FaultScore

FaultScore report

1997 Chrysler LHS problems

Owners have filed 105 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler LHS with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019. The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 7 worst.

B

FaultScore 29/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chrysler LHS.

How this is worked out

The numbers

105

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

110,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

3%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 26 vs 50 Severity 49 vs 50 Early failure 6 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the Chrysler LHS. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 6
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1997 compares with every other Chrysler LHS

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1997 Chrysler LHS

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 127,200 mi

Brakes 13 12.4%

Median failure at 97,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 13 12.4%

Median failure at 121,454 miles

Steering 11 10.5%

Median failure at 131,500 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 8 7.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 5.7%
Electrical System 5 4.8%

Median failure at 56,522 miles

Seat Belts 4 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 84,476 mi

Lights 3 2.9%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Suspension 3 2.9%

Median failure at 4,073 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 1.9%
Body & Structure 2 1.9%
Airbags 2 1.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Other & Unspecified 1 1.0%
Equipment & Accessories 1 1.0%
Seats 1 1.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 1.0%

Median failure at 97,000 miles

Exactly what failed

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.

Fuel Injection System 9 25.7%
Automatic Transmission 6 17.1%
Cooling System 4 11.4%
Rotor 4 11.4%
Disc 4 11.4%
Headlights 3 8.6%
Tank Assembly 3 8.6%
Fuel Gauge System 2 5.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 3.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 3.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 10.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 17.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 16 55.2%
150,000+ miles 3 10.3%

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.

Mar 1997 peak 8 Feb 2019

NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Chrysler LHS

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.

DP04007 Opened 13 Oct 2004 Closed 27 Oct 2004 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSIS

ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPRO...

EA03011 Opened 17 Jul 2003 Closed 30 Jan 2004 POWER 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...

RQ98018 Opened 7 Oct 1998 Closed 8 Jul 2002 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAK

Recalls on the 1997 Chrysler LHS

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

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.

98V184000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.

Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2004003 277,416 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 1998167 58,470 units in Canada

Fuel System

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5 LITRE ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM MAY LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING "O-RINGS" OR FROM HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOPLASTIC FUEL INJECTION RAIL. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE SUCH A CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: THE NITRILE RUBBER "O-RINGS" WILL BE REPLACED WITH "O-RINGS" MADE OF AN IMPROVED MATERIAL. THE FUEL RAIL WILL ALSO BE EVALUATED AND REPLACED AS REQUIRED.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

SAN Jose, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SEAT/SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK UP ON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT MY HEAD STILL HIT THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA complaint #755007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Jose, CA Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

SEAT/SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK UP ON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT MY HEAD STILL HIT THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA complaint #755007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA 1 injured

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

CONSUMER LIFTED HOOD TO CHECK OIL, HOOD SLAMMED DOWN AND INJURED CONSUMER. LIFTS WENT OUT ON VEHICLE. *AK *SLC

NHTSA complaint #883225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warren, MI Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND VEHICLE IN PARK, VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE, CAUSING A COLLISION/INJURY. CAUSE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #848965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dover, NH Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 98V184000 & NOTIFIED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & HAD "O" RINGS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. PICKED UP VEHICLE & IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH. TOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER WHEN OTHER DRIVERS STARTED FLAGGING OWNER DOWN DUE TO VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE RECALL REMEDY HAD FAILED & VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #836457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingston, MA Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN # .

NHTSA complaint #830745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 160,000 miles Fargo, ND

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I NOTICED A GAS SMELL WHILE DRIVING AND THOUGHT THAT SINCE I HAD RECENTLY PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE THAT THAT WAS WHAT I SMELLED. THE SMELL PERSISTED AND I HAD THE HOOD OPEN AND I NOTICED THAT GAS WAS GUSHING OUT OF THE FRONT MIDDLE PART OF THE ENGINE. MY ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON AND IT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF SO I PARKED IT AND IT NOW SITS. I RELY ON MY CAR TO GET TO WORK. I WAS TOLD THAT A FIRE COULD START AND I FEARED FOR MY SAFEY AND OTHERS AROUND ME.

