VVT / Camshaft Timing System Faults
high- Typically appears
- 70–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Popular pick
2013 Chrysler
200Sedan
2.4L World Gasoline Engine · Sedan
The 2013 Chrysler 200 is a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan that replaced the long-running Sebring nameplate. It was Chrysler's attempt to reposition itself in the competitive midsize segment with updated styling and a revised interior, and it succeeded in looking better than what it replaced — but the underlying platform was still a carry-over design with real limitations in ride refinement and long-term reliability. The base 2.4L four-cylinder is adequate for daily commuting but unimpressive. The optional 3.6L Pentastar V6 is genuinely smooth and willing, and pairing it with the 6-speed automatic makes for a more pleasant driving experience. Where the 200 falls short is in build quality consistency — cabin rattles, electrical gremlins, and powertrain control issues show up at higher mileages. This generation (2011–2014) was replaced entirely by an all-new 200 in 2015. If you're looking at one today, you're buying an older-platform car with modest reliability credentials. It can be a serviceable commuter if the price is low and the maintenance history is clean, but go in with eyes open.
Reliability
2/5
Verified data
Specs shown for 200 Convertible — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined
Seats
—
Doors
4
Body
Compact Cars
MSRP
$21,270
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Chrysler 200 is a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan that replaced the long-running Sebring nameplate. It was Chrysler's attempt to reposition itself in the competitive midsize segment with updated styling and a revised interior, and it succeeded in looking better than what it replaced — but the underlying platform was still a carry-over design with real limitations in ride refinement and long-term reliability. The base 2.4L four-cylinder is adequate for daily commuting but unimpressive. The optional 3.6L Pentastar V6 is genuinely smooth and willing, and pairing it with the 6-speed automatic makes for a more pleasant driving experience. Where the 200 falls short is in build quality consistency — cabin rattles, electrical gremlins, and powertrain control issues show up at higher mileages. This generation (2011–2014) was replaced entirely by an all-new 200 in 2015. If you're looking at one today, you're buying an older-platform car with modest reliability credentials. It can be a serviceable commuter if the price is low and the maintenance history is clean, but go in with eyes open.
Known for
- Improved styling over the Sebring it replaced
- Smooth, capable 3.6L Pentastar V6 option
- Uconnect infotainment that was best-in-class for its time
- Front-wheel-drive only — no AWD option
Best for
- Budget-conscious commuters needing a used midsize sedan
- City and suburban driving with mostly flat roads
- Buyers who prioritize a clean, roomy cabin over driving dynamics
Watch for
- Electrical and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) issues
- VVT/camshaft timing system problems on higher-mileage engines
- Transmission shudder and rough shifting in the 6-speed automatic
- Rust on undercarriage and wheel wells — a real concern in Wisconsin
- Inconsistent build quality leading to rattles and water leaks
Common issues by mileage
6 knownTIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
high- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $1,400
6-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder / Rough Shifting
medium- Typically appears
- 50–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,800
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Undercarriage and Wheel Well Rust
high- Typically appears
- Any (accelerates after 60k mi in salt states)
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $2,000
CAN Bus / Module Communication Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,200
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000–6,000 miles or 6 months (do not rely solely on the oil life monitor in cold climates) Engine oil change — use full synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-20 per owner's manual
The 2.4L WGE and VVT system are sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. Dirty oil accelerates cam phaser and solenoid wear, leading to P0012/P0015-type faults.
- 2 Every 40,000–50,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime' claims Transmission fluid service
The 6-speed auto (62TE) is prone to shudder and rough shifting — fresh fluid is the cheapest preventive measure. Many shudder complaints are resolved with a fluid drain-and-fill.
- 3 At 60,000 miles and every 30,000 miles after Inspect and clean VVT oil control solenoids
Sludge buildup in the solenoid screens is a primary cause of camshaft timing codes. Cleaning or replacing these solenoids is far cheaper than a full VVT system repair.
- 4 Every fall before winter; replace proactively if battery is 4+ years old Battery load test
The TIPM is voltage-sensitive. A weak battery stresses the module and can trigger a cascade of electrical faults, especially in sub-zero Wisconsin starts.
- 5 Every spring after winter season Inspect undercarriage, subframe, and wheel wells for rust
Road salt in Lake Geneva area accelerates corrosion on this platform's thin undercoating. Catching rust early limits repair cost significantly.
- 6 Every 5 years or 100,000 miles Coolant flush
Degraded OAT coolant can accelerate corrosion in the cooling system and head gasket sealing surfaces on the 2.4L.
