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $26,500 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.7/10 | $25,494 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.5/10 | $24,487 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
| Power train / Automatic transmission 01/05/2018 · 18V280000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission. |
|---|---|
| Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000 | 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,… |
| Electrical system / Wiring / Front underhood 09/08/2018 · 18V524000 | 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… |
| Air bags / Side/window / Curtain / Inflator 14/03/2024 · 24V198000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Chrysler 300 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
We rate the 2018 Chrysler 300's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #1259 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Chrysler 300 starts at $27,506 and ranges up to $35,699 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 300 years we've rated are 2015 (6.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
The documented issues for the 2018 Chrysler 300 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Power train, Electrical system, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
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Explore the full lineup of Chrysler models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.