Why is my 2011–2019 Chrysler 300 3.6 V6 ticking?

Short answer: A tick from the top of the 3.6 Pentastar in the 300 is often worn rocker arms or lifters, and Chrysler's techs have also found worn intake camshaft lobes. It may come with a check-engine light and a misfire. A shop can confirm by looking at the cam and rockers.

Symptom: A ticking or tapping from the top of the engine that follows engine speed, sometimes with a check-engine light, misfire codes or rough running.

What to check first

1. Check the oil level and make sure it's up to date with the right oil.
2. Note when it ticks. Cold only, all the time, or with a misfire.
3. Read any codes. Misfire codes like P0300 or a specific cylinder are common with this problem.
4. Have a shop inspect the intake cam lobes and rocker arms. Chrysler's tech guidance says if there's wear, replace the intake cam and all intake rockers on that side.

Likely causes

1. Worn rocker arms or lifters. A common source of the tick.
2. Worn intake camshaft lobe. RepairPal estimates a Chrysler 300 camshaft replacement at $1,268–$1,550.
3. Exhaust leak or other noise. Can sound like a tick; worth ruling out.

What it usually costs

RepairPal estimates a Chrysler 300 camshaft replacement at about $1,268 to $1,550. Doing both banks or adding lifters costs more.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A light tick with no warning light can usually be driven to a shop soon. If you have a flashing check-engine light, rough running or loud knocking, stop and get it checked.

DIY or shop?

Shop. It's internal engine work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No recall covers the tick. The 300's alternator recalls (14V634, 17V435, 17V741) are a different issue, but worth checking by VIN.
• Chrysler STAR case (May 2023): tells techs to look for wear on the intake cam's high-lift lobes and on the rocker arms when they see a check-engine light, misfire or engine rattle on the 3.6L. If they find wear, they replace the intake cam and all intake rockers on that cylinder head.
• NHTSA complaints: 35 of 1,640 Chrysler 300 complaints from 2011–2019 mention ticking, rockers, lifters, the camshaft or misfire.

What owners report

• A 300C Forums owner with a 2021 300S had a tapping that the dealer fixed by replacing rockers and lifters, and it came back for a second round.
• An r/Chrysler300 owner asked about a ticking noise from a 2015 300's 3.6 V6.

My take

My advice as a former pre-purchase inspector: on a used 3.6, listen at the top of the engine at a cold start and again warm. A tick is worth a shop inspection before you buy, because it can mean cam and rocker work.

Vehicle focus: 2011–2019 Chrysler 300 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6.

Safety / mechanic note

A flashing check-engine light or heavy knocking means stop driving. Verify with a mechanic.