Chrysler 200 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Chrysler 200 is an affordable used midsize sedan. The 2011-2014 car offers a 2.4L four or a strong 283-hp V6 and was also sold as a convertible. The redesigned 2015-2017 200 is sleeker and more modern, with a 9-speed automatic rated up to about 36 mpg highway with the four-cylinder, a 295-hp V6, and available all-wheel drive. Chrysler ended production in December 2016, so used prices are low, but recall completion and transmission behavior should be checked carefully.

Model years covered: 2011–2017. The Chrysler 200 was discontinued after the 2017 model year (production ended December 2, 2016); there are no 2018 or later 200s. The 2010 and earlier equivalent was the Chrysler Sebring.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Low used purchase price
Strong pentastar V6 option
Available AWD 2015 2017
Good highway mpg 2.4 liter 2015 2017
Convertible option 2011 2014
Modern cabin and uconnect 8 4 touchscreen 2015 2017
Comfortable ride

Things to know before you buy

Two distinct generations 2011 2014 and 2015 2017
Nine speed automatic recalls and software updates
2.4 liter tigershark oil consumption campaign 2015 2016
Base lx 4 speed automatic in early years
V6 oil filter housing leaks with age
Rear seat headroom tight in 2015 2017 sedan
Discontinued after 2017
Weak resale value
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2011–2014)

The first 200 was a thorough rework of the Sebring sedan and convertible, with new styling, an upgraded interior, retuned suspension and the new 283-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6. The 173-hp 2.4L four used a 4-speed automatic on the LX (6-speed on most cars by 2014) and a 6-speed on other trims. A sport-styled 200 S arrived early in the run, and the convertible offered a soft top or a power retractable hardtop through 2014.

Buyer takeaway: Best as a budget sedan or convertible. Choose a V6 (6-speed) for noticeably better performance, or a 2.4L with the 6-speed rather than the 4-speed. Check restraint and engine recalls by VIN.

Generation 2 (2015–2017)

The all-new 2015 200 moved to a larger, more modern platform shared with the Jeep Cherokee family, with a standard 9-speed automatic and rotary shifter, a 184-hp 2.4L Tigershark four, a 295-hp 3.6L V6, and V6 all-wheel drive with a rear-axle disconnect. Available features included adaptive cruise and forward collision warning. Sales fell sharply and production ended in December 2016.

Buyer takeaway: The 2015-2017 200 is the better buy for most people: more modern, more efficient and available with AWD. Favor 2016-2017 cars or 2015s with every transmission recall and software update documented.

Chrysler 200 by model year

2017 Chrysler 200

The 2017 Chrysler 200 is the final model year; Sterling Heights Assembly built the last car on December 2, 2016. It continues with the 184-hp 2.4L four (about 23/36 mpg) or 295-hp V6 and the 9-speed automatic. New was a dark-trimmed 200S Alloy Edition, and the Limited gained leather and satellite radio. Parts and service remain available through Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers.

Engines: 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 184 hp 173 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 295 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic 948te
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with V6
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final model year
New 200s alloy edition
Limited gains standard leather and satellite radio
Production ended december 2016

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Nine speed transmission shift quality and software updates; Park engagement with rotary shifter; Engine oil level and consumption on 2.4 liter; AWD rear axle engagement if equipped; Uconnect touchscreen and backup camera; Driver assistance sensors if equipped; Brakes and tires; Maintenance history.

2016 Chrysler 200

The 2016 Chrysler 200 carries over the 184-hp 2.4L four and 295-hp V6 with the 9-speed automatic (all-wheel drive available with the V6). The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen gained Siri Eyes Free, a 90th Anniversary package came on the Limited, and Touring, Limited Platinum and 200C Platinum versions were added during the year. Production ended in December 2016, so prices are low; transmission behavior and recall status matter most.

Engines: 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 184 hp 173 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 295 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic 948te
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with V6
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Uconnect 8 4 gains siri eyes free
90th anniversary package on limited
Touring limited platinum and 200c platinum added late in the year

2015 Chrysler 200

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is an all-new, sleeker sedan with a modern cabin, a rotary gear selector and a standard 9-speed automatic. Engines are a 184-hp 2.4L Tigershark four (about 23/36 mpg) or a 295-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 (about 19/31 mpg), and the V6 offers all-wheel drive. Trims are LX, Limited, 200S and 200C. Early 9-speed cars had several recalls and shift-quality software updates, so check recall completion by VIN.

Engines: 2.4 liter tigershark multiair I4 184 hp 173 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 295 hp 262 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic 948te
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive available with V6
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new design on a larger platform
Standard 9 speed automatic with rotary shifter
Available all wheel drive with the V6
New 184 hp tigershark four cylinder
Available adaptive cruise and forward collision warning
Convertible discontinued

2014 Chrysler 200

The 2014 Chrysler 200 is the last of the first generation and the last 200 convertible. Retail LX sedans moved to the 6-speed automatic (some base or fleet cars still have the older 4-speed, so confirm by VIN). Engines remain the 173-hp 2.4L four (about 20/30 mpg with the 6-speed) and the 283-hp 3.6L V6 (about 19/28 mpg). It is a low-priced used sedan, but the all-new 2015 car is far more modern.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 166 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic most models; 4 speed automatic on some base or fleet lx models
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door convertible soft top or retractable hardtop

What changed:

Retail lx moves to the 6 speed automatic
Final year of the first generation
Final year of the 200 convertible

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil and coolant leaks around the V6 oil filter housing if V6; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension bushings and front end noise; Brakes and tires; Electrical accessories and power windows; Maintenance history; Convertible top operation seals and water leaks if convertible.

