How Long Do Chrysler 200 Last? (Solved & Explained)

The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that was sold from 2011 to 2017.

The first generation Chrysler 200 was front-wheel drive and was available either as a sedan or a convertible. It used the same platform as the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger.

The second gen Chrysler 200 introduced all-wheel drive in 2015 but dropped the convertible option. These were based on a newer platform that’s shared with the Dodge Dart and Alfa Romeo Guilietta.

If you’re thinking about picking up a Chrysler 200, you might be wondering about its average lifespan.

We’ll cover that in this article, read on to find out…

Here is the short answer to how long the Chrysler 200 lasts:

The Chrysler 200 can last on average between 200,000 – 250,000 miles providing its regular serviced and driven responsibly. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, you can expect 13 – 17 years of service before the car breaks down or repair costs become uneconomical.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Chrysler 200?

Although the Chrysler 200 only had a short production run that lasted less than a decade there’s plenty of industry data available to assess its lifespan.

Across Chrysler owner forums there are reports from 200 owners who have surpassed the 100,000-mile mark with relatively few issues and still going strong.

Its longevity becomes more evident when looking up older models on used car websites such as Car Gurus, where many are listed with around 150,000 miles and a handful with over 200,000 miles.

Both generations of the 200 came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine, both of which are reliable units that have seen lots of use in various Chrysler and Dodge vehicles.

The weak point of these cars though was the transmission with the 2015 Chrysler 200 receiving the most complaints.

These issues have since been addressed and transmission replacements were offered under warranty for units that failed early.

Chrysler 200s were a popular choice for car rental companies simply because they’re very robust and practical cars.

In most cases, owners have reported that their 200 has only required basic maintenance and replacing of perishable goods such as brake pads and tires to reach high mileage.

The life expectancy of your Chrysler 200 will be cut short if you avoid:

• Using quality parts
• Service appointments
• Routine oil changes
• Tire rotations
• Driving smoothly

Do Chrysler 200s Rust Easily?

The Chrysler 200 has had lots of issues with paint bubbling on its aluminum hood. The upside is that this is only a cosmetic issue and the hood can be easily repaired or replaced if it does bother you.

Other areas prone to rust on the Chrysler 200 as reported by owners:

• Interior fusebox
• Above the wheel wells
• Around the door handles

If you regularly drive on roads that are treated with salt during the winter or reside by the ocean where salt air is prevalent, you’ll likely see some rust spots, paint bubbling, and surface rust in 5 to 10 years although this is normal for many vehicles.

If any excessive corrosion or rusting appears on your 200, you may still be able to file a claim with Chrysler through its anti-perforation warranty if it’s less than 5 years old.

Tips to protect your Chrysler 200 from rust:

1. Regularly wash and dry your car: This includes its underside (especially during the winter) to remove the salt, dirt and grime that causes rust. We recommend having a detail shop wash everything underneath at the end of each winter.
2. Repair paint damage and scratches: Exposed metal will oxidize. If it’s beyond a DIY fix, speak to your local body repair shop.
3. Garage: Store your Chrysler 200 in a garage to protect it from harsh weather and bird droppings.
4. Waxing: Wax your car twice a year. Not only will this give your Chrysler 200 a nice shine, it also gives it a protective coating against rust.
5. Rustproofing: If you’re planning on keeping your Chrysler 200 for a very long time, you might want to consider a rustproofing treatment; popular choices are Krown and Rust Check.
6. Ceramic Coating: A popular choice for those who want some additional protectional for the paint job.

Chrysler’s Anti-Corrosion Perforation Warranty covers all panels for 3 years/unlimited miles and outer panels 5 years/unlimited miles.

What is High Mileage for a Chrysler 200?

A Chrysler 200 with 100,000 miles on the odometer is considered high mileage. Although the engine and transmission will likely still have many years of service left, the car will require much more maintenance as it gets older compared to a newer model as many of its parts will have acquired a fair amount of wear and tear.

At around 100,000 miles, you’ll likely have to replace many essential components that are nearing the end of their effective lifespan.

These can include the alternator, water pump, ignition coils, shocks, engine mounts, wheel bearings, and brake rotors. 