NHTSA complaint #11175093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,044 miles Enid, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND MY DASH LIGHT WENT BLACK. IT STOPPED WORKING. THEY DID NOT WORK FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THEN A WEEK AGO THEY CAME BACK ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. TONIGHT, AFTER A WEEK OF WORKING DASH LIGHTS, THEY SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WHAT IS GOING ON? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #10499816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,200 miles Eugene, OR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

BAD FUEL LEAK DEVELOPED , AND WAS , AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS , REPAIRED BY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER ,- PLENUM , INJECTOR ETC. REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10440225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Eugene, OR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CAR HAS HAD BAD FUEL LEAK NOW FOR A MONTH , IT IS AN INJECTOR THAT I AM CERTAIN WAS REPLACED BY THE LOCAL DEALER TWO YEARS AGO , BUT EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED IT, THEY ARE CLAIMING THEY REPLACED A DIFFERENT INJECTOR TO THE LEAKING ONE ,AND THEREFORE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE LEAK .

NHTSA complaint #10440227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 143,000 miles Thaska, MN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V184000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) IN 1999 FOR AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE SMELL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR HAD RETURNED AND THE SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS EXTREMELY OVERPOWERING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE O-RINGS FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #10436782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,243 miles Kapolei, HI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. I CHECKED IT ON A COMPUTER AND IT SAID MISFIRE ON CYLINDER ONE. IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND A FAMILY FRIEND IS A SERVICE MANAGER FOR A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP ON THE MAINLAND, I LIVE IN HAWAII. HE SAID THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT VERY LIKELY COULD BE RELATED TO RECALL # 98V184000. I TOOK IT INTO, CUTTER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP IN PEARL CITY HAWAII, IN HOPES THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL. A FEW DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS AND TO COME AND PICK UP MY CAR. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING, GRANTED WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH BUT IT WAS RUNNING NEVERTHELESS. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF OF THE LOT AND WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO MY HOUSE I CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. I STILL HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I KNOW THAT IT MAY TAKE A COUPLE OF TRIPS TO RESET THE COMPUTER. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF I WANTED TO CHECK AND SEE HOW THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE. THAT IS WHEN I FOUND THAT THERE WAS GAS UNDER THE FUEL RAIL, AND THE FUEL RAIL HAS CRACKS AROUND WHERE THE FUEL INJECTORS SIT. I TOOK THE PARTS TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD THE PARTS FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS IT WENT FROM THE GENTLEMAN THAT I WAS WORKING WITH IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HIS MANAGER TO TOM SMITH WHO ULTIMATELY SAID HE WOULD NOT HELP ME WITH THIS RECALL. THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE DEFINITELY LEAKING AND THERE ARE CRACKS ON THE FUEL RAIL.

NHTSA complaint #10347884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,243 miles Kapolei, HI

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. I CHECKED IT ON A COMPUTER AND IT SAID MISFIRE ON CYLINDER ONE. IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND A FAMILY FRIEND IS A SERVICE MANAGER FOR A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP ON THE MAINLAND, I LIVE IN HAWAII. HE SAID THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT VERY LIKELY COULD BE RELATED TO RECALL # 98V184000. I TOOK IT INTO, CUTTER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP IN PEARL CITY HAWAII, IN HOPES THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL. A FEW DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS AND TO COME AND PICK UP MY CAR. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING, GRANTED WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH BUT IT WAS RUNNING NEVERTHELESS. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF OF THE LOT AND WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO MY HOUSE I CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. I STILL HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I KNOW THAT IT MAY TAKE A COUPLE OF TRIPS TO RESET THE COMPUTER. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF I WANTED TO CHECK AND SEE HOW THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE. THAT IS WHEN I FOUND THAT THERE WAS GAS UNDER THE FUEL RAIL, AND THE FUEL RAIL HAS CRACKS AROUND WHERE THE FUEL INJECTORS SIT. I TOOK THE PARTS TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD THE PARTS FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS IT WENT FROM THE GENTLEMAN THAT I WAS WORKING WITH IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HIS MANAGER TO TOM SMITH WHO ULTIMATELY SAID HE WOULD NOT HELP ME WITH THIS RECALL. THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE DEFINITELY LEAKING AND THERE ARE CRACKS ON THE FUEL RAIL.

NHTSA complaint #10347884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 137,000 miles ASH, NC

STEERING

MY 1997 CHRYSLER LHS COMPLETELY LOST ALL STEERING,THE STEERING WHEEL WENT FROM ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER WITH NO RESISTANCE AT ALL AND THE WHEELS NEVER MOVED,LUCKILY IT WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT DRIVING MY GRANDKIDS.

NHTSA complaint #10328658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Mccrory, AR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS CLEANED. SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE REPAIR, WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL WEEKS LATER. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A PROPER DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 104,000. UPDATED 3/30/09 *CNTHE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ACCLERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. UPDATED 03/31/09.

NHTSA complaint #10260789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Mccrory, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS CLEANED. SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE REPAIR, WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE APPLIED POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. SHE HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL WEEKS LATER. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A PROPER DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 104,000. UPDATED 3/30/09 *CNTHE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ACCLERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. UPDATED 03/31/09.

NHTSA complaint #10260789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 174,000 miles Marion, IN

STEERING

I JUST PURCHASED THE CURSED 97 CHRYSLER LHS . DRIVING IT HOME I NOTICED SLOPPY STEERING CONDITIONS. AND I HIT A POTHOLE AND MY CAR JERKED OVER TO THE NEXT LANE AND ALMOST HIT AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. WHEN I GOT HOME I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE TIE RODS AND OF COURSE THEY WERE LOOSE AT THE INNER TIE ROD. SO IM STUCK WITH AN UNSAFE CAR THAT I CANT DRIVE. THANKS ALOT YOU BILLIONAIRE FREAKS.

NHTSA complaint #10247901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles MT. Rainier, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL PERTAINING TO THE GASOLINE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE FUEL INJECTION WAS LEAKING GAS. RECALL # 98V184000. UPDATED 07/31/08.

NHTSA complaint #10233164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Brooklyn Park, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING CAN NOT BE REMOVED TO REPLACE A BURNED OUT HEADLIGHT BULB. THERE ARE TWO BOLTS THAT NEED TO BE REMOVED FOR EACH HEADLIGHT. ONE OF THE TWO BOLTS CAN NOT BE REMOVED AS THE NUT HOLDING THE BOLT ROTATES INSIDE THE PLASTIC HOUSING AND WILL NOT LET THE BOLT BE REMOVED. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND MEANS THAT TO MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DRIVE WITH A BURNED OUT BULB MUCH LONGER THAN NECESSARY UNTIL THEY CAN SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT. IT SHOULDN'T TAKE THAT LONG TO REPLACE A BURNED OUT HEADLIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10150410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dorchester, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SPEED, TEMPERATURE, AND FUEL LIGHT GAUGES WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.

NHTSA complaint #10112943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boston, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS, MOST OF THE TIME WHILE I AM DRIVING ALL OF MY INSTRUMENT WILL DROP DOWN TO 0 AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE HEAT WILL COME ON FULL BLAST HOT NO MATTER WHAT SETTING I HAVE IT ON. AND THEN WHEN THE INSTRUMENT FINALY COME BACK UP TO THE SPEED THAT I AM GOING THE A/C COMES ON AS WELL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IN RANDOLPH SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG,LONG TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10112053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Boynton Beach, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

INSTRUMENT PANEL LOOSE GROUND CONNECTIONS CAUSE DRIVER INST PANEL TO GO ON OR OFF WHEN DRIVING THIS ALSO EFFECTS AIR BAG PANEL LIGHT. THIS IS CHRYSLER TSB. WHEN OCCURS YOU ARE BLIND TO GAS & ALL DISPLAYS, INCL MPH.VERY DANGERIOUS, SHOULD BE A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10102861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Franklinton, NC

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

VEHICLE TENDS TO SWERVE MAKING THE ABILITY TO CONTROL DIFFICULT. REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE STEERING RACK NEEDS REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,214 miles Occidental, CA

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

(1) EVENTS: NORMAL DRIVING. (2) LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ON 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. DUE TO LUCK THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY, ALTHOUGH FAILURE AT A DIFFERENT TIME WOULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. FAILURE IS NOT YET FULLY ANALYZED, BUT APPEARS TO BE DUE TO FAILURE OF EITHER INNER TIE ROD BUSHING OR INNER TIE ROD MOUNTING BOLT. STEERING CONTROL OF LEFT SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOST. I WILL PROVIDE UPDATE WHEN EXACT NATURE OF FAILURE IS AVAILABLE. FOR LEGAL REASONS I AM PROCEEDING CAREFULLY IN ANALYZING THIS FAILURE. COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER ANALYSIS IS COMPLETE.

