The Chrysler 200 was a midsize sedan that only graced the roads for six production years. Boasting Chrysler’s premium amenities, the 200 was designed as a replacement for the Chrysler Sebring. But during those six years, the 200 garnered a lot of attention; for its problems. And here’s why the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the worst model year of them all.

The Chrysler 200’s worst model year

Though the Chrysler 200 only ran in production from 2011-2017, the sedan acquired a lot of complaints. According to the data found in its model year comparison of the Chrysler 200, CarComplaints.com shows that one model year reigned worst of all.

While some model years have received nearly 200 complaints from owners, which is bad enough, the 2015 model year receives significantly more owner-reported complaints than any other year. In fact, with an astounding 448 complaints, the 2015 Chrysler 200 has received more than double the number of complaints than any other model year.

The biggest problems with the Chrysler 200

Close to 500 complaints is a lot, and most of the 2015 model year complaints fall within two categories: transmission and engine. More owners of the 2015 Chrysler 200 report having problems with the transmission than any other category, earning 166 total complaints.

Nearly 50 owners report complete transmission failure with their 200s, occurring at a super-low average mileage at just 12,500 miles and earning CarComplaints.com’s Severity Rating of 9.2 (out of 10). But nearly 30 owners complain that the 2015 Chrysler 200’s transmission jerks and/or shifts rough. Twenty more owners report their 200 slips into neutral while driving.

It should come as no surprise that the 2015 model year is home to the Chrysler 200’s most-reported, singular problem across all model years. According to CarComplaints.com, more owners have reported having issues with the engine stalling or shutting off while driving than any other problem. This problem comes with CarComplaints.com’s Severity Rating of 9.0 (out of 10), combining high repair costs and low average mileage in which it occurs.

While 79 2015 Chrysler 200 owners have made this complaint, more than 130 owners have complaints that fall within the engine category.  And nearly 600 complaints about its engine has been made to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Other engine complaints about the 2015 model year include the car stutters when pressing on the gas, the check engine light is on, unintended acceleration, and more. But problems with the engine earns CarComplaints.com’s rating as the worst category for all Chrysler 200 model years, not just the 2015 model year. This category receives the most complaints, but also the worst-ranked complaints, occurring at low mileages for most owners. 

The complaints about the 2015 Chrysler 200 don’t stop with the transmission and engine either. Nearly 40 owners report problems in the electrical category, while 29 have complaints with interior accessories and 28 have complaints about brakes. 

Too little too late

It seems the Chrysler 200 got better after 2015, receiving significantly fewer complaints than other model years. In fact, the 2016 model year has only earned 88 total complaints, a far cry from the previous model year. But it wasn’t enough to save the sedan, as poor sales numbers forced Chrysler and the FCA brand to rethink its lineup.

According to MotorTrend, Chrysler experienced a 65% drop in sales in the 200 after the 2015 model year, “as consumers continue to flock to crossovers and trucks.” Though Chrysler looked for a partner to support the 200’s production, no one wanted in on the deal. By the end of 2016, Chrysler halted the production of the 200 sedans.