1996 Chrysler Cirrus

Routine

Owners filed 160 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 11 times.

Not among the Chrysler Cirrus years to avoid. Which Chrysler Cirrus years to avoid →

Most common 1996 Chrysler Cirrus problems

32 of the 160 complaints (20%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine19
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes10
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine8
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
100
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint7
101
Suspension5
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · transmission5
100
Electrical System › Ignition5
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration4
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E059000
Filed Dec 27, 201022,689 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.

Risk. IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint09E056000
Filed Oct 9, 20095,787 vehiclesQualis Automotive LLC

Defect. QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E091000
Filed Nov 2, 200624,358 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E088000
Filed Oct 23, 200639,243 vehiclesTi Group Automotive Systems, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift04V021000
Filed Jan 13, 20042,315,768 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Risk. EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch98V183000
Filed Aug 6, 1998685,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint97V201000
Filed Nov 13, 1997599,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments97V095000
Filed Jun 6, 1997219,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM ITS RETENTION HOLE IF THE HOOD IS SLAMMED SHUT.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PRIMARY LATCH, THE HOOD WOULD NOT BE RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WITH A LONGER END HOOK SPRING.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder96V075000
Filed May 3, 1996151,800 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip96V074000
Filed May 2, 199690,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Risk. IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATE AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline96V006000
Filed Jan 11, 199640,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Risk. INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jan 9, 2017107,000 milesCA

MY FRONT TIRES FEEL LIKE THEY ARE GOING TO BREAK OFF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS,STEERING CONTROL ARM, INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS; ACCELERATES ALL BY ITSELF. WILL NOT LOCK SHIFTER WITH KEY OUT OF IGNITION. ECM IS FAULTY BECAUSE IT SHUTS THE LIGHTS OFF,TURNS ENGINE,ALL LIGHTS, OFF . UNPREDICTABLY! SEAT BELTS DO NOT ENGAGE WHEN STOPPING. IF I WERE TO BE CRITICALLY INJURED BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONING OF SAID VEHICLE? WHO WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY SAFETY AND WELL BEING? THIS ALL HAPPENS WHILE OPERATION OF VEHICLE. TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH. ABS MALFUNCTIONS AS WELL EVEN WHEN DRIVING 15 MPH. *TR

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jan 22, 201687,500 milesWY

MY 1996 CIRRUS WITH ONLY 87+++ MILES SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTS WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. THIS IS A RECENT PURCHASE. I LIVE IN WYOMING AND IT IS WINTER TIME WITH ICY ROAD CONDITIONS NEARLY EVERYWHERE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH A 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO US ON THE HIGHWAY, IT CAUSED US TO SPIN OFF OF THE ROAD. LUCKILY WE WERE UNHURT. THIS AUTOMOBILE IS UNSAFE!!! THE LIMP MODE APPEARS TO BE ACTIVATED DUE TO FAULTY/LOW QUALITY PARTS BY CHRYSLER. WHY ISN"T THIS RECALLED??? I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I WILL SUE CHRYSLER IF WE HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT!!! THIS INCIDENT OCCURED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 50 MPH.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Mar 19, 201249,063 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS SMOKE SEEN FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V006000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,063.

Suspension
Filed Dec 6, 2011118,000 milesWY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LATERAL LINK FRACTURED, CAUSING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TO FOLD INWARD WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR LOCAL MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSTICS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball JointCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 15, 2010180,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 42 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXCESSIVELY LOOSE. THIS MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED OFF THE ROAD, AND CRASHED INTO A ELECTRIC POLE, YET THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. SHE THEN CRASHED INTO A SECOND POLE, JUMPED A CREEK AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AS SHE PLUNGED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, SHOULDER, CHEST AND A MINOR CONCUSSION. SHE ALSO SUFFERED SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V201000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EVER REPAIRED IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Oct 20, 2009100,000 milesWY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E056000 (SUSPENSION; FRONT CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS BEEN NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 16, 2009136,000 milesNC

THE CAR STARTED MAKING A CREAKING SOUND IN LIKE THE AXLES AND THEN IT BECAME A GRINDING SOUND . WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE TIRE JUST CAME OFF WE SLID LIKE 20 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 2008127,505 milesIN

HTTP://NHTHQNWWS111.ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/DOCSERVLET/ARTEMIS/PUBLIC/RECALLS/1998/V/RC-98V183-NN.PDF RECALL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THEY HAVE ACTUALLY MADE IT WORSE! *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jul 25, 200880,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER TIE ROD DROPPED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRE TURNED AT A NINETY DEGREE ANGLE. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE TO GET A TOW AND, WHEN HE RETURNED, THE POLICE REMOVED THE VEHICLE. CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V201000 (CONTROL ARM: BALL JOINT SEPARATION). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/16/08*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 28, 200890,000 milesNY

OIL IN MY RADIATOR. SLUDGE INSIDE OF MY ENGINE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 11, 200849,784 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN BETWEEN 10-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME FOR A TOTAL COST OF $2,283.04. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS LISTED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH DAIMLER CHRYSLER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THEY STATED THAT THEY DO NOT OWN THEIR DEALERSHIPS AND IT WOULD BE THE DEALER'S DECISION TO MAKE THE REPAIR OR ISSUE A RECALL. DAIMLER CHRYSLER FURTHER STATED THAT THEY WOULD TRY AND SEND A TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, NO ONE HAS YET TO ARRIVE. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, STOPPED, OR MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,784 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,261.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 30, 2006135,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE THREE RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH WERE NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY. THE FUEL PUMP RECALL #06E091000, HOOD ATTACHMENTS #97V095000, AND THE IGNITION SWITCH #98V183000 WERE THE 3 RECALLS. ALL 3 RECALLS WERE COMPLETED BUT THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT CORRECTED, AND THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT WILLING TO CORRECT THESE ISSUES FURTHER UNDER THE RECALL.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Nov 28, 200691,960 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SHIFTER COULD BE TAKEN OUT OF GEAR WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A NHTSA RECALL, #98V183000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 10, 2005NY

CONSUMER'S 1969 CHRYSLER CIRRUS DID NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO A SO CALLED RECALL ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE EMISSION SYSTEM. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE OIL WAS THICK AND DIRTY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GROOVE ON THE DIP STICK. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE COMPENSATED AND OR REIMBURSED FOR THE TIME LOST FROM WORK. *SC *JB

Tires
Filed Mar 28, 2005MA

1996 CHRYSLER CIRRUS HAS PROBLEMS WITH MICHELIN TIRES P195/65X15.*MR TWO OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES BLEWOUT WITHIN AN HOUR OF EACH OTHER. THE LAST BLOWOUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT LIGHTS. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum
Filed Sep 28, 200445,000 milesMI

AFTER HAVING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED AND MELTED THE BRAKE DRUM WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED. WHILE DRIVING A PASSING MOTORIST NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTIFIED THE CONSUMER. EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM AND DRUMS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 18, 200495,000 milesMI

WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STALLED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. AFTER A FEW TRIES THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. AFTER DRIVING A FEW FEET THE VEHICLE STALLED ONCE AGAIN. ALSO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHEN IT RAINED. WHEN THE WIPERS WERE ON INTERMITTENT THEY WOULD MOVE VERY FAST FOR THAT SPEED. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 28, 200460,000 milesFL

LOSS OF ABS WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL LEVELS OF BRAKING, I.E. HEAVY, MEDIUM AND MINIMAL BRAKING. WHEN LOSS OF ABS HAPPENS, THE PEDAL DECENDS TO THE FLOOR AND A BUZZ/RACHETING NOISE IS HEARD. THIS PROBLEM HAS LEAD TO POTENTIALLY 4 MAJOR ACCIDENTS. TO SOLVE THE LOSS OF BRAKING, DRIVER HAS TO "RE-PUMP" THE PEDAL AFTER LOSS HAS OCCURED. (NO MIL/SCAN TOOL CODE RECORDED) . *AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Feb 28, 2004100,000 milesFL

LEAKING EVAPORATOR. STRONG REFRIDGERANT ODOR COMING FROM HVAC HOUSING. (INSIDE VEHICLE) . *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 3, 2004MO