NHTSA complaint #10100377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,214 miles Occidental, CA

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

(1) EVENTS: NORMAL DRIVING. (2) LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL ON 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. DUE TO LUCK THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY, ALTHOUGH FAILURE AT A DIFFERENT TIME WOULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. FAILURE IS NOT YET FULLY ANALYZED, BUT APPEARS TO BE DUE TO FAILURE OF EITHER INNER TIE ROD BUSHING OR INNER TIE ROD MOUNTING BOLT. STEERING CONTROL OF LEFT SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOST. I WILL PROVIDE UPDATE WHEN EXACT NATURE OF FAILURE IS AVAILABLE. FOR LEGAL REASONS I AM PROCEEDING CAREFULLY IN ANALYZING THIS FAILURE. COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER ANALYSIS IS COMPLETE.

NHTSA complaint #10100377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NAS Lemoore, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

WHEN MY FUEL GUAGE READS A HALF OF A TANK, I'LL RUN OUT OF GAS.

NHTSA complaint #10098527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,995 miles Rockwood, TN

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

RACK AND PINION BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10087156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,476 miles SAN Bernardino, CA

SEAT BELTS

I READ AN ARTICLE ONLINE ABOUT DEFECTIVE SEAT BELTS MODEL GEN3 ON CHRYSLER LHS VEHICLES FROM 1994 THRU 2001. I SAW VIDEOS OF HOW THEY WERE TESTED AND HOW THEY FAILED. I CHECKED MY SEAT BELTS ON MY CHRYSLER LHS 1997 AND FOUND THAT THEY TOO FAILED THE TEST. I CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER DEALER BUT SAID THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS AND HAVE THEM REPLACED. I JUST RECENLY OBTAINED THIS VEHICLE AND I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSAFE PARTS INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #10082967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Navarre, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REPLACEMENT FUEL RAIL O RING TO REINFORCE THE FUEL OUTLET RAIL. WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED A FUEL ODOR COMING INSIDE FROM THE VENTS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOTICED OIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE LEAKING UNDERNEATH. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL. A RECALL WAS DONE FOUR YEARS AGO, AND CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #10083250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,000 miles Carter Lake, IA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE CAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10076252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles Dade City, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

I DRIVE A 1997 CHRYSLER LHS. I HAVE 2 ISSUES BOTH COVERED UNDER RECALLS THAT CHRYSLER HAS PERFORMED. 1. EVAPORATOR FAILED - CHRYSLER ADDED AN ADDENDUM TO INCREASE THE WARRANTY ON THIS TO 71,000 MILES. MINE FAILED AT 53K AND I HAD A INDEPENDANT MECHANIC REPAIR MY CAR. TOTAL COST WAS AROUND $1,000. CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY SIMPLY SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I ASKED WHY AND THE HELP DESK PERSON SAID A TECH TOLD HIM WE WON'T COVER THE COSTS. THE REPAIRS WE'RE MADE LAST YEAR. IF IT'S COVERED AND THEIR ADDENDUM STATES IT WILL OCVER IT HOW ARE THEY ALLOWED TO SKIRT PAST THIS? 2. MY CAR LEAKS GAS. FOUND A RECALL IN 1999 THAT ADDRESSED AN ISSUE ABOUT BAD FUEL RAILS AND CHRYSLER WOULD DID INDEED REPAIR CARS. MY CAR HAS THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. DOING A VIN CHECK VERIFIED THIS. SO I EXPLAINED TO MY CHRYSLER DEALER THAT OBVIOUSLY THE RECALL IS BAD. HE SAID BRING THE CAR IN, I'LL ANALYZE IT ( AT MY COST $100 ) AND WE WILL DTERMINE WHERE IT'S AT. I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND ANY $$ ON THEIR FAULTY WORK. HOW DO I PROCEED TO GET CHRYSLER COVER THEIR POOR QUALITY? I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND VERY CONCERNED THAT MY CAR IS A DEATRH TRAP WITH THE LEAKING FUEL. AT THE EXTREMEM TEMPERATURES CARS REACH IN FLROIDA - A COMBUSTION IS NOT FAR FROM HAPPENING. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10072610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.