Owners have filed 203 complaints
about the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 50
Against the median year of the Chrysler Cirrus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Chrysler Cirrus
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
411.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
25.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
822.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1748.6%
150,000+ miles
38.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 1995peak 10Jan 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03011Opened 17 Jul 2003Closed 30 Jan 2004POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHI...
EA97016Opened 29 Sep 1997Closed 20 Nov 1997SUSPENSION
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE
BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THIS AGENCY OF ITS DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THIS EA.THE RECALL WILL ALSO COVER 1996 AND 1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS/DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES, AS WELL AS 1995 THROUGH 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS.AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 599,00VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT PROCESS VARIABILITY, TOGETHER WITH THE BALL JOINT HOUSING COVER CRIMPING...
Recalls on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
10E059000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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.
09E056000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
06E091000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
06E088000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
04V021000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
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.
98V183000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
97V201000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
97V095000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004003277,416 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter, the ignition-park interlock may become defeated 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. This may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning. Correction: Dealer will inspect the function of the ignition-park interlock system. Vehicles found with functional interlock systems will have a load-limiting push rod installed into the floor shifter lever. Vehicles with a non-functional ignition-park interlock system will have the shifter assembly replaced.
Recall 199816561,866 units in Canada
Other
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED SHIFTER RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION MAY BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION. CORRECTION: THE CONSOLE SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER FUNCTION. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A CURRENT PRODUCTION "SELF ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
Recall 199801012,494 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. The calibration of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may fail to adequately control CO emissions. Correction: PCM will be reflashed with a new calibration.
Recall 199720553,134 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint may separate due to loss of lubrication. This separation could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Ball joint end housing cover seal will be inspected for leakage and the rubber boot will be inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Recall 199712321,272 units in Canada
Structure
THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING MAY NOT REMAIN IN POSITION DURING HOOD CLOSING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BOTH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LATCH FUNCTION. LOSS OF HOOD FUNCTION CAN RESULT IN A HOOD FLY-UP CONDITION. CORRECTION: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE HAVING A LONGER END HOOK.
Recall 19960796,257 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. Correction: Rear brake master cylinder piston assemblies will be replaced.
Recall 19960789,358 units in Canada
Brakes
CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT MAY CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION. IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE MAY TEND TO DEVIATE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CORRECTION: A PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
Recall 19960095,733 units in Canada
Engine
AN ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE PLUG MAY RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CORRECTION: AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE SUSPECT CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 87,500 milesCasper, WYCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,063 milesMans Field, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10452239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRainier, ORCrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10037217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 107,000 milesHomeland, CA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10943875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesHomeland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10943875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesHomeland, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10943875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,500 milesCasper, WYCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,063 milesMans Field, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10452239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesRock Springs, WY
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10438730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCarlota, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10355793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCheyenne, WY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10289165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesRaleigh, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10258858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,505 milesIndianapolis, IN
EQUIPMENT
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!
NHTSA complaint #10239936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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
NHTSA complaint #10235729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGreen Wood Lake, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL IN MY RADIATOR. SLUDGE INSIDE OF MY ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10232602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,784 milesAtlanta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10214499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWilliamston, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWilliamston, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWilliamston, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,960 milesWhittier, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10174575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #10125838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.