I BOUGT A CAR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO USED AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR ALREADY. FROM THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON TO THE BATTERY LIGHT. THE 3RD DAY I HAD THE CAR IT DHAD TO GO IN THE SHOP. I FEEL THE PROBLEM IT HAD IT WAS THEIR WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I DID NOT HAVE THEW CAR LONG ENOUGH FOR IT TO HAVE PROBLEMS. THE CAR IS A 96 CHRSYLER CIRRUS . *AK

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Oct 15, 200389,455 milesVA

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THERE WAS A EXPLOSION DUE TO THE TRANS AXLE LOOSENING AND BUSTING THE TRANSMISSION CASE. *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED. *PH *JB *JB *PH *JB

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › ArmCrash
Filed Sep 4, 200380,000 milesOR

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL "KNUCKLE" BROKE OFF WHERE SUPPORT ARM TO VEHICLE ATTACHES. THIS CAUSES REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO LOOSE STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. REAR WHEEL IS THEN FREE TO TWIST IN ALL DIRECTIONS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS CAN CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. THE "KNUCKLE" IS CAST ALUMINUM AND HAS NO MOVING PARTS WHICH CAN WEAR OUT.*AK

Seats
Filed Jun 21, 2003125,000 milesOK

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *NLM

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Dec 26, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, DEALER NOTIFIED SAID WIRING NEAR CONTROLS WAS THE CAUSE. TS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 6, 200271,980 milesRI

THE REAR BRAKE HOSE COLLAPSED FROM EXCESSIVE HARDWARE DUST, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER TO LEAK, THE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL, HOWEVER IT HAD TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. TS *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Dec 2, 200216,000 milesMI

WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES SUDDENLY TO AVOID A COLLISION, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO SKID. VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHECKED BY 2 DEALERS AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO HAVE ALL CONFIRMED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HAD FAILED. TS *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 29, 2002PA

WHILE DRIVING, UPON APPLYING BRAKES TO MAKE A GRADUAL STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. VEHICLE WOULD NEED AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE THE INCORRECT SIZE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2002CA

CONSUMER STATES THAT HEAD GASKET BLEW, AS A RESULT OF THE OIL FROM THE ENGINE GOING INTO THE RADIATOR. *MR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 4, 2002CA

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE ENGINE OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. 8MR

Steering › Linkages
Filed Aug 29, 2002IL

THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL AS THE CAR WAS BEING BACKED DOWN A DRIVEWAY. THIS MADE THE CAR IMMEDIATELY UNCONTROLLABLE. FORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED AT VERY LOW SPEED IN THE DRIVE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND SHE HAD OUR 3 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE SHOP THAT FIXED THE TIE ROD SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY OF THE CIRRUS' WITH THIS FAILURE. THE JOINT ON THE TIE ROD INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURE WAS A SEALED TYPE AND HAD DRIED OUT AND RUSTED AWAY.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Jun 11, 2002WI

WHILE BACKING INTO GARAGE, RIGHT FRONT TIE ROD END BROKE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK DEALER FOUND THE BALL AND SOCKET HAD RUSTED BADLY CAUSING THE SOCKET TO FALL OFF THE BALL. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *TT

Suspension
Filed May 3, 2002TX

FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, AND FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT WENT OUTWARDS TO THE GROUND. DEALER STATED IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH LATERAL ARMS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Feb 27, 2002MI

A LINK WITHIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SYSTEM MALFUNTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO ENGAGE IN PARK OR DRIVE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Feb 27, 2002MI

HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ONTO REAR BRAKE PADS WHICH CAUSES SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Feb 21, 2002OH

TIE ROD END BROKE AT RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WHEEL TURNED SIDEWAYS AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE. ROAD WAS DRY AND THE CAR SLID STRAIGHT AHEAD. REPLACE BOTH OUTER TIE RODS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 13, 2002MS

