Are Chrysler Parts Expensive? (+ Buying Tips)

The average annual maintenance cost of a Chrysler is $608, which puts it above the national average for similar makes and models. Even as one of America’s recognizable brands, Chrysler’s can be more expensive to maintain than some luxury brands. 

For instance, a 10-year average puts the brand at $10,600, higher than Lexus ($7,000) and Land Rover ($8,800). So, the question remains, are Chrysler parts expensive? Keep reading further to determine if Chrysler parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts?  

Are Chrysler Parts Expensive?

Essentially, Chrysler parts are more expensive when compared to aftermarket varieties from other providers. For instance, OEM headlamps for a 2020 Chrysler 300 from Mopar cost $541.00; an aftermarket OE would be $279.99. It is not uncommon for Mopar parts to be more expensive than aftermarket parts.  

Also read: Are Chrysler Good Cars? (and 2 Models to Avoid)

Who Supplies Parts to Chrysler?

Like any other automaker, the Chrysler brand has manufacturers that provide their parts. Mopar provides OEM parts for FIAT Chrysler Automobiles; FCA brands include Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT, and Ram. 

While it’s easy to believe aftermarket parts could be cheaper and better, they may not be under warranty if they fail prematurely. OEM manufacturers usually warranty their products for a year.

Brake Pads

Brake Pads stop the vehicle’s motion by using hydraulic pressure to clamp down the rotors. This action creates heat and friction, which slows the car. Brake pads are made of organic material, semi-metallic compounds, or ceramic. 

Brake pads should be replaced every 25,000-65,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. A mechanic should inspect the braking system about every 10,000 miles to check the friction material left on your Chrysler’s brakes. 

The table below describes how much brake pads cost.


OEM Carquest Premium GoldWagnerAkebono ProAct
(NEW)$150.00$61.99$54.99$94.99
(USED)$75.00$30.99$27.49$47.49

I choose Wagner brake pads since they are high-quality parts and help me save money; also, this variety is made of Ceramic, which is best for commuting and city driving and has better stopping power over its lifetime. 

OEM brakes are great for general usage, are quiet and effective on the road, and are long-lasting. However, aftermarket brake pads will stop better, last longer, cost less, and be better suited for your driving style. Mechanics will typically charge $65 to replace the brakes for you. However, I recommend changing the brakes on your own. 

Filters

Your Chrysler uses a method of combustion to create engine power, but it needs a clean mixture of fuel and air to do so. That is where filters come into play. 

  • Air Filters – These filters can come in various shapes and sizes of cotton, foam, or synthetic paper. The pleated material in the filters keeps dust, insects, or other debris from entering the engine. Chrysler recommends changing them every 10,000 miles in extreme conditions but replacing them every 15,000-30,000 otherwise.
  • Oil Filters – These filters keep a continuous flow of oil throughout the engine and filter out the dust and metallic particles. It’s safe to replace these every 3,000-5,000 for conventional oil and up to 10,000 miles for synthetic. 
  • Fuel Filters – These filters remove harmful impurities like dust, grit, and rust from the fuel you add to your vehicle. It’s common for the fuel filters to last the car’s life. For example, it’s a good idea to change them every 10,000-25,000 miles in Dodge diesel trucks.

I don’t recommend buying used parts because of their diminished quality. 


OEM Fram DrivePurolator OneK & NCarquest Premium
Air Filters$57.00$34.99$38.49$59.99$38.49
Oil Filters$18.00$5.99$10.99$17.99$10.99
Fuel Filters$150.00N/AN/AN/A$18.59

I would purchase Mopar parts for the fuel filters, but aftermarket parts for the rest. Usually, aftermarket air filters and oil filters are sufficient replacements. Searching on websites such as CariD.com should help you find OEM parts cheaper than dealerships can offer you.

Mechanics will charge you $25 to change your air filter, approximately $56 for oil changes, and $140 to replace your fuel filter. You can do most of these independently, although I would hire a mechanic to work on the fuel filter because they have to remove the fuel tank and take it apart. 

Also read: Are Dodge Parts Expensive? (with Exact Costs)

Battery

The car battery starts the engine and provides power to various electronics such as lights and radio. There are two types of batteries:

  • Standard wet-cell – these batteries are known as conventional batteries. They can vent gas and leak acid. These batteries usually have caps to add fluid. 
  • Absorbed Glass Mat – these batteries are best known for short recharge periods and handling harsher climates. However, they can go for more extended periods of disuse as well. 

Trending Video: How to Easily Bring Back to Life any Old Car Battery and Save Tons of Money (click to watch)

I’ve included a table below that describes the pricing for batteries. Before buying a used battery, do some research, and see the battery in person. Corrosion on the terminals is a problem. Also, don’t overlook the date stamp. I would also check if the salvage yard offers a warranty with the used battery to save you a headache. 


Optima MoparDiehard Plat. AGMDiehard Plat.
(NEW)$341.99$170.00$231.99$221.99
(USED)$170.99$105.99$115.99$110.99

Car batteries usually only last about three to five years; I would go with the Diehard Platinum AGM since these types of batteries could last longer in a Chrysler. However, if you’re on a budget, the Mopar battery should cover your car’s needs. 

A mechanic will charge $53 to replace your battery; I advise doing this yourself. Searching on websites such as CariD.com should help you find OEM parts cheaper than dealerships can offer you.

Also read: Does Car Battery Brand Matter? Which One is the Best?

Starter and Alternator

Your Starter is an electrical motor that requires a fully charged battery to start your car. The Alternator regulates the electrical energy flowing through the engine and charges the battery. 

These parts work in sync and are tricky to diagnose. I’ve included a table below describing the costs. 


Mopar Carquest PremiumBoschReliance TechNAPA Power Premium
(NEW) Starter$374.00$147.99N/AN/A$184.00
(USED) Starter$121.50$64.99$121.01N/A$92.00
(NEW) Alternator$551.00$350.99$469.99$293.19N/A
(USED) Alternator$275.50$175.49$234.99$146.59N/A

Alternators and Starters can last approximately 125,000 miles on your Chrysler. Alternator failure is common in this make, but harsher driving conditions or custom power accessories can shorten the life of an alternator as well. 

A mechanic will typically charge $130 to replace your Starter and $115 for the Alternator. I would hire a mechanic to perform these repairs. Searching on CariD.com or Advance Auto Parts may yield cheaper options for aftermarket parts. Generally, I would advise using OEM parts for Starters and Alternators.

Spark Plugs

Essentially, spark plugs supply a spark of electricity that causes the air/fuel mixture to ignite. The spark plugs must be up to your vehicle’s specifications because they operate continuously.

I have included a table below describing the cost of spark plugs. Don’t buy used spark plugs as the conditions vary, and new ones are not expensive. 

Per plugOEM (Mopar)Autolite IridiumAutolite PlatinumNGK IridiumChampion IridiumChampion Copper Plus
(NEW)$18.00$8.79$9.29$11.99$9.49$3.79

I recommend changing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles in your Chrysler, especially if you’re using the Mopar variety. If you notice rough idling or engine misfires, change them sooner. Bad spark plugs can drain your battery as well. However, higher-grade spark plugs may not need to be changed as often. 

You don’t need a mechanic to charge you $230 to change your spark plugs; it’s a safe job, but it is also time-consuming, hence the high labor cost. If you plan to DIY this job, you should know what type of engine is in your Chrysler. 

For instance, the Chrysler 300 5.7L HEMI is a V8 that uses two spark plugs per cylinder for a total of 16 plugs. It can be a costly service in parts alone, but I still recommend getting NGK Iridium because they will last longer; however, Copper plugs are OEM. 

Engine Oil

Synthetic oil cleans and lubricates engine parts, reduces acid build-up, and keeps the engine cool, which reduces the wear and tear on your engine components. 

The automaker recommends using 5W-20 synthetic oil for your Chrysler. Below is a table that describes oil pricing. I suggest choosing aftermarket synthetic varieties because they are readily available and meet manufacturer specifications. 

I do not recommend buying used oil for your vehicle because of its contaminants.

5QTOEM (Mopar)Castrol GTXPennzoil Plat.Mobil 1
Cost
$42.00$26.99$29.99$31.99

In this case, I would purchase the Mopar or Mobil 1 because they are reliable options. Also, save yourself $40 and change your oil at home. In the case of a Chrysler 300 5.7L, it has a total oil capacity of 7 quarts, so you will need to factor in an additional 2 quarts of synthetic oil.  

