Market Position:
The 2011 Chrysler 300 is a full-size luxury sedan, positioned as a premium American offering with a focus on comfort, style, and performance, competing with vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and imported luxury sedans.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a comfortable, stylish, and powerful full-size sedan with a touch of American luxury and performance, often used for executive transport or personal luxury commuting.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2011 300 was lauded for its distinctive styling and powerful available engines, offering a blend of American muscle car heritage and executive car refinement. Its interior quality and technology were areas of focus for this generation.
Key Features:
Bold styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful V6 and V8 engine options, available AWD, Uconnect infotainment system.
Available All Wheel Drive:
Yes, available on select models, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Systems Covered:
Vehicle controls, instrument panel, audio system, climate control, seating and storage, safety systems (airbags, seat belts), lighting, mirrors, windows, doors, locks, keys, tires and wheels, starting and operating, driving the vehicle, emergency procedures, maintenance, vehicle care, customer assistance, warranty information, technical specifications.
Electrical Systems Coverage:
Basic understanding of dashboard indicator lights, fuse box locations and common fuse functions, battery care, and lighting system operation. Detailed wiring diagrams are not typically included in an owner's manual.
Procedures Included:
Basic operation, dashboard indicator lights and their meanings, adjusting seats and mirrors, using climate control, operating the audio system, safety feature usage, fuel filling, checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, jump-starting, tire changing, fuse replacement, basic troubleshooting, vehicle security, parking, driving assistance features.
Tire Maintenance Procedures:
Checking tire pressure, understanding tire wear patterns, inflation procedures, and basic tire changing instructions. Specific torque specifications for lug nuts are usually listed.
Emergency Procedures:
Instructions for flat tire, dead battery (jump starting), overheating, and general breakdown situations. Information on hazard warning flasher operation.
Technical Depth:
Owner-level information for safe and proper operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Options:
3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8
3.6L Pentastar V6 Performance:
Horsepower: 292 hp @ 6350 rpm, Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 Performance:
Horsepower: 361 hp @ 5150 rpm, Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Fuel Economy Est Mpg V6 Rwd:
Approx. 17 city / 27 highway
Fuel Economy Est Mpg V8 Rwd:
Approx. 15 city / 23 highway
Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (3.6L V6), 89 Octane Recommended for 5.7L HEMI V8 (91 Octane for optimal performance).
3.6L Pentastar V6 Code:
PentaStar
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (typical for this model year, specific results may vary)
IIHS Rating:
Good in front and side crash tests (typical for 2011 models with these safety features).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist, All-Speed Traction Control.
Parking Assist System:
Available ParkSense system provides audible and visual cues for parking maneuvers.
Passive Safety Features:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags, front-seat mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags (front and rear), active head restraints, Crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Uconnect Multimedia System with touchscreen interface, available navigation, satellite radio (SiriusXM), Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Infotainment Screen Size:
Typically 8.4-inch touchscreen for higher trims, or 6.5-inch for base models.
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD/MP3 player, USB/Auxiliary inputs, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (subscription required), voice control, Bluetooth.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available: ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth, USB input, Aux input, optional Uconnect Voice Command.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 8,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Oil Change Indicator System.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 8,000 miles or 6 months.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (or sooner if driven in dusty conditions).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or equivalent (for Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, such as Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent OAT/HOAT meeting MS-9769 specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (for 5-speed automatic transmissions)
Known Issues Common:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins, infotainment system glitches, and some reports of premature wear on suspension components or exhaust system issues. Fluid leaks (e.g., oil or coolant) can occur, especially with higher mileage. The 5.7L HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can sometimes cause rough idling or hesitation if not functioning optimally.
Known Issues Maintenance Related:
Regular checks of coolant and oil levels are crucial. Due to the vehicle's size and weight, brake pad and rotor wear may be more significant than on smaller cars. Ensure the correct fluid types are always used as specified in the manual.
Known Issues Powertrain:
While generally reliable, some owners have reported issues with the charging system (alternator) on higher mileage vehicles. Proper maintenance of the cooling system is vital for the longevity of both the V6 and V8 engines.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.4 quarts (3.6L V6), Approx. 7.0 quarts (5.7L V8) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.4 quarts (3.6L V6), Approx. 12.5 quarts (5.7L V8)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.6 gallons
Brand Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable American sedans, often associated with luxury and power. The 300 nameplate has been used for iconic models in the past.
Model Evolution:
The 2011 Chrysler 300 represented the second generation of the modern 300, introducing updated styling, a more refined interior, and the new Pentastar V6 engine, alongside the existing HEMI V8. This facelift significantly modernized the vehicle.
Key Updates For 2011:
Introduction of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, updated front and rear fascia, revised interior with improved materials and Uconnect system enhancements, and new wheel designs.
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada