Most Common Chrysler Check Engine Codes (300, Pacifica, and Town & Country)

Understanding Chrysler Check Engine Codes

Chrysler vehicles share platforms, engines, and electronics with Dodge and Jeep under the Stellantis (formerly FCA) umbrella. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the most common engine across the Chrysler lineup, found in the 300, Pacifica, and 200. The 5.7L Hemi V8 is available in the 300C and 300S. Chrysler vehicles tend to trigger check engine lights more frequently than Toyota or Honda due to the sensitivity of their EVAP and electrical systems. Many codes are related to the emissions system, electrical voltage, and oil pressure circuit rather than actual mechanical failures. Understanding which codes are minor annoyances versus serious concerns can save you hundreds in unnecessary repairs.

P0456 -- EVAP System Very Small Leak Detected

P0456 is the single most common Chrysler check engine code. The Chrysler EVAP system is notoriously sensitive and will detect leaks that other manufacturers ignore. A slightly worn gas cap O-ring is the number one cause. Replace the gas cap ($12-$18) and clear the code before pursuing further diagnosis. On the Chrysler 200 (2011-2017), the EVAP purge solenoid is a known failure point that costs $30-$50 for the part. On the Town & Country and Pacifica minivans, the leak detection pump (LDP) mounted under the vehicle near the fuel tank can fail due to road debris exposure, costing $80-$150. Chrysler uses a unique leak detection pump system that is more complex than the simple vent valve used by other manufacturers, which is why EVAP codes are so common on these vehicles.

P0520 -- Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit

P0520 indicates an electrical problem with the oil pressure sensor circuit rather than an actual oil pressure problem. On the Chrysler 300 and 200 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the oil pressure sensor is located on the engine block near the oil filter and is prone to developing oil leaks at the sensor seal. The sensor costs $15-$30 and takes 15 minutes to replace. Before replacing it, check the wiring connector for oil contamination -- oil leaking from the sensor can wick into the connector and cause intermittent circuit faults. On the 5.7L Hemi, the oil pressure sending unit is in a more accessible location and is a common failure around 80,000-120,000 miles. Important: while P0520 is usually a sensor issue, always verify actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if the oil pressure warning light accompanies this code.

P0562 -- System Voltage Low

P0562 means the ECU is detecting system voltage below the expected range (typically below 11.5 volts). On Chrysler vehicles, this code frequently indicates a failing alternator, weak battery, or corroded battery cable connections. The 2011-2017 Chrysler 200 is particularly prone to alternator failures around 60,000-100,000 miles. An alternator costs $200-$350 for the part and $150-$300 in labor. Before replacing the alternator, have the battery load-tested (most auto parts stores do this for free) -- a weak battery forces the alternator to work harder, which can trigger P0562 even with a functioning alternator. On the Chrysler 300 and Pacifica, check the battery cable terminals for corrosion, especially the negative cable ground point on the body -- cleaning corroded connections is a free fix that resolves this code surprisingly often.

P0300 -- Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0300 on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is commonly caused by ignition coil failure or spark plug wear. The Pentastar engine uses six coil-on-plug ignition coils that cost $20-$40 each aftermarket. The rear bank coils (cylinders 4-6) on the 3.6L are more difficult to access, adding labor cost. Spark plugs should be replaced every 100,000 miles on the Pentastar, but many owners see misfires starting at 80,000 miles with the original plugs. On the 5.7L Hemi in the 300C, the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) that shuts down four cylinders for fuel economy can cause misfire codes when the system is not transitioning smoothly. A failed MDS solenoid on one or more cylinders costs $50-$80 per solenoid to replace. On 2011-2014 Pentastar engines, a known rocker arm failure issue can cause misfires -- the rocker arm pivot can break, causing a ticking noise and misfire on the affected cylinder.

P0455 -- EVAP System Large Leak Detected

P0455 is the large leak counterpart to P0456 and indicates a significant leak in the EVAP system. On Chrysler vehicles, check for a missing or cross-threaded gas cap first. If the cap is fine, the charcoal canister and its hoses are the next suspects. On the Town & Country and Pacifica, the charcoal canister is mounted under the vehicle near the rear axle and is vulnerable to damage from road debris and parking lot speed bumps. On the Chrysler 300, the EVAP purge valve is located on the intake manifold and can develop a crack in its housing. A leaking purge valve costs $30-$50 to replace. On all Chrysler models, the EVAP system hoses running along the underside of the vehicle should be inspected for cracks, especially at connection points where they clip to the body.

