Why would a 5 year old Chrysler 300 with less than 30,000 miles on it just stop working?

Didnt Crysler 4 or 5 years ago offer lifetime powertrain warranties?

Obviously That didnt answer your question, but might help get it fixed. Also, this might seem like a dumb question…. but did she get the oil changed in those 30,000 miles?

@mowens Not sure….I know nothing about cars, but if it was an option then it probably has the warranty….and I’m also sure my grandma maintained it well, she’s not the type to skimp on something like that at all. I would even assume that my mom got an oil change recently, in the past few weeks. She’s good too with keeping up with cars.

Perhaps the alternator went out, or, the engine seized.

I had an intake manifold go bad on a car once, it was newer also, sucked all the coolant into the engine and ruined it. I was traveling too, it was a nightmare. lol

I would look it up. I know they did the lifetime thing around 2005–2007. Might get fixed for free.

Will the headlights work at all? It might be the battery. Most batteries have a five year lifespan.

There is not enough info here to fully answer. The solution can be really easy or really serious.
Does the dome light work? No: Check the battery connection. Yes: Next step
Do the headlights work? No: Good Maybe loose connection Yes: Next step
Is the shifter in the P or N position and foot on brake? No: put it there.
Does the car crank? No: battery, connections Yes: Timing belt/chain Next step
Does the car sputter and die? No: Ignition, timing belt, fuel pump,.. Yes: fuel filter,

That should get you in the diagnosing ballpark.

There are a world of possibilities. For an engine to stop dead, just about has to be in the electrical system. It was be a bad contact in the battery. Wiggle the wires to the battery and see what happens. It could also be an engine fuse that has blown. This will stop the engine. Look in the cars manual for its location and check to see if that fuse is not blown. The wires inside the fuse will be broken, if the fuse is no good. Replace it, if so. Gasoline. Fuel in the tank? Has her car been sitting for a long time? If so, it could be the trash accumulated in the fuel filter and this will stop the engine.

Did she have her car checked before traveling this many miles on the interstate?

If all else fails, call for a tow truck or flag down a police car for help.

I can think of dozens of reasons off the top of my head. I would start by checking the oil and then getting the codes scanned.

I called (since I’m not there) to suggest what @worriedguy and @john65pennington suggested but as soon as my mom picked up the mechanic, or AAA guy, or whoever they called had just showed up. So….we shall see. Thank you guys.

I’m thinking battery, myself. When you say “it won’t do anything”, that suggests that it’s not even turning over when trying to start. The battery would be the first and most obvious thing to check – the battery itself, and the connections.

Transmission blew.

Warranty?