2011-2014 Chrysler 200 Wheel Cover: A Guide to Fitment, Inspection, and Replacement

Symptoms of a Bad or Missing Wheel Cover

Since a wheel cover is a cosmetic part, symptoms of failure are almost always visual or audible. There are no electronic sensors or warning lights associated with this part.

• Visible Damage: The most common symptom is physical damage from everyday driving. This includes scuffs, deep scratches, and cracks from hitting a curb. The silver painted finish can also begin to peel or flake over time due to sun exposure and harsh weather.
• Rattling or Clicking Noises: A loose or cracked wheel cover can vibrate against the steel wheel as you drive, especially at lower speeds. This noise may be more noticeable when going over bumps. A rattling sound from this bolt-on style cover is a serious concern, as it indicates the lug nuts holding it on may be loose.
• Missing Cover: The most obvious sign is that the cover is gone entirely. While bolt-on covers are much less likely to fall off than snap-on types, it can happen if the lug nuts were not properly torqued down after a tire service. Theft is another possibility.

Buying a Used 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 Wheel Cover

Purchasing a used OEM wheel cover is an excellent way to restore your vehicle's appearance without the high cost of a new part. However, there are critical details to check to ensure you get a good part that fits correctly.

1. Verify Compatibility: Steel Wheels Only

This is the most important step. These 10-spoke wheel covers only fit the 17-inch silver-painted steel wheels found on base model (LX) Chrysler 200s from 2011-2014. They will NOT fit any of the various 17-inch or 18-inch alloy (aluminum) wheels offered on Touring, Limited, or S trims. Before buying, confirm your vehicle has the basic steel wheels these covers are designed for.

2. Physical Inspection Checklist

When inspecting a used wheel cover, pay close attention to its structural integrity, not just its cosmetic appearance.

• Check the Lug Nut Holes: This is the most critical inspection point. Since the lug nuts hold the cover on, the plastic around these five holes must be solid and free of cracks. Hairline cracks can quickly spread when the lug nuts are torqued down, causing the cover to fail.
• Look for Cracks on the Face and Edge: Inspect the entire surface for cracks, especially around the outer rim where curb impacts are common. A small crack can grow from road vibrations and temperature changes.
• Examine the Finish: Minor scuffs and scratches are normal for a used part. However, look for signs of the silver paint or clear coat peeling away. This indicates the finish is failing and will continue to degrade.
• Check for Warping: Lay the cover on a flat surface. It should sit flush without any significant wobble. A warped cover may not sit flat against the wheel, potentially leading to rattling.

Why Used OEM is Often Better Than New Aftermarket

While new aftermarket wheel covers are cheap, a good-condition used OEM part is often a better value. Genuine Mopar parts are made from a higher-quality, more durable plastic that resists cracking and UV damage better than many aftermarket alternatives. The fit is guaranteed to be perfect, and the silver paint will be an exact match to your other original wheel covers. Cheap aftermarket covers can be brittle, have a slightly different shape or color, and may not last as long.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

There have been no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Chrysler or the NHTSA specifically for the wheel covers on the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200. The primary known issue is the widespread confusion regarding fitment, with many owners purchasing these covers for incompatible alloy wheels.

Replacement and Installation Guide

Replacing a wheel cover is a very simple job that almost any car owner can do themselves.

• Difficulty: 1 out of 5
• Time: 10-15 minutes
• Tools Required: Lug Wrench, Torque Wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Using your lug wrench, slightly loosen (about one full turn) the five lug nuts on the wheel. Do not remove them yet.
3. Remove the lug nuts completely. You can now pull the old, damaged wheel cover straight off the wheel studs.
4. Position the new wheel cover. Make sure to align the small notch or cutout in the cover with the tire's valve stem.
5. Thread all five lug nuts back on by hand until they are snug. This ensures they are not cross-threaded.
6. Use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts until the wheel is secure against the hub.
7. Crucial Final Step: Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the factory specification, which is 100 ft-lbs for the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200. Tighten them in a star pattern to ensure the wheel and cover are seated evenly.

Cost Comparison

Prices for wheel covers can vary significantly based on source and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)