P0128 -- Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature

P0128 is common on all Chrysler models, particularly in colder climates. The thermostat on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is located inside a housing on the engine block and costs $25-$50 for the part. On the 2011-2017 Chrysler 200, the thermostat housing is plastic and can crack, causing a coolant leak in addition to the P0128 code. Replacing the thermostat and housing assembly costs $150-$300 at an independent shop. On the 5.7L Hemi, the thermostat is slightly more accessible and the housing is metal, so cracking is less of a concern. A stuck-open thermostat reduces fuel economy and extends engine warm-up time but is not an emergency repair.

P0420 -- Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

P0420 on Chrysler vehicles typically appears between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 uses two catalytic converters, and either bank can fail first -- check live O2 sensor data rather than assuming Bank 1 is the more likely culprit. OEM Chrysler catalytic converters are expensive ($1,000-$2,000), but quality aftermarket options are available for $300-$600. Before replacing the converter, check the downstream oxygen sensor ($40-$70) -- a lazy or failing sensor can trigger P0420 without the converter actually being bad. On the Chrysler 300 with the 5.7L Hemi, the mid-pipe catalytic converters are the typical failure point. The 2.4L four-cylinder Tigershark engine in the 2014-2017 Chrysler 200 has a header-style integrated catalytic converter that costs $500-$800 to replace.

P0340 -- Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction

P0340 on the 3.6L Pentastar engine is often related to the variable valve timing system. The cam position sensor costs $20-$40 and is accessible on most Pentastar installations. However, on 2011-2013 Pentastar engines, P0340 appearing alongside P0016 or P0017 can indicate a stretched timing chain, which is a known issue on early production Pentastar V6 engines. The timing chain replacement is a significant repair costing $1,200-$2,000 at a shop. Chrysler updated the timing chain design for 2014 and later model years, largely resolving this issue. If you have an early Pentastar engine and hear a rattling noise on startup, have the timing chain inspected promptly to avoid potential engine damage.

P0551 -- Power Steering Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

P0551 is more common on Chrysler vehicles than on most other brands because Chrysler used hydraulic power steering with an electronic pressure sensor on many models through 2017. This sensor monitors power steering pump output pressure and reports to the ECU so it can adjust idle speed when the steering wheel is turned. The sensor costs $25-$40 and is threaded into the power steering high-pressure line. Low power steering fluid can trigger this code, so check the fluid level first. On the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, a leaking power steering pressure hose can cause both low fluid and this code. The Pacifica (2017-present) uses electric power steering and does not have this sensor.

Chrysler Model-Specific Issues

The Chrysler 300 is the most reliable model in the current lineup, with the 5.7L Hemi being a proven engine and the 3.6L Pentastar (post-2014) being solid. The main 300-specific issue is the MDS system on the Hemi causing occasional misfire codes. The Chrysler 200 (2011-2017) had more quality issues overall, including the 2.4L Tigershark engine consuming oil excessively in some model years and the 9-speed automatic transmission (2015-2017) causing various powertrain codes. The Town & Country (2001-2016) is prone to EVAP codes due to its undercarriage-mounted components and power steering issues. The Pacifica (2017-present) is significantly improved and shares many components with newer, more reliable Chrysler designs.

DIY Tips for Chrysler Owners

Chrysler vehicles are moderately DIY-friendly. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has reasonable access to most sensors and ignition components, though the rear bank can be tight in some engine bays. For OBD-II scanning, any standard scanner reads Chrysler codes, but the DRB III or wiTECH diagnostic tools used by Chrysler dealers provide much deeper access to module-specific codes and programming. For aftermarket parts, Mopar (Chrysler's official parts brand) prices are moderate compared to luxury brands, and quality aftermarket options from Standard Motor Products and Dorman work well on Chrysler vehicles. Check for TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) through the NHTSA website, as Chrysler has a large number of TSBs that often provide cheaper fix solutions for common problems. Join online forums like chrysler300cforums.com or chryslerminivan.net for model-specific DIY guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions