Owners filed 99 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering › hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections. It has been recalled 9 times.
When it fails
08550085,500 milesMedian miles at failure
45 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
13
0
9
0
Electrical System
6
0
3
0
Air Bags › Frontal
6
6
0
6
Steering
5
0
1
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
2
0
2
Tires
4
1
0
3
Suspension
4
1
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
3
2
0
1
Engine and Engine Cooling
3
0
3
0
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
2
0
0
0
9 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.
Equipment09E043000
Filed Jul 7, 200930,351 vehiclesImport Products Co., Inc.
Defect. IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY ADHERED LINE CONNECTORS.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
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.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections06V001000
Filed Jan 5, 2006216,299 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Risk. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Child Seat00V366000
Filed Nov 9, 20001,211,756 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V196000
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.
Risk. SEPARATION OF THE STAND-OFF BRACKET FROM THE BLOCK COULD CAUSE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND RESULT IN A HALF SYSTEM BRAKE LOSS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.
Equipment › Other › Labels00V066000
Filed Mar 2, 200017,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.
Risk. THE INCORRECT LABELS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED.
Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting00V067000
Filed Mar 2, 200038 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.
Risk. THE PAINT PROVIDES CORROSION PROTECTION NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STRAPS DO NOT LOOSEN OVER TIME.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jun 2, 202152,000 milesOR
The contact owns a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would shake and the vehicle was difficult to keep in the lane. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound while driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ball joints were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
EngineFire
Filed Jun 26, 2017130,000 milesNJ
ON MAY 31, 2017, I DROVE MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS CAR APPROX 2 MILES TO A STORE AND PARKED IN THE STORE LOT AND THEN AS I WENT TO SHUT MY CAR OFF, I SAW ALOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR HOOD SO I SHUT CAR OFF AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND THEN LIFTED MY HOOD AND SAW THAT MY ENGINE WAS IN ENGULFED IN FLAMES SO I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE HOOD AND STARTED TO RUN AWAY FROM MY CAR. BY THEN SOMEONE WHO SAW ALL THE SMOKE HAD CALLED POLICE TO THE SCENE AND FIRE TRUCKS CAME SOON AFTER THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FIREMAN PUT THE FIRE OUT. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DOM BALDUCCI'S CAR CARE AND WAS LEFT THERE FOR AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO COME AND INSPECT THE CAR WHICH HE DID AND AFTER THE INSPECTION HE CLAIMED MY CAR THE 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS AS A TOTAL LOSS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 27, 201563,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL HOSE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 9, 2015184,900 milesNV
CAR WILL CUT OFF WHILE CAR IS EITHER DECELERATING OR STATIONARY. OIL LIGHT WILL COME ON. PERIODICALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR TOO BUT MECHANIC CHECKED DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CODES NOTHING IS WRONG. VERY SCARY EXPERIENCES WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY AND SEVERAL CITY STREETS. NO PREWARNING LIGHTS.
Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2015200,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Steering
Filed Sep 13, 2015KY
THE BALL JOINTS HAVE ALWAYS MADE NOISE. THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS NEVER WORKED.
Tires
Filed Aug 8, 2015OH
CRACKING IN THE TREAD GROOVE OF A LEMANS P195/65R15. CURRENT TREAD DEPTH MEASURES 8 TO 9/32.
Suspension
Filed Apr 29, 2015110,000 milesPA
CAR HAS BEEN MAKING FRONT END NOISE FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS BEFORE THE BALL JOINT BREAKING COMPLETELY CAUSE THE AXLE TO REMOVE AND BREAK ALSO VEHICLE NEEDS FIXED ASAP CALL ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension
Filed Apr 9, 201510,400 milesPA
THE LOWER BALL JOINT IS VERY LOOSE AND MAKING ALOT OF NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE FOR THIS CAR. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *TR
Steering
Filed Jun 23, 2014PA
IGNITION LOCKS UP, KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION, CAN'T PUT CAR IN PARK. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN AIR BAG COMES ON THE CAR WANTS TO DIE OUT. ALREADY REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS, BRAKE DRUMS, BRAKE LINES, BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS TWICE. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 14, 2012170,000 milesIA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED, RUSTED, AND LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT WOULD EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
SuspensionCrash
Filed Feb 5, 2012111,080 milesPA
WHILE DRIVING MY SON HOME FROM SCHOOL, MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS BECAME DISABLED DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINT SNAPPING OFF THE CONTROL ARM. I HAD TO GET MY VEICHLE TOWED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT BALL JOINT , THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND ALSO THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. I ONLY OWN THIS CAR 6 MONTHS ( 1825 MILES) AND THIS WAS THE 2ND MAJOR REPAIR I HAD WITH THIS VEICHLES STEERING CONPONENTS ( RACK & PINION ASSY AND POWER STEERING PUMP). I FOUND ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL ID #79830 . CAN YOU PLEASE HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM OR LEAD ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANK YOU! *TR
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
Filed Jun 9, 2011NY
2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL NOTICE INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE TIME, HE WAS CONVINCED THE DEALER RECTIFIED THE CONDITION, BUT APPARENTLY THEY DID NOT. THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 26, 2011132,049 milesMO
BLOWER MOTOR FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET HEAT. WHEN INSPECTED BY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR WHERE BURNT OUT. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL CHYSLER OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME THING.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 23, 2010143,000 milesME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE HOSE WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE WITH VERY LIMITED AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 12, 2010200,000 milesKY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED ON MAIN STREET WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FURTHER FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 09/16-10 *BF UPDATED 09/20/10
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 21, 201081,000 milesMN
2000 CIRRUS 2.5L ENGINE RANDOMLY STALLS AND FROST / FREEZE PLUGS RUST THROUGH. STALLING: ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHICH LEAVES THE OPERATOR WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. NO TROUBLE CODES ARE DISPLAYED OR PENDING. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL START AND RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS OR WEEKS. WHEN STALLED, IF YOU ACTIVATE THE ALARM SYSTEM AND LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS IT SEEMS TO CLEAR THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND ALLOW THE FUEL PUMP TO RUN, WHICH ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO START. HAVEN'T CRASHED YET, HOWEVER WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL HARROWING EXPERIENCES. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF CHRYSLER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME RANDOM STALLING ISSUE, TO WHICH THEY HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING SENSORS....ETC ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CAR CONTINUES THIS RANDOM STALLING BEHAVIOR. BOTTOM LINE, THEY SELL THE CAR, WHICH MOVES THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE ON TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING OWNER. BOTTOM LINE THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT RANDOMLY STOP DURING OPERATION, AND IF IT DOES SHUTDOWN AS PROGRAMMED IN THE COMPUTER DUE TO A PENDING OR PERCEIVED MECHANICAL ISSUE, THE TROUBLE CODES SHOULD BE ACTIVATED. CHRYSLER KNOWS THIS IS AND ISSUE AND THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT, HOPING IT WILL GO AWAY WITH TIME. FROST OR FREEZE PLUGS ARE RUSTING OUT, NEVER IN MY 40 YEARS OF DRIVING HAVE I HAD A CAR THAT DID THIS. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND AGAIN THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER. SAVE 50 CENTS COST THE CUSTOMER OWNER THOUSANDS. I FIXED TWO P
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jun 15, 2010107,435 milesMO
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT AND A LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,435. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/18/10*JB
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Apr 11, 2010AL
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH CONNECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD WHICH LEAD TO STEERING PROBLEMS AND THE LINE. BRAKES FAILED ME ON MARCH 22, 2010 HAD A BAD CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY BRAKES NOR MY EMERGENCY BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, BOTH FAILED ME. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 11, 2010MA
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE FUEL FILLER NECK FOR MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS FOR OVER A MONTH. IT HAS BEEN ON FACTORY BACKORDER AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS NOT EVEN BEING MADE...LEAVING ME WITH A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO, BECAUSE THE PART RUSTED OUT IT ENDED UP DAMAGING MY FUEL PUMP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT...COSTING ME OVER $300 ALONE. *TR
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
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.