The Chrysler 200 is a pleasant sedan that had a decent run spanning two generations from 2011 to 2017.
It has stylish looks, lots of storage space, and a competent base engine.
In this article, we’ll be checking out all of the best and worst model years of the 200.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Chrysler 200 Are:
The best Chrysler 200 model years are 2017, 2016, and 2014. The worst model years are 2015, 2012, 2011, and 2013. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Chrysler 200?
2017 Chrysler 200
The 2017 200 is the final model year produced and arguably the best model produced – it received the least complaints, has good reviews and is the most modern.
It’s been praised for its sleek looks, easy-to-use tech, clever interior storage and solid engine performance.
New for 2017 are added trim levels, bringing the total trim count to 6, namely: LX, Touring, Limited Platinum, S, S Alloy Edition, and C Platinum.
Each trim comes standard with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (184 hp) paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The S and C variants have an optional engine upgrade – a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine (295 hp) with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
The 2017 200 performed well in safety and crash tests, obtaining a perfect 5-star rating from the NHTSA.
According to owners, the most noteworthy aspects of this model are fuel efficiency, transmission, appearance, handling, steering, and acceleration.
- Edmunds: 3.7 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2017 200, Edmunds review:
“ … I really hesitated buying this car given the reviews of the 2015 and the transmission issues people reported; even with over $10,000 in discounts and incentives. Eventually I had enough of my Elantra and figured I’d go for it. I am VERY glad I did. There really is a lot to like in this car. It rides great, it’s very comfortable, and the gas mileage is remarkable. I’m getting 33 mpg in mixed driving…”
2016 Chrysler 200
The 2016 Chrysler 200 is another good choice and a much safer choice than the problem-riddled 2015 model which marked the start of the completely redesigned second generation.
The second-gen 200 features a more powerful base engine, new safety features and an extensively revamped interior. It is built on a slightly bigger version of the platform architecture previously used.
It sports high-quality interior materials, an intuitive interface, well-rounded driving dynamics and excellent safety scores.
Prospective buyers can choose from 4 trims: LX, Limited, S, and C.
Fuel efficiency (based on EPA estimates) is 28 MPG for combined city and highway driving.
It secured a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
- Edmunds: 3.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
- JD Power: 75 / 100
2016 200, Edmunds review:
“My credit is not good and it was hard finding a used car that was in great shape. After 5 hrs I was ready to give up. Then they bring out this 2016 black Chrysler 200 with 10k miles. I drove it and LOVED the experience. I was approved and because they used the same bank as the one I financed my Ford in, I was able to get it with NOTHING down. I’ve had it for 3 months now and I have to say, I LOVE this car…”
2014 Chrysler 200
The 2014 Chrysler 200 is the final installment of the first generation, it is a great choice for those on a tight budget but who want something reliable.
It offers a composed ride, confident handling, an available convertible variant, and a strong V6 engine.
For 2014, the 4-speed automatic transmission was discontinued on the 200 LX sedan and a 6-speed automatic transmission was introduced.
A few other minor equipment updates and feature shuffling also occurred, but other than these revisions, the 2014 model is virtually identical to its direct predecessor.
There are 2 engines available: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (173 horsepower) and a 3.6-liter V6 engine (283 horsepower).
Both engine configurations are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, both engines have provided acceptable figures.
The 2.4-liter engine was rated at 24 MPG combined while the larger 3.6-liter V6 secured 22 MPG combined.
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
- JD Power: 80 / 100
2014 200, Edmunds review:
“This is a very fine auto. Very quiet, responsive, handles great, and plenty of room – I am over six feet tall. Back seats and trunk could be a bit more spacious, but overall just fine. I would recommend this car to anyone. No major repairs. Routine oil changes, etc. only.”
Consumer Scores For Best Chrysler 200 Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2017 Chrysler 200 | 3.7 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
| 2016 Chrysler 200 | 3.6 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 75 / 100 |
| 2014 Chrysler 200 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
Related: How Long Do Chrysler 200 Last? (Solved & Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Chrysler 200?
2015 Chrysler 200
The 2015 Chrysler 200 should be “avoided like the plague”, according to CarComplaints.com. Based on NHTSA data, this model year is the most problematic and most recalled model produced.
The 2015 200 was the first installment of the second generation and it got off to a bumpy start to put it mildly.
It was plagued with various problems, most notoriously transmission failure at very low mileages.
“I own a 2015 Chrysler 200s with 27,000 miles on it and I’m currently having the transmission completely replaced due to failure. The automotive shop that is working on the vehicle tells me that the transmission fluid is completely burnt and has metal in it.”
“Transmission not properly shifting into gears. Car suspension is always slamming. Airbag error code.”
Stalling and loss of power whilst driving was another widely reported issue.
“While driving vehicle lost power and began to show ‘service transmission’. Vehicle lost power and was lucky we weren’t rear ended on the road by the cars behind or cause an accident. Looking at this is year there are several complaints with the same issue. Car only has 33k miles and is having transmission issues.”