Also read: Does Engine Oil Brand Matter? Can You Buy a Random Brand?

Tires

Car tires are a cushion of rubber constructed to fit over the metal wheel of Chrysler vehicles. They create traction and allow the car to drive safely on the road. The table below describes the brands available. 

Per TireBF Goodrich g-ForceUniroyal Tiger Paw TouringMichelin Primacy Tour A/SGoodyear Eagle F1Continental Pure Contact L/S
(NEW)$206.99$169.30$267.99$206.99$225.99
(USED)$103.49$84.65$133.99$103.49$112.99

Many tire options are available for Dodge. Generally, I choose tires based on quality-tested reliability and go with Uniroyal or Michelin tires. You may be able to find deals on new tires at Walmart.com.

I suggest replacing your tires every 70,000 miles, but regular rotations will prolong the life of your tires. When buying used tires, thoroughly inspect them for dry rot, nails, or holes. 

It’s best to take your vehicle to the shop to have your tires professionally changed, as most DIY garages do not have the necessary equipment to balance them properly.

Water Pump

Usually, a belt-driven pump receives power from the crankshaft. When the car is in motion, the pump draws cooled antifreeze from the radiator, through the engine, and eventually back into the cooling system.

Below I’ve included a table for various pricing on water pumps. 


OEM 
Carquest Premium
Gates
Cost$243.00$165.99$163.13

Generally, water pumps last 60,000-100,000 miles before you should replace them. To help save money, replace the water pump while the timing belt is replaced. A mechanic will typically charge $300 to change your water pump due to its location. 

Doing both jobs will cut costs. A water pump is an essential part of your Chrysler’s engine cooling system; with that in mind, I would only purchase an OEM replacement part. 

Conclusion 

Mopar parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts. Although aftermarket parts are more accessible, it would be safest to research thoroughly to ensure fitment and quality. Therefore, I suggest choosing aftermarkets for batteries, brake pads, filters, spark plugs, oil, and tires. 

While Chrysler maintenance costs climb as the car ages, choosing aftermarket parts should help you save money without compromising quality. In addition, it’s essential to select Mopar parts for starters, alternators, and water pumps because of how crucial these parts are to other systems in your Chrysler. After 12 years, Chrysler vehicles are over 50% likely to need a major repair, so quality parts should be purchased in any case.

While it would be easy to debate this, choosing OEM parts or aftermarket parts comes down to risk and reward. Often, you are rewarded with reliability and quality when selecting OEM, but the same can be true for quality aftermarket parts. 

Consulting reputable automotive websites may yield hidden discounts on OEM or aftermarket parts that dealers will not offer you. It’s important to consider all options when purchasing replacement parts.

References:

10 Car Brands That Are Notoriously Expensive To Repair, https://www.moparpartswebstore.com/p, https://www.carparts.com/details, How Long Do Brake Pads Last? | Bad Brake Caliper Symptoms, Chrysler 300 Brake Pad Replacement Cost Estimate, https://www.bendix.com.au/bendix-news/bendix-vs-oem, Chrysler 300 Air Filter,https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web, Shop OEM Oil Filters | M&L Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/, Chrysler 300 Oil Change, https://www.carid.com/chrysler-oe/fuel-pump-and-sender, Chrysler 300M Fuel Filter Replacement Cost Estimate, Used Car Batteries: Are They Worth the Purchase? | Ace Auto Parts, Chrysler 300 Battery,https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, Chrysler 300 Battery Replacement Cost Estimate,Genuine Mopar Generator-Engine – 4801833AB, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/c3, https://www.napaonline.com/en, Chrysler 300 Alternator Replacement Cost Estimate, Chrysler 300 Starter Replacement Cost Estimate, https://parts.moparonlineparts.com/oem-parts, How to Change the Plugs in a 300C | It Still Runs Genuine OEM Spark Plug Part# SP143877AB Fits 2012-2022 Mopar, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web, https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care, https://www.autozone.com, Chrysler 300 Oil Change Cost Estimate, 2009-2021 Mopar 5w20 Engine Oil 68518202AA | MoparPart, https://www.walmart.com/browse/auto-tires, Genuine Chrysler 300 Water Pump, Chrysler 300 Water Pump Replacement Cost Estimate, Chrysler Maintenance Schedule, and Costs