Having to deal with many small repairs in a short period of time can really put an unexpected dent on your savings.

A high mileage Chrysler 200 isn’t always a bad idea though. 

If it’s been really well looked after and the owner has kept up to date with servicing it could make for a great investment.

When buying a used Chrysler 200, always consider the following:

1. Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
2. Get a second opinion. Take it to an independent auto repair shop or at least have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
3. Check the CarFax. This doesn’t guarantee anything but it will provide a clearer picture of wear-and-tear. Ensure it has minimal damage, if any. Review the information to make sure if something happened such as engine- or transmission-related.
4. Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. If one family owned it and drove the full mileage and serviced the car, then you can almost guarantee they took good care of it throughout their ownership.
5. Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for. Does the steering wheel, pedals, or shifter look suspiciously new? If so theres a good chance that the car was very heavily used, and those parts were just replaced before sale.
6. Inspect engine for obvious leaks and obvious damage. If the engine looks immaculately clean it means it was washed. The question is why? Most likely to hide oil leaks and similar nasty problems.
7. Check the car’s VIN and get a full history report. Was it a taxi or rental car? Recalls? How many owners? Real mileage? Stolen? Any accidents? If you’re buying a used VW, always check the VIN – you never know what the car has been through.
8. Check for rust. Rust is a problem that will spread – It’s always a good idea to look under the car.

If you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending a bit extra on something more reliable.

How Long Does the Chrysler 200 Last Compared to its Rivals?

Let’s take a look at some of the Chrysler 200s competitors and see how they stack up in terms of reliability and longevity.

Chrysler 200 vs. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra has matured into a stylish sedan that’s practical and affordable. Prices in the used market for the Chrysler 200 and Elantra are also pretty close.

The Hyundai Elantra has the same longevity as the Chrysler 200 at 200,000 – 250,000 miles or 13 – 17 years. 

• RepairPal gave the Hyundai Elantra a reliability rating of 4.5/5 which is only slightly higher than the Chrysler 200s rating of 4/5.
• Annual repair costs for the Elantra is estimated at $452 which is around $100 cheaper than the Chrysler 200’s average repair cost of $549.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Elantra and the Chrysler 200 similar reliability scores of 4.2/5.
• J.D. Power gave the Elantra a higher Quality and Reliability rating of 85/100 compared to the Chrysler 200s 74/100.

The Elantra and Chrysler 200 have similar reliability and longevity ratings although the Elantra edges out the Chrysler by a small amount.

Long-term maintenance costs for both vehicles should be roughly the same as well. 

The Chrysler has a slight advantage when it comes to space and legroom because it’s a little bit longer.

The Chrysler 200 also has significantly more power than the 4-cylinder Elantra, and the all-wheel-drive option is a must-have for some people.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Hyundai Elantra Last?

Chrysler 200 vs. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic blends sportiness, modern style and reliability in a very practical sedan or hatchback configuration. 

The Honda Civic has been one of the most reliable vehicles available in the market today. It can last 250,000 – 300,000 miles or 17 – 20 years.

• RepairPal gave the Civic a reliability rating of 4.5/5 which is slightly higher than the Chrysler 200’s score of 4/5.
• Annual repair costs for the Honda Civic is $368 which is considerably lower than the Chrysler 200’s estimated $549.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the 2017 Honda Civic a 4.7/5 for reliability which is higher than the 2017 Chrysler 200’s rating of 4.2/5.
• J.D. Power gave the 2016 Civic and Chrysler 200 similar Quality and Reliability ratings of 74/100.

The Honda Civic definitely has the edge when it comes to reliability and longevity compared to the Chrysler 200. 

But it also comes at a higher price because Civics with similar mileage and age will be several thousand dollars more expensive than a comparable Chrysler 200.

Chrysler 200 vs. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable mid-size sedans ever produced. It stands toe-to-toe with the Chrysler when it comes to space and engine options.

The Toyota Camry can easily last 250,000 – 300,000 miles or 17 – 20 years which is slightly higher than the Chrysler 200’s expected lifespan.

• RepairPal gave the Toyota Camry and Chrysler 200 similar reliability ratings of 4/5.
• The Toyota Camry’s estimated annual repair cost is $388 which is much lower than the Chrysler 200’s $549.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the 2017 Toyota Camry a 4.7/5 for reliability which is higher than the 2017 Chrysler 200’s rating of 4.2/5.
• J.D. Power gave the Toyota Camry an excellent Quality and Reliability rating of 89/100 compared to the Chrysler 200’s score of 74/100 which is considered average.

The Toyota Camry definitely outpoints the Chrysler when it comes to reliability and longevity but it’s also much more expensive in the used market.

Considering the Chrysler 200 isn’t that far behind the Camry as far as reliability is concerned, it’s still a solid choice considering how much value it packs.

Comparison Chart

Is the Chrysler 200 Reliable?

The Chrysler 200 has middle-of-the-pack reliability with Repair Pal placing it 12th out of 24 for midsize cars. Overall it has received mixed reviews from auto review sites regarding its reliability, this is mainly because the 2015 model was so problematic, overall you can expect average dependability and maintenance costs.

The Chrysler 200 is often overlooked by reviewers and automotive enthusiasts because it doesn’t excel at any one thing and didn’t sell very many units.

Chrysler and Dodge also don’t have the same reputation for reliability as Toyota or Honda — or even its domestic competitors.

Reliability Compared to Other Midsize Cars

But years after it’s been discontinued, we can’t ignore that the Chrysler 200 was equipped with very reliable engines that will happily run hundreds of thousands of miles.

The Chrysler 200’s transmissions also don’t have stellar reviews – especially the early 9-speed transmissions —  but if you ignore its lackluster performance, they’re also very durable units.

In fact, the same ZF 9-speed was used in the Honda Pilot, Passport and Ridgeline.

Here are some data points to further demonstrate the Chrysler 200’s reliability:

• RepairPal gave the Chrysler 200 an above average reliability rating of 4/5 which is in line with other sedans in its category.
• The Chrysler 200’s reliability rating of 4/5 is higher than the overall average for Chrysler which stands at only 3.5/5. 
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Chrysler 200 a very good reliability rating of 4.2/5.
• J.D. Power gave the Chrysler 200 a Quality and Reliability rating of 74/100 which is considered average.

The Best and Worst Years for the Chrysler 200

Although the Chrysler 200 didn’t have a very long production run, it still had its good and bad years.

Worst Model Year

Looking at the CarComplaints website, we firmly believe the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the worst model due to the significantly high number of transmission issues reported.

The most common problem for the 2015 Chrysler 200 was transmission failure which occurred at around 30,000 miles. 

It’s important to note that 2015 was the first model year of the second generation Chrysler 200 and also the first year of the notorious 9-speed transmission, which explains the high number of failures.

However, any transmission issues related to these models would have already been fixed under warranty by now.

Just make sure the transmission is in good working order if you’re looking at this model year.

Best Model Year

The 2017 Chrysler 200 is the best model year because these have received far fewer reported issues and complaints compared to the other years.

Another good choice would be the 2014 Chrysler 200 which was the last model year of the first-generation model.

It had the second-lowest number of complaints and didn’t come with a  9-speed transmission.

Related: 7 Best & Worst Chrysler 200 Years (Pictures & Stats)

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here is the total number of complaints on the CarComplaints database for every model year of the Chrysler 200:

What About Recalls for These Models?

The Chrysler 200 has had a total of 24 recall campaigns throughout its entire production run from 2011 to 2017.

You can check if your Chrysler 200 has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Mopar recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

It is important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recall campaigns for every model year of the Chrysler 200:

• 2017: 1
• 2016: 2
• 2015: 8
• 2014: 1
• 2013: 5
• 2012: 4
• 2011: 3

Chrysler 200 Model Year List

Here are all the generations and model years of the Chrysler 200 that were ever produced.

First Generation:

• 2011 Chrysler 200
• 2012 Chrysler 200
• 2013 Chrysler 200
• 2014 Chrysler 200

Second Generation:

• 2015 Chrysler 200
• 2016 Chrysler 200
• 2017 Chrysler 200

Are Chrysler 200s Expensive to Maintain?