“The vehicle lost power and completely shut down while driving. I was unable to turn on emergency flashers or move the vehicle out of the street.”
Owners also reported that the airbag warning light would come on at random and a warning message would appear asking for an airbag service.
- The 2015 200 had a total of 487 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 3,217 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- Slips into neutral while driving
- Transmission failure
2012 and 2011 Chrysler 200
The 2011 Chrysler 200 was labeled “Beware Of The Clunker” by CarComplaints.com, and whilst the 2012 model avoided the stamp of dishonor it also received high numbers of complaints. Both models shared similar problems.
These were the first models produced so it shouldn’t be too surprising they had a number of teething issues.
The most serious issue was engine related, with numerous owners reporting that their 200 would suddenly die whilst driving.
“My car will die sometimes upon acceleration and does not restart for up to an hour sometimes.”
“The vehicle repeatedly stalls out when coming to a stop or when sitting at a stop light or in traffic, and has also shut off while driving at higher speeds on the freeway. This has put myself and passengers in danger.”
“I will be driving at the speed limit and the vehicle engine will turn off. Power steering and control of the vehicle will stop.”
Owners also reported that the airbag warning sign would come on and stay on, whilst other owners reported that the headrest restraint deployed on its own.
- The 2012 200 had a total of 217 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 964 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2011 200 had a total of 200 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 499 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Heater does not work properly
- Transmission jerks when driving
- TIPM switch failure
- Engine dies while driving
- Complete electrical failure while driving
2013 Chrysler 200
Another model to be cautious of is the 2013 Chrysler 200. Hundreds of owners of this model year suffered from engine and airbag-related problems.
The most common airbag-related issue reported was the random deployment of the head restraint airbags.
“While driving the vehicle on a city street the driver’s side headrest deployed without warning or external force from a collision, and forcefully hit me in the back of the head.”
“The active headrest restraint system deployed for no reason in the passenger side headrest while driving down the road at 35 mph. It sounded like a gunshot!”
Much like the 2012 and 2011 200s, owners reported that the car had various engine issues and that it would randomly stall whilst driving.
“The car was losing power while being driven. It was towed to the dealership. Mechanic stated the engine was leaking oil and something is loose inside the engine. My only option would be to replace the engine.”
“Car stalled while going down highway. Engine light not on, has gas, no over heating. 3rd time this has happened. Wait a couple hours and it starts with no problem.”
- The 2013 200 had a total of 185 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 907 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Transmission slipping
- Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- Problems with shifting
- Alternator failure
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chrysler 200 | 11 | 70 | 1 |
| 2016 Chrysler 200 | 107 | 534 | 2 |
| 2015 Chrysler 200 | 487 | 3,217 | 8 |
| 2014 Chrysler 200 | 47 | 289 | 1 |
| 2013 Chrysler 200 | 185 | 907 | 5 |
| 2012 Chrysler 200 | 217 | 964 | 4 |
| 2011 Chrysler 200 | 200 | 499 | 3 |
What Problems Do Chrysler 200s Have?
- Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- Heater does not work properly
- Transmission slipping
- Transmission failure
- Slips into neutral gear while driving
- Complete electrical failure while driving
- Transmission jerks when driving
- TIPM switch failure
- Rough shifting
- Engine will not start
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Chrysler 200?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Toyota Camry | 8.9 | $19,139 – $23,978 | City: 21 – 24 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 8.9 | $21,083 – $23,720 | City: 40 – 42 /Highway: 37 – 38 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 8.7 | $14,269 – $22,081 | City: 21 – 28 /Highway: 30 – 36 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 8.6 | $14,671 – $19,415 | City: 22 – 27 /Highway: 33 – 36 |
| Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid | 8.6 | $17,780 | City: 49 /Highway: 43 |
| Kia Optima | 8.4 | $15,719 – $20,830 | City: 22 – 28 /Highway: 31 – 37 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid | 8.3 | $16,905 – $20,472 | City: 39 /Highway: 46 |
| Nissan Altima | 8.2 | NA | City: 22 – 27 /Highway: 32 – 39 |
| Ford Fusion | 8.1 | $15,913 – $21,253 | City: 20 – 23 /Highway: 29 – 34 |
| Mazda6 | 8.1 | $15,485 – $21,499 | City: 24 – 27 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| Honda Accord | 7.9 | $18,604 – $24,344 | City: 18 – 27 /Highway: 28 – 36 |
| Subaru Legacy | 7.8 | $18,525 – $21,812 | City: 20 – 25 /Highway: 28 – 34 |
| Volkswagen Passat | 7.8 | $16,305 – $22,024 | City: 20 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 34 |
| Buick Regal | 7.5 | $16,316 – $20,582 | City: 19 – 21 /Highway: 27 – 30 |
| Chrysler 200 | 7.3 | $15,260 – $20,031 | City: 18 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 36 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/chrysler/200
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chrysler/200
https://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/200/2017/review/
https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/200/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2017/chrysler/200
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chrysler/200/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chrysler/200/
https://www.cars.com/research/chrysler-200/recalls/
