1997 Plymouth Breeze

Routine

Owners filed 155 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Plymouth Breeze years to avoid. Which Plymouth Breeze years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
73,000 milesMedian miles at failure

25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Plymouth Breeze problems

69 of the 155 complaints (45%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine47
021
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine14
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags9
815
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission6
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes5
100
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint4
000
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
001

8 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.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 30, 2018MS

1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION RECALL AND OTHER RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD

Service BrakesFire
Filed May 4, 201558,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM REAR WHEEL DRUM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR WHEEL CAUSING A FIRE. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Jul 10, 2009120,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE. WHILE PLACING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE, THE FILLER TUBE FELL TO THE GROUND. GASOLINE BEGAN LEAKING OUT ALL OVER THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THERE WAS A HOLE OR RUST IN THE GASOLINE TANK FILLER TUBE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. UPDATED 10/06/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/06/09

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 14, 2008910,000 milesCT

MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER EASILY POPS OUT OF DRIVE .THERE IS NO LOCK TO HOLD IT IN DRIVE. NOT SURE IF IT WAS MADE THIS WAY ????? YOU CAN HIT IF FORWARD AND IT COULD GO IN TO REVERSE IM SURE. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed May 25, 200682,450 milesMD

UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK I BACKED THE VEHICLE INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND FOUND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE. INVESTIGATION AFTER REMOVING THE TIRE FOUND THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT HAD SEPARATED AND COLLAPSED. INSPECTION OF THE PART FOUND NO APPARENT LUBRICATION AND RUST APPEARED ON THE BALL SECTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANICS SHOP AND THE PART REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. I ASKED IF THE DRIVERS SIDE TIE ROD WAS ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT BUT INSPECTION BY MY MECHANIC APPARENTLY FOUND THE UNIT TO BE INTACT. THE REMOVED PART WAS DISCARDED UNFORTUNATELY BUT THE MECHANIC INDICATED HE'S SEEN THE SAME FAILURE ON OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MANUFACTURER [CHRYSLER CORP] *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Mar 1, 200698,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A REPORT MADE BY THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 4/11/2006 - *NM

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Sep 17, 200545,000 milesIL

RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR CRUNCHING NOISE. 45.000 MILES DUE TO LENGTHY RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE SERIOUS DEFECTS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM OF MANY DAIMLER CHRYSLER VEHICLES. AFTER 27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH 14 VEHICLES (MOSTLY GM AND FORD) I HAVE NEVER HAD AS MANY DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION/STEERING FAILURES AS WITH THIS PLYMOUTH BREEZE. THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT CHRYSLER DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY (FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY) FOR POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING DEFECTS. THEY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR AND THEN FIND SUPPLIERS WHO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. I CONSIDER THE BREEZE UNUSABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, SUCH AS ANYTHING OVER 30 MPH. FOR HAVING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DESIGN THIS SITUATION IS JUST SAD. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO CHRYSLER AS I AM IN THE PROCESS OF STARTING A SMALL CLAIMS COURT CASE. IF YOU CAN FORWARD THIS TO CHRYSLER PLEASE TELL THEM THAT WE JUST WANT RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, NOT HAVING OUR LIVES AT STAKE. YOU SEE - IF YOU HIT A TREE OR SOMETHING SOLID - ALL OF THE EVIDENCE AGAINST THEM IS GONE. WAKE UP CONSUMERS - READ THE VEHICLE REPORTS BEFORE YOU BUY. BEAUTY MUST BE MORE THAN SKIN DEEP.*JB

Wheels
Filed Sep 16, 2005LA

CONSUMER INQUIRY REGARDING THE DEFECT IN THE HUBCAPS ON THE PLYMOUTH BREEZE AND THE DODGE STRATUS.*MR *NM

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Aug 9, 2005165,000 milesOH

DT: CALLER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/ PARK INTERLOCK. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED IT, BUT THEY DID NOT GIVE HER AN INVOICE. ONCE SHE PUT SUPER GLUE ON THE SHIFTER, AND AFTER THEY FIXED IT, SHE NOTICED THAT THE PLACE WHERE SHE GLUED IT WAS STILL THERE. MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 12, 2005MN

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 WATER PUMPS IN 3 YEARS. I OWN A PLYMOUTH BREEZE(1997) AND I JUST HAD TO REPLACE ANOTHER WATER PUMP PLUS IT DID DAMAGE TO VALVES AND HEAD. IT COST ME $1600.00. THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS THE WAY THAT CHRYSLER MADE THIS CAR. HE SAID THE INTREPPIT AND THE BREEZE ARE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE OF HOW THE MANUFACTURER MADE THEM.I WAS NEVER WARNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM NOR HAVE I HEARD FROM CHRYSLER THAT THERE MAY BE A DEFECT. I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP SAVED FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO EXAMINE IT!I THINK CHRYSLER SHOULD BE FORCED TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT IN THERE MANUFACTURE OF THIS VEHICLE.I HAVE OWNED AT LEAST 10 CAR AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE 2 WATER PUMPS IN A 3 YEAR PERIOD.I HAVE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE 1 OTHER WATER PUMP BUT IT NEVER DID DAMAGE TO THE HEAD AND VALVES.THIS IS A DEFECT OF THE CHRYSLER COORPORATION. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit BreakersFire
Filed Apr 2, 200598,021 milesAZ

PRIOR TO THE FIRE MY CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I WALKED OUTSIDE THE WIND SHILD WIPERS WERE GOING. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THEM TO STOP SO I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE OUT. THEN ON JULY 11 2004 MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IT APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE FUSE BOX.*AK

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Mar 28, 200595,000 milesMI

THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE HOSPITAL, THE INTERCOM ANNOUNCED THERE WAS A VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. *JB *NM

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Jan 4, 2005PA

POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AGAIN.*AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 200472,920 milesCT

ON 11/05/2003 MY CARS HEADGASKET WAS GOING.I PURCHASED MY CAR ON 11/14/2003 THE CAR HAD 59,708. I ONLY PUT ON THE CAR13,000 MILES FROM THE TIME THAT I HAD IT. I DID A CARFAX ON THE CAR AND SAW THAT ON 5/02/2003 THE CAR HAD 96,113 THEN ON 8/06/03 IT HAD 59,294 MILES THERE WAS A 36,819 MILE ROLLBACK.NOW I NEED TO KNOW THE TRUE MILEAGE ON THE CAR BECAUSE IF THE MILES ON THE CAR WERE TURNED BACK THAT MEANS THAT MY CAR HAS OVER 148,000 MILES AND MY MACHANIC SAID THAT BEING THAT THE CAR WAS 7 YEARS OLD THAT CAR WOULD HAVE OVER 148,000 MILES. I NEED TO KNOW THE TRUE MILES THAT WERE ON THE CAR WHEN THE FIRST OWNER SOLD THE CAR.BECAUSE IM GOING TO COURT DUE TO THIS MILEAGE PROBLEM. SO IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MILEAGE ISSUE.PLEASEIT WOULD BE VETY HELPFUL BEING THE FIRST OWNER WAS IN NEW YORK . THE DEALERSHIP IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME WITH THE PROBLEM .I TOOK GREAT CARE OF MY CAR ONE MONTH AFTER I GOT THE CAR I GOT AN OIL CHANGE THEN I GOT IT FLUSHED AND FILED W/ THE OIL CHANGE IN MARCH AND EVERY 3,000 MILES AFTER THAT.THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE CAR TO THEM ON 11/08/2004. APON DOING THAT THE CAR THEN DIED. HAD THE CAR TOWED FROM WERE I BROKE DOWN. MY CAR SAT IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR 2 DAYS . THEY WERE TO HAVE SOMEONE LOOK AT THE CAR . BUT INSTEAD THEY SENT IT OUT TO GET LOOKED AT . BUT INSTEAD THEY BROKE DOWN MY ENGINE AND I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR FOR THE LAST MONTH NEXT MONTH WILL BE 2 MONTHS .SO COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 18, 2004NC

BRAKES MALFUNCTION, ABS LIGHT ON. *BF THE VEHICLE HAD CONSTANT BRAKE PROBLEM. EVERYTIME ON PROBLEM WAS FIXED SOMETHING ELSE FAILED. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Oct 12, 2004103,000 milesID

THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Aug 17, 2004123,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A DRY/SMOOTH ROAD SURFACE BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. NO INJURY TO REPORT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire1 injured
Filed Jul 1, 2004CT

THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2004NY

THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHTS DON'T WORK. THE BULBS DO NOT NEED REPLACING, I'VE CHECKED. AND AS FOR THE FUSES THEY ALL OK. IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO'S HAVING THIS PROBLEM, MY FRIEND WHO HAS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE(PASSANGER). ON ANOTHER NOTE I GET A SMELL FROM THE HEATER CORE WHEN ITS ON. I HAVE TO KEEP IT ON OTHER WISE THE ENGINE OVER HEATS. I'VE HAD THE THERMOSTATE AND A RADITOR FLUSH TO SEE IF IT WOULD HELP. BUT EVEN WITH ALL THAT'S BEEN DONE FOR REPAIRS IT KEEPS HAPPENING. *AK

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Apr 20, 200473,000 milesNY

THE STRUTS FAILED. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE PART HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR. *JB THERE WERE ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE SPARK PLUGS CONTINUED TO GET DIRTY, TWO SETS OF TIRES WERE LOST, THERE WAS AN ODOR COMING FROM THE AC, THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE MAIN SEAL AND LEFT REAR CORNER OF THE HEAD, THE HEATER FAN ONLY WORKED ON HIGH, THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED THEN GOES AWAY, THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT WHEELS, THE FLASH MODULE CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE UPSTREAM #2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE STEERING RACK HAD BROKEN, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE AC BELT WAS CRACKED. *SC THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Apr 6, 200470,000 milesIL

THE TIE ROD ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BROKE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ROD IS LOOSE.*MR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2004200 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING OIL. DEALER FOUND THAT HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2004MN

I'VE BEEN HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY '97 BREEZE SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN APRIL OF 2002. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DOOR PANELS SHAKE/VIBRATE WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR AND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. COME TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A BOLT MISSING OFF OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE OTHERS WERE LOOSE AND THEY GOT FIXED BUT THE CAR STILL HAS THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 15, 200490,000 milesKY

OIL LEAL...HEAD GASKET....DEFECT IN DESIGN BRAKES

Tires
Filed Jan 15, 2004FL

THE SPARK PLUGS ARE FULL OF OIL

Suspension
Filed Jan 15, 200456,010 milesMA

ENGINE: CANSHAFT OIL SEAL FELL OUT, RUINED ENGINE, REQUIRED REBUILDING ENGINE. CHRYSLER REFUSED TO PAY. I FOUND A TSB THAT PROVIDES A RETAINER TO KEEP OIL SEAL FROM FALLING OUT. ENGINE HAS SEVERE VIBRATION AT IDLE. CAN NOT FIND CAUSE. FRONT SUSPENSION: LOUD CLUNK NEAR DRIVERS FOOTWELL, MANY RATTLES. FOUND FAILED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING. WHILE REPAIRING ALSO FOUND BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WORN AND LEFT SIDE INNER TIE ROD END WORN. SWAY BAR LINK WAS ALSO WORN. NO HELP FROM CHRYSLER AT ALL. REAR WHEEL BEARING LOOSE. TIGHTENED RETAINER NUT TO SPECIFIED 185 FT LBS. WHICH CORRECTED PROBLEM.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 12, 200460,000 milesFL

GOOD EVENING, I WANTED TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER. I HAVE A 97 PLYMOUTH BREEZE THAT HAS HAD A HEAD AND A TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 2 SEPARATE TIMES. THE HEAD WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF HEAD GASKET AND THE TRANSMISSION AFTER IF OVERHEATED ON HIGHWAY USE (5, 2003), GOT STUCK 200+ MILES AWAY FROM HOME. FINALLY I SENT MY LAST PAYMENT LAST MONTH BUT TO MY SURPRISE MY TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP AGAIN AND THE ONLY SERVICES I GET FROM THE SHOP IS FOR MY TO DRIVE TO THEM (200 MILES AWAY). OTHER ISSUES BRAKES DO NOT LAST AND SUSPENSION IS ON THE FRITZ.. THANK YOU DANIEL RODRIGUEZ [email protected] MIAMI, FL *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Nov 20, 200318,000 milesNY

MULTIPLE OIL LEAKS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. BOUGHT CAR WITH 14,000 MILES, REPLACED FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS AT 19,000 MILES, REPLACED CAM SEALS AT 32,000 MILES, HAD NEW BRAKES AGAIN AT 39,000 MILES, AND NOW AT 49,500 HAVING SPARK PLUG SEALS REPLACED. ALL MAJOR ENGINE WORK DONE AT NEWBURGH PARK MOTORS, NEWBURGH NY. THIS CAR HAS COST ME MORE IN MAINTENANCE THAN MY CRAPPY 1979 GMC PICK-UP WITH A BILLION MILES ON IT! THE DEALER JUST SHRUGS IT OFF AND SAYS THIS IS TYPICAL AND IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY. I SAY SHAME ON CHRYSLER FOR MANUFACTURING A SUB-STANDARD PRODUCT AND NOT STANDING BEHIND IT! YOU COWARDS!!!!! *LA

Child Seat › Material/Padding1 injured
Filed Sep 16, 2003SD

CHILD WAS ABLE TO PULL CHILD SAFETY SEAT PADDING OUT. THIS CAUSED CHILD TO CHOKE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2003NY

CONSUMER NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER A YEAR OLD, THE SAME OIL LEAKED WAS REPAIRED. *PH *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 9, 200390,000 milesKY

OIL LEAK...HEAD GASKET DEFECT..PLYMOUTH BREEZE 1997..POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. CHRYSLER SAID NO PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 26, 200345,000 milesFL

HEAD GASKET OIL LEAK-THIS HAS BEEN KNOWN AS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL-WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BEEN DONE WHEN IT IS SO WELL KNOWN? IT IS VERY COSTLY AND INCONVENIENT TO HAVE REPAIRED WHEN IT SEEMS TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH WEAR ON THE VEHICLE. *NLM

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed May 18, 2003MD

ON THIS SUNDAY AT 12:15 PM MY 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH NO ONE AROUND IT. MY WIFE NOTICED IT WHEN THE HORN STARTED BLOWING. I WAS ACROSS THE STREET AT A NEIGHBORS. FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DASH ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL IT SELF AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AREA MELTED AND BLACKENED THE WORSE. THE FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED IMMEDIATELY. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 2, 2003NC

OIL LEAK - 1999 - CAR (1997 BREEZE) STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME. DEALER REPAIRED CAR BY REPLACING HEAD GASKET AND CAM SEALS. THREE WEEKS LATER, OIL STILL LEAKING AND RETURNED TO SAME DEALER, WHO AGAIN FIXED CAR. ABOUT A YEAR LATER DURING OIL CHANGE WAS TOLD CAR WAS STILL LEAKING, BUT OUT OF WARRANTY NOW. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANICS (EVEN AT DEALERSHIPS) THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT NO RECALLS, PLYMOUTH JUST CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *TT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 20, 200340,000 milesOH

I NOTICED A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF MY 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE FROM A MINIMUM SPEED OF 25 MPH AND MORE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A NOISE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND DRIVE. MY BREEZE ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AND THEY FOUND THAT A RETAINING SNAP RING HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION (METAL CONTAMINATION, ETC.). THE COST TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION, DIAGNOSIS, REPLACING THE TORQUE CONVERTER, AND REPLACING THE CLUTCH DISCS AND FLUID WILL COST ME ABOUT $2100. IS THIS A NORMAL THING TO HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES? IS THERE ANY OTHER NOTED COMPLAINTS OR RECALLS THAT WOULD HELP RECTIFY THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER CONSUMERS? I BELIEVE CHRYSLER SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND NOW THEY OFFER A 7 YR/70,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, BUT THIS DOESN'T HELP ME AS THAT DID NOT EXIST BACK ON THE 1997 MODEL YEAR. I BELIEVE I CAUGHT THIS PROBLEM EARLY, BUT COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT MORE DAMAGE OR EVEN A CRASH, ETC.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2003VT

THE HEAD GASKET FAILED.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 8, 200392,000 milesWY

I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE, I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS THE HEAD GASKET. I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF RECALL DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD FROM THE REPAIR SHOP THAT IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THESE KIND OF VEHICLES TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsFire
Filed Feb 3, 2003145,000 milesMS

REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET. 5 DAYS LATER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. PRIVATE MECHANIC CHECKED OUT WHAT HAPPENED. HE CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL LINE LEAKAGE OR THE WIRING HARNESS

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Jan 31, 200350,000 milesPA

I HAVE A '97 PLYMOUTH BREEZE. SUDDENLY, INEXPLICABLY, THE HEATER WOULD NOT WORK ON THE LOWER FAN SETTINGS--IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THE COLDEST WEEKS THIS WINTER! HAD IT CHECKED OUT, IT IS THE BLOWER MOTOR. IT IS DRAWING TOO MUCH POWER AND OVERLOADING THE RESISTOR, WHICH IT NOW ALSO NEEDS. I HAVE BEEN SCOURING THE WEB FOR REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO PLYMOUTH BREEZES OR DODGE STRATUSES (STRASTI?) OR EVEN THE CIRRUS. I HAVE FOUND ABOUT 3 OR SO. NOT ENOUGH TO BE CLEAR EVIDENCE OF A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR OWNERS, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO RECALL ON THE PARTS. MY QUESTION IS, HAVE YOU HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS? I DID SEE SOME STUFF ABOUT A MILDEW SMELL IN THE CAR AND PROBLEMS WITH THE DEFOGGER NOT DEFOGGING ALL THE WAY. I BELIEVE THERE IS A CONNECTION WITH THIS AND THE BLOWER MOTOR ISSUE. MY CAR HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE DEFOGGER BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A REPAIR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE, THANKS JEFF GARRETT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 28, 2003MA

THE CONSUMER STATED, WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE FLUIDS BEGAN TO BUBBLE, AND CAUSED THE OIL TO BOIL OVER INTO THE COOLING SYSTEM. TS SCC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 15, 200345,800 milesDE

THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED OIL INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM. WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD, WATER PUMPAND HOSES. *TS COOLANT ALSO LEAKED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 14, 2003WI

THE HEAD GASKET OF MY 1997 PLYMOUTH BREEZE IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE HEAD GASKET. THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTED EARLIER. WHEN I FIRST TOLD THE DEALER ABOUT IT HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST @$200. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT HAS CONTINUED AND I WONDERED IF THERE WAS A RECALL DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2002VA

WE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD AND GASKET ON OUR CAR APRIL OF 2001. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY PAID FOR THE PART. NOW WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEAD AND GASKET THAT WAS PLACED ON IN 2001 WITH A NEW HEAD AND GASKET AGAIN.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Sep 4, 2002MI

THERE HAVE BEEN ONGOING BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT ANY SPEED, THE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS 4 TIMES, FRONT AND REAR ROTORS TWICE, AND THE REAR DRUMS TWICE. *AK *SCC

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Aug 28, 2002WI

VEHICLE WAS REVERSING, HEARD A TOMPING NOISE, INNER TIE ROD BROKE. COULDN'T MOVE VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER.THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Aug 13, 2002TX

97 V 201 000/WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT RIGHT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Filed Jul 29, 2002TN

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH SHOULDER BELT DETACHED FROM FRAME ON DRIVER'S SIDE, FALLING INTO HER LAP WITH NO WARNING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2002MA

VEHICLE LEAKING OIL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED CONSUMER OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *AK *JG

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jun 28, 2002TX

LOWER BALL JOINT DISCONNECTED WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Jun 5, 2002IL

LEFT FRONT TIE ROD END BROKE WHILE SHIFTING VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK.*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 155, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20021000Routine
2000389220High concern
19991177250High concern
19981747111Fatalities reported
1997 — this page155880Routine
19961821021Fatalities reported
19950300Routine

Compare every Breeze 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.