2013 Chrysler 200

For 2013 the separate 200 S sedan was dropped (its look moved to option packages), and the Limited sedan came with the 283-hp V6 as standard. The 173-hp 2.4L four continues on lower trims with a 4-speed (LX) or 6-speed automatic. Some 2013 2.4L cars were recalled for engine balance-shaft bearing debris that could cause oil-pressure loss, so confirm recall completion by VIN.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 166 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: 4 speed automatic lx 2.4 liter; 6 speed automatic touring limited and V6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door convertible soft top or retractable hardtop

What changed:

Standalone 200 s sedan folded into packages
Limited sedan gains standard V6
Convertible suspension updates

2012 Chrysler 200

The 2012 Chrysler 200 carries over the 2011 recipe: a 173-hp 2.4L four-cylinder (4-speed automatic on the LX, 6-speed on others) or a 283-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a 6-speed. A sport-styled 200 S with dark trim and unique wheels joined the sedan and convertible lines. As with all first-generation cars, choose by condition and transmission; LX models with the 4-speed are the most basic.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 166 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: 4 speed automatic lx 2.4 liter; 6 speed automatic touring limited s and V6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door convertible soft top or retractable hardtop

What changed:

Sport styled 200 s sedan and convertible offered
Largely carryover from 2011

2011 Chrysler 200

The 2011 Chrysler 200 replaced the Sebring with new styling, a much nicer interior, a retuned suspension and a quieter cabin. It came as a sedan or a convertible (soft top or retractable hardtop). Engines were a 173-hp 2.4L four-cylinder, with a 4-speed automatic on the base LX (about 21/29-30 mpg) or a 6-speed on other trims, and a 283-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a 6-speed (about 19/28 mpg). The V6 is the stronger, smoother choice.

Engines: 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 166 lb ft; 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
Transmissions: 4 speed automatic lx 2.4 liter; 6 speed automatic touring limited and V6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door convertible soft top or retractable hardtop

What changed:

Replaces the chrysler sebring with new styling and interior
New 3.6 liter pentastar V6 option
Retuned suspension and quieter cabin
Convertible offered with soft top or retractable hardtop

Known issues and what to check

9-Speed Automatic Recalls and Shift Quality (2015-2017) (2015–2017)
The 9-speed automatic in 2015-2017 200s was the subject of safety recalls, including one for certain 2015 cars whose parking pawl could fail to engage Park even though the display showed Park (NHTSA 15V-090), and one for 2015 cars whose transmission could unexpectedly shift to neutral because of a wiring crimp issue, fixed with a software update (NHTSA 16V-529). Owners also commonly reported rough or hesitant shifts that dealers addressed with software updates.
What to do: Confirm all transmission recalls are complete and test Park engagement and shift quality before buying.
2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption Program (2015–2016)
FCA issued customer satisfaction notifications (not safety recalls) for possible oil consumption on some vehicles with the 2.4L Tigershark engine, including certain 2015-2016 Chrysler 200s. The fix involved software and, where needed, engine repairs. Running low on oil can damage the engine.
What to do: On a 2.4L 2015-2016 200, check the oil level and ask a dealer to confirm campaign status by VIN.
First-Generation Restraint and Engine Recalls (2011-2014) (2011–2014)
First-generation 200s were included in several recalls: occupant restraint controller problems that could affect seat-belt pretensioners (2011-2014, NHTSA 16V-668) or the active front head restraints (2011-2013, NHTSA 13V-282 and 17V-640), and, on certain 2013 cars with the 2.4L engine, balance-shaft bearing debris that could cause oil-pressure loss and engine failure (NHTSA 13V-552).
What to do: Run the VIN and make sure every open recall is completed before purchase.
Pentastar V6 Oil Filter Housing and Cooler Leaks (2011–2017)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has a plastic oil filter housing with an integrated oil cooler in the valley of the engine. As these engines age, the housing or its gaskets can leak oil or coolant, sometimes pooling out of sight. Some early (roughly 2011-2013) Pentastar engines also had left cylinder-head valve-seat wear that FCA covered under an extended warranty that has since likely expired.
What to do: On a V6 200, look for oil or coolant leaks around the oil filter housing; a documented replacement is a plus.
2015 Build-Quality Recalls (Shocks, Wiring, Airbag Sensors) (2015)
The first year of the redesigned 200 had several narrower recalls, including rear shocks that could detach because of an insufficient weld (NHTSA 14V-392), a power distribution center connector issue (15V-470), a driver-door wiring harness issue (14V-480), and occupant classification module concerns after service (16V-114).
What to do: Make sure a 2015 200 has every applicable recall completed.
All-Wheel-Drive Disconnect System (V6 AWD, 2015-2017) (2015–2017)
AWD 200s (V6 only) use a system that disconnects the rear axle when it is not needed to save fuel. It should engage smoothly; matched tires and fluid service help it last.
What to do: On an AWD 200, check that all four tires match and that no AWD warnings appear.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies; on 2015-2017 cars, also confirm transmission software updates and any oil-consumption campaign status.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

Which Chrysler 200 generation is this?
What engine and transmission does this 200 have?
What changed with the 2015 redesign?
Does this 200 have the 9-speed transmission recalls done?
Is the 2.4L oil-consumption campaign relevant to this car?
Which 200 years offer all-wheel drive?
Was the 200 sold as a convertible?
What fuel economy does the 200 get?
Why was the Chrysler 200 discontinued?
What similar vehicles should I consider?