Chrysler models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Town & Country | 1990-2016 | 2005-2006 vans from salt states, Illinois included, had front crash sensor recalls (07V192000 and 10V008000). |
| Concorde | 1993-2004 | From 1998 it offered the 2.7-liter V6, an engine known for oil sludge. |
| 300M | 1999-2004 | Front-drive LH sedan with the 3.5-liter V6, the engine the troubled 2.7 was derived from. |
| Sebring | 1995-2010 | Sedans and convertibles were offered with the same 2.7-liter V6 as the Concorde. |
| PT Cruiser | 2001-2010 | A compact wagon built on Neon-based underpinnings with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. |
| 300 | 2005-2023 | 2012-2014 cars with the 8-speed and monostable shifter are in rollaway recall 16V240000. |
Known Chrysler problems that end up at the scrapyard
Oil sludge in the 2.7-liter V6
Wikipedia's article on Chrysler's LH engines describes sludge buildup as a common 2.7 problem, linked to high operating temperatures, a small oil capacity, crankcase ventilation and a chain-driven water pump that can leak coolant into the oil. Five class actions over the alleged defect were consolidated in New Jersey in 2009. Once a 2.7 knocks or shows coolant in the oil, repair rarely makes sense on an old Concorde or Sebring. source
Front crash sensor failures on 2005-2006 Town & Country
Chrysler recalled 2005 minivans from heavy-salt states because brass bushings in the up-front airbag sensors could corrode and crack (07V192000), then recalled 2005-2006 Town & Country, Caravan and Grand Caravan vans registered in Illinois and other states because the sensors could crack and let water in (10V008000). A lit airbag light on an old van can mean this unrepaired fault. source
Monostable shifter rollaway on 2012-2014 Chrysler 300
Recall 16V240000 covers 2012-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans with the eight-speed automatic and monostable gear selector, plus 2014-2015 Grand Cherokees. The car may not warn a driver who opens the door while it's still in gear, so it can roll away after they step out. Dealers fixed it with a software update, and some cars needed a second update after October 2016. source
What ends a Chrysler’s life early
Older Chryslers mostly fall into two groups: the front-drive sedans of the late 1990s and 2000s, and the minivans.
On the sedans, the engine is usually the story. The 2.7-liter V6 that went into the Concorde, Sebring and their Dodge cousins starting in 1998 has a long record of oil sludge. Run it hot, stretch the oil changes, or let the internal water pump seep coolant into the crankcase, and the engine can fail outright. The 300M used the larger 3.5 V6 instead, but even a healthy one is now old enough for rust and electrical faults to catch up.
The Town & Country is a different case. High mileage and Chicago salt take a toll on transmissions and brake lines, and the 2005-2006 vans had front crash sensors recalled in Illinois and other salt states. If your van’s airbag light is on, that recall is the first thing to check. Owners of a 2012-2014 300 should also confirm the monostable shifter software was updated, since NHTSA notes some cars needed the update twice. When a minivan stops moving entirely, read our page on your options for a car that won’t start or drive.
How we price a junk Chrysler
The model sets the starting point: a minivan or a rear-drive 300 has more weight and more parts people look for than a PT Cruiser. After that it comes down to whether it runs, whether the converter and wheels are still bolted on, how much body damage or rust it has, and where it’s parked. We tow from driveways, alleys, garages and side streets at no charge.
Clearing a Chrysler before pickup
Newer Chryslers with a Uconnect touchscreen have a Reset menu with a Clear Personal Data option that removes paired phones, contacts and presets; use it, then return to the factory reset option if you want everything wiped. Older cars just need the garage remote, toll transponder and personal papers taken out. Bring every key. Our car brands page lists the other makes we buy.
Selling a junk Chrysler: questions
Do you buy a Chrysler with a sludged or seized 2.7 engine?
Yes. A 2.7 V6 that has locked up or is full of sludge is exactly the kind of Sebring, Concorde or Intrepid we buy. We tow non-running cars free; just tell us it won't start.
My Town and Country still drives but needs a transmission. Is it worth selling as junk?
If the repair costs more than the van is worth to you, selling it as is usually makes sense. A minivan that still drives counts in your favor in the offer, so mention that it runs and moves under its own power.