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P2181 on CHRYSLER 200

Cooling System Performance

NHTSA Reports
3
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2015
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P2181 Means on Your CHRYSLER 200

P2181 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cooling System Performance. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 CHRYSLER 200 owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2015. Most reports come from the 2015 model year.

Real CHRYSLER 200 Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Vehicle is reporting p0128 and p2181 error codes. while driving, vehicle gives an error message that says service electronic throttle control and sounds like it is running really loud. when i turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the warning goes away and it sounds normal again."

— 2015 CHRYSLER 200 owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Filed 01/01/2017

"First engine light come up then car started to overheat. coolant temp. 185 and car overheat. panel read engine temperature too hot .. i cannot drive the car because this problem code p0128(thermostats) and p2181(coolant system) came up."

— 2015 CHRYSLER 200 owner · ENGINE · Filed 12/24/2016

"I was driving home from work when the check engine light, engine temperature warning light, and electronic throttle control light came on. in reviewing the potential issues, a number of people have had the same issue, potentially due to a faulty thermostat."

— 2015 CHRYSLER 200 owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 12/16/2016

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

3
'15

Common Causes on CHRYSLER 200

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 33.3%
ENGINE 33.3%
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 33.3%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2181 mean on a CHRYSLER 200?
P2181 indicates: Cooling System Performance. This is a powertrain code. 3 CHRYSLER 200 owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P2181 on CHRYSLER 200?
Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Vehicle Speed Control,Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Engine, Power Train,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P2181 serious on my CHRYSLER 200?
Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on CHRYSLER 200, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my CHRYSLER 200 shows P2181?
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P2181 on Other Vehicles