The Chrysler 200 won’t be too expensive to maintain because it shares many parts with other Chrysler and Dodge products.

On average, Chryslers also cost less to maintain than a comparable Ford or Chevrolet.

The Chrysler 200 also uses very reliable and simple engines that only require basic maintenance to keep them running in good condition.

According to RepairPal:

The average annual repair and maintenance costs for the Chrysler 200 is $549 which is not much more than the average of $526 for all mid-size cars.

It also costs less to maintain compared to the estimated average for all vehicles which is pegged at $652. The average yearly cost for all Chrysler vehicles is also a bit lower at only $608 per year.

According to CarEdge:

CarEdge doesn’t have any data for the Chrysler 200.

But it estimates that its larger brother, the Chrysler 300, will cost around $7,739 in upkeep during its first 10 years of service.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The brake pads on a Chrysler 200 should typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on driving habits.

• You can expect your brakes to wear out sooner if you frequently stop and accelerate in rush-hour traffic
• Brake pad replacement, which includes parts and labor, can cost anywhere between $150 – $300 per axle.
• Full and complete stops from a high speed are the #1 cause of premature brake pad wear.
• A sporty driving style will lead to faster deterioration of brakes, a slow and steady style will help them last longer.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Chrysler 200’s stock tires usually last around 30,000 – 60,000 miles or 2 to 4 years. However, they can wear out much sooner. This is dependent on various factors such as driving habits, climate, and road conditions.

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• If you have to drive on rough or flooded roads, or go off-roading, your tires will take more of a beating.
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
• Have a mechanic or tire shop check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do Chrysler 200 Engines Last?

The engines equipped in the Chrysler 200 have a good track record for durability and should last 200,000 – 250,000 miles on average which equates to 13 – 17 years of service based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles.

The 2.4-liter inline-4 has been used in different Chrysler and Dodge products since the mid to late 2000s and has seen a lot of development.

The V6 Pentastar is also a very popular unit that’s used in many Jeeps, Chrysler minivans, and Dodge commercial vans.

How Long Do Chrysler 200 Batteries Last?

The Chrysler 200’s battery usually lasts between 3 – 5 years. A vehicle’s battery life varies depending on many different factors such as climate, driving habits, and battery type, among many others.

• Keep your battery tightly fastened: The vibrations of your car can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
• Limit short rides: Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
• Storage: Keep your Chrysler 200 stored indoors to protect it from extreme changes in temperature.
• Control Corrosion: Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from build-up.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

According to the owner’s manual, the factory recommends changing the Chrysler 200’s spark plugs every 100,000 miles.

The Chrysler 200 uses iridium-tipped spark plugs which last much longer than regular plugs and don’t need to be replaced as often.

Signs of a fouled spark plug include:

• Reduced gas mileage
• Lack of acceleration
• Rough idling
• Hard starts
• Engine misfires

What About Insurance Costs?

The average cost of full comprehensive coverage for a Chrysler 200 is $1,694 per year or around $141 per month. 

In comparison, its rivals in the mid-size segment cost an average of $1,411 per year, which is $283 cheaper.

Insurance costs can vary from person to person; be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Chrysler 200.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Chrysler 200 

• Adopt smooth driving habits.
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your Chrysler 200 to remove dirt and grime to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust developing.
• Check your Chrysler 200’s engine oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid levels and top them up when required.
• Keep your Chrysler 200 stored in a garage to help protect it from the elements.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your Chrysler 200 needs and what quantity, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Related: Chrysler 300 in Snow & Winter Driving? (Explained)

Resources

https://www.autotrader.com/

https://www.cargurus.com/

https://www.chrysler.com/crossbrand/warranty/pdf/00CPJDGenericCoverage.pdf

https://repairpal.com/reliability/chrysler/200

https://repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai/elantra

https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/200/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2016/chrysler/200/4dr-sdn-limited-fwd

https://repairpal.com/reliability/chrysler

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

https://repairpal.com/reliability/chrysler

https://caredge.com/chrysler/300/maintenance

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/chrysler/chrysler-200-insurance/