- 7 Every 30,000 miles Spark plug replacement
The 2.4L WGE does best with plugs changed on schedule. Worn plugs increase misfires and put extra load on ignition coils, which are a secondary failure point.
- 8 Every 15,000–20,000 miles or annually Air filter and cabin air filter replacement
Wisconsin's salty, slushy winters deposit debris that clogs both filters faster than in dry climates. A clogged cabin filter strains the HVAC blower motor.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,400
Fuel
At ~25 MPG combined and 12,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,800/year at current Midwest gas prices with the 2.4L. The optional V6 drops that to roughly 23 MPG combined, pushing annual fuel cost closer to $1,700–$2,000.
Insurance
Typically $900–$1,400/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva area for a driver with a clean record — the 200 is a low-theft, low-performance sedan, which keeps rates modest.
The 2013 200 has a low sticker price on the used market (often $5,000–$9,000), but don't mistake that for cheap ownership. TIPM repairs, transmission service, and rust remediation can push a single repair year well past the car's market value. Keep a repair budget in reserve and stay on top of oil changes — that's the single biggest thing you can do to extend the life of the VVT system.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Test the battery every fall — cold cranking amps drop fast below 0°F and a marginal battery will stress the TIPM. Replace any battery over 4 years old before November.
- Switch to a full synthetic 5W-20 or 0W-20 oil if not already using one; conventional oil thickens in sub-zero temps and starves the VVT solenoids on startup.
- Use rated winter washer fluid (good to at least -20°F) — the reservoir sits low and can freeze solid with summer fluid, destroying the pump.
- Inspect the undercarriage and apply a rust inhibitor to exposed metal before first snowfall; this platform's undercoating is thin and Lake Geneva road salt is aggressive.
- Check tire pressure weekly — every 10°F drop in temperature costs about 1 PSI. Under-inflated tires on winter roads are a handling and safety issue.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full through winter to reduce condensation in the fuel system and add weight over the front-drive wheels.
Summer
- Check coolant level and condition before summer heat — the 2.4L can run hot if the coolant is degraded or the reservoir cap seal is weak.
- Inspect the A/C system for refrigerant leaks and proper compressor clutch engagement; the manual A/C on base trims is straightforward but condenser leaks appear on higher-mileage examples.
- Adjust tire pressure upward slightly if you're hauling a full load on hot pavement — heat expands air and overinflation is a risk on trips, but verify against the door jamb sticker.
- Check cabin air filter before summer — a clogged filter makes the A/C work harder and can overheat the blower motor in prolonged summer heat.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Ford
Fusion
Same segment and price band, but the 2013 Fusion has a significantly stronger reliability record and better resale value. If you can find one at a similar price, it's a more confident purchase.
2013 Chevrolet
Malibu
Direct competitor at similar used prices. The 2013 Malibu has its own issues (timing chain, fuel economy) but generally holds up better in Wisconsin winters with similar ownership costs.
2013 Honda
Accord
Slightly higher used price but notably better long-term reliability and a deeper parts/service network. Worth the extra spend if budget allows.
2013 Toyota
Camry
The benchmark for midsize sedan reliability in this era. Will cost more used but delivers meaningfully lower unplanned repair frequency and stronger resale protection.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any active TIPM-related fault codes (U0100–U0104) — module replacement is $500–$1,400 and not a DIY job.
- Rust through on the subframe or rear suspension mounting points — structural rust can make the car unsafe and uneconomical to repair.
- Transmission that hesitates, slips, or shudders without a recent fluid service on record — major transmission work can exceed the car's value.
- Evidence of overheating (white smoke, milky oil cap residue, stained overflow reservoir) — head gasket repairs on the 2.4L are costly.
- No maintenance records at all — on a platform this failure-prone, an unknown service history is a real risk, not just an inconvenience.
What to inspect
- Pull codes before purchase — any active P0012/P0015/P0026/P0027 VVT codes mean budget $300–$900 immediately.
- Inspect the undercarriage, subframe, and rear control arm mounting points for rust perforation — this is the #1 hidden cost on Wisconsin examples.
- Test all power accessories, windows, door locks, and the fuel pump behavior (TIPM failures often show up as intermittent no-start or accessories dropping out).
- Check transmission for shudder at light throttle between 35–45 mph — a sign of fluid breakdown or worn clutch packs.
- Look for water intrusion in the trunk and footwells — seam sealing on this platform degrades and water damage leads to mold and electrical corrosion.
- Verify the service history shows oil changes at least every 6,000 miles — skipped intervals are the primary killer of the VVT system.