Brake Hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings Problems of Chrysler 300M

Complete failure of brake system. Fortunately, this occurred while moving the vehicle out of a parking space. The brake pedal went suddenly and completely to the floor with a "whoosh" sound and fluid spilled all over the ground due to a ruptured brake line. The line was corroded and upon subsequent inspection all lines were found to be corroded and in need of replacement (the adjacent fuel lines were totally fine). Repair estimate is $1200+. Given the sudden and potentially disastrous nature of the failure especially when compared to the fuel lines which were subject to the same conditions but without similar corrosion, perhaps there were improper materials used. This vehicle has about 60k miles on it, good overall condition, maintained, etc.

See all problems of the 2001 Chrysler 300M 🔎.

Today I was driving my vehicle at a speed of about 50 mph. I was coming upon a intersection and the light had just turned red. There were other vehicles traveling along the road in the same and opposite direction as I was. There were two lanes in each direction. Approximately 2 vehicles in front of me coming up to the light. As I began to stop my brakes completely failed. I tried pumping them, but got very little help from my brakes. Thinking quickly I moved into the second lane, that had no other vehicles. However it was very close for me to have rear ended the driver in front of me. I was traveling with my two children. I thought may be my brakes were wet. So I continued driving, but was cautious. As I came up to the next opportunity to stop, I encountered the same problem. However this time, smoke came billowing from my hood. I had about 3 more miles to make it home, so I continued home and there was no accident. However my husband inspected my vehicle and said that the brake line was burnt by the catalytic converter. He said it looked as if they brake line was installed to close to the converter. He felt this was a hazard. This incident could have turned out very differently, had I had hit another driver. Luckily we were safe and now have the opportunity to fix this manufacturing defect. I hope Chrysler recognizes this defect and notifies other owners, as people could be seriously hurt without brakes!!.