THE VEHICLE 'CHANGED GEARS' WHILE DRIVING ALONG A MAJOR HIGHWAY, AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO PARK OR REVERSE. THE TIRES BEGAN TO SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE RPM AND ENGINE WAS RAISED. MANAGED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE MAIN ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM THE REAR BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TURNED ENGINE OFF, PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, AND RESTARTED CAR. PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT BEYOUND 2ND GEAR. MECHANIC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE 'CODE' AND STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REBUILT. THANK GOD, I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR (I WAS HEADED TO SCHOOL TO PICK UP MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER), AND COULD MANAGE TO GET IT OFF OF THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND OUT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC TO AVOID A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND POSIBLE FATALITIES.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Nov 30, 2001CA

WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN TO EITHER SIDE VEHICLE WILL MAKE A CLICKING NOISE BECAUSE BALL JOINTS HAD SEPARATED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension
Filed Nov 6, 2001MI

WHEN TURNING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION THERE IS A LOUD CLICKING SOUND, METAL TO METAL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR 4 MONTHS, REPLACED SWAYBAR/ WHEEL BEARINGS, AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM.*AK

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Sep 18, 2001MN

THE DIFFERENTIAL PIN BROKE OFF AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING. *YH

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 7, 2001IL

GENERAL, XP2000GT, AFTERMARKET TIRE, P195/65R16; TREAD ON RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED AT 70MPH. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK DOT NUMBER FOR THE TIRE IS A3C63DV307. *SLC

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Aug 1, 2001NC

POSSIBLE INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE IN ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER HAD FILED CLAIM WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE'S INSURANCE.THE SUBROGATION SPECIALIST JACQUELINE MARTIN ATTACHED THE RECALL. *YH

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 27, 2001IL

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING SOUND, ENGINE REVVED. STEPPED ON GAS, ENGINE DIED. TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, WOULD NOT START. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO FOUND DISTRIBUTOR HAD GONE OUT.*AK *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 23, 2001NY

ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Dec 30, 2000NJ

I DID NOT RECEIVE AND OWNERS MANUAL, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO RECEIVEVE ONE. ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO RECEIVEVE A COPY OF ANY AND ALL FACTORY WARRANTIES. I WAS TOLD, BY A THIRD PARTY THAT CATALYC CONVERTER IS COVERED BY FACTORY WARRANTY UP TO 8YRS OR 80,000 MILES AND THAT APPLIES EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL BUYER OF THE CAR. IF THIS APPLIES TO ME, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN GO ABOUT GETTING A COPY OF THE OWNERS MANUAL AS WELL AS THE FACTORY WARRANTIES. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN HAVE ANY RECALL REPAIRS DONE OR IF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS HAS RUN OUT ON THAT. I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 30, 2000NJ

MY CAR STARTED TO HESITATE AT TAKE OFF AND MISFIRE WHILE IDLING. IT WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH. IT WAS TIME FOR A TUNE-UP, WHICH WAS DONE, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE INTERNAL PROBLEMS WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THAT DISTRIBUTOR UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DISTRIBUTOR TO BE REPLACED, BUT CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. I DO NOT HAVE A COPY OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY OR AN OWNERS MANUAL AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN GET ONE. THANK YOU. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 25, 2000OH

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Dec 5, 2000OH

VEHICLE WAS HESITATING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DISTRIBUTOR. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND MADE REPAIRS AT CONSUMER'S COST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Nov 21, 2000MA

WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS ,CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK THE VEHICLE'S RPM RACES UP AND DOWN WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE. WHEN BRAKE IS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE GOES FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THE A/C FAILED. THE TRANSMISSION REVS AND APPEARS IT'S GOING TO BLOW UP. THE DEALER TRIED TO FIX ALL OF THE ABOVE. SOME OF IT TWICE OR MORE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2000TX

VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE GALLERY PLUGS JUST LIKE THE SAFETY RECALL 671 THAT HAD RECEIVED FROM MANUFACTURER. BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 17, 2000CA

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A HIGHWAY STREET, AND WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. HE PASSED THE STOP SIGN, THERE WERE NO BRAKES. THEN, AS HE RODE DOWN THE STREET, THREE BLOCKS LATER THE BRAKES CAME BACK AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES HANDLE WAS UP.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 160, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20011000Routine
2000999230High concern
199962720Routine
199869730Routine
199769870Routine
1996 — this page1601150Routine
19953691150Above average
19943000Routine

Compare every Cirrus year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 27, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.