IllustrationDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE FUEL FILLER PIPE BROKE 3 INCHES FROM THE TOP CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC.
1995 Chrysler Cirrus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cirrus years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 69.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cirrus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 33 of 369 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
44 crash reports5 fire reports24 injury reports
What owners actually said
369 reportsTHE FIRST FAILURE WAS ON DEC 19 2005, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65 MPH AND THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR IT JUST FREE WHEELED. AFTER BRING THE CAR TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION …
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THE FIRST FAILURE WAS ON DEC 19 2005, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65 MPH AND THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO A LOWER GEAR IT JUST FREE WHEELED. AFTER BRING THE CAR TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK IT RESTARTED. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE MORE TIMES THIS WEEK. *NM
1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS CASTLE NUT AND PIN FELL OFF ALLOWING THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO FALL APART.*MR THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAD IT REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS THE PART FAILED AGAIN. *NM UPDATED 9/15/05. *JB
DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, WHEN THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT DID NOT HAVE A THERMOSTAT. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE RAN HOT SHE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD HER THERE WAS NO THERMOSTAT. EVERY TIME SHE MOVED THE VEHICLE SHE WOULD HAVE TO ADD WATER AND ANTIFREEZE. BECAUSE THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE HOSE.…
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DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, WHEN THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT DID NOT HAVE A THERMOSTAT. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE RAN HOT SHE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD HER THERE WAS NO THERMOSTAT. EVERY TIME SHE MOVED THE VEHICLE SHE WOULD HAVE TO ADD WATER AND ANTIFREEZE. BECAUSE THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE HOSE. ON 7-16-05, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO OVER 50 MPH THEN THE SPEED STARTED DROPPING. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD .SHE PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT THE IGNITION OFF. SHE TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN THEN IT MADE A WINDING NOISE, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTERWARDS THERE WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. SHE CONTACTED THE TOW SERVICE, WHICH TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REFUSED TO FIX VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT CONSUMER'S HOME BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT GET ANY OF THE MECHANICS TO REPAIR IT. *AK
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY PLACED CAR INTO CRUISE AT ABOUT 77 OR 78 MPH. WHEN LOOKED AT SPEEDOMETER IT WAS AT ABOUT 60. MPH. ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT NOT IN GEAR. MOVED SHIFT, BUT FOUND IT WAS STILL IN NEUTRAL. VEHICLE WAS COASTING, WHEN SLOWING TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT WENT IN LOW GEAR. HAVE TO PULL OVER IN EMERGENCY LANE AND S…
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DT: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY PLACED CAR INTO CRUISE AT ABOUT 77 OR 78 MPH. WHEN LOOKED AT SPEEDOMETER IT WAS AT ABOUT 60. MPH. ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT NOT IN GEAR. MOVED SHIFT, BUT FOUND IT WAS STILL IN NEUTRAL. VEHICLE WAS COASTING, WHEN SLOWING TO ABOUT 30 MPH IT WENT IN LOW GEAR. HAVE TO PULL OVER IN EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RESTART TO GET VEHICLE TO DRIVE. SOMETIMES THIS MAY BE HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AS MUCH AS 25 TIMES. WHEN IT DOES GO INTO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND MAY GO AS LITTLE AS 20-25 MILES BEFORE IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL AND WILL HAVE TO REPEAT THIS RITUAL. TOOK TO DEALER 5 TIMES FOR ABOUT 5-6 WEEKS. DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK. THIS DID NOT HELP EITHER. LAST TIME CHANGED SOP SHIFT SOLENOID. VEHICLE IS NOW WORSE THAN BEFORE AND CONSUMER SPENT $1,000 FOR REPAIRS THAT DID NOT HELP.*AK *TT *NM
1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STOP.*MR A LUG NUT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING UNIT FELL OFF. *NM
THE CONDITION I WILL DESCRIBE HAS EXISTED WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. I HAVE THE WORK ORDERS FROM THE TWO DEALERS I HAVE WORKED WITH TO RESOLVE THE PROBEM. EACH TIME IT HAS COST ABOUT $250.00 TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I DON'T WANT TO SPEND THESE $$$ AGAIN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR DOES …
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THE CONDITION I WILL DESCRIBE HAS EXISTED WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. I HAVE THE WORK ORDERS FROM THE TWO DEALERS I HAVE WORKED WITH TO RESOLVE THE PROBEM. EACH TIME IT HAS COST ABOUT $250.00 TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I DON'T WANT TO SPEND THESE $$$ AGAIN. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND. IT COUGHS, HESITATES AND VERY SLOWLY ACCELERATES. IN TRAFFIC, THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. IT TAKES ABOUT SEVEN TO TEN SECONDS TO FINALLY REACH TRAFFIC SPEED. FORTUNATELY, WE HAVE ESCAPED ANY COLLISION-- SO FAR, BUT WE HAVE COME VERY CLOSE SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR WAS GOOD FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND SUDDENLY, THIS PAST WEEK IT STARTED HESITAING AGAIN. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 55,000 MILES, BUT, AS I SAID, THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN WITH THE CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW. I KNOW WHAT THE DEALERS WILL SAY-"WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT IT", WHICH WILL COST A MINIMUM OF $100.00. THEY WILL KEEP THE CAR A FEW DAYS SAYING THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WELL, THE PROBLEM IS THERE, WHETHER THEY FIND IT OR NOT. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND VERY UNSAFE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL OR PROBLEM CALLED TO YOUR ATTENTION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CONTACT CHRYSLER, PLEASE, AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY. I REFUSE TO GO TO A DEALER-- THIS TIME--WITHOUT SOME DIRECTION FROM YOU.
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR THE TRANSAXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK AND REPAIRS COULD NOT BE COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. *MR RECALL CAMPAIGN#04V021000. *SC *JB
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL INADVERTENTLY. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. OWNER PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT FOR A FEW MILES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK TWO TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PERFORM POORLY. *NM
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER'S 1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR. *NM THEN THIS OCCURRED THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RPM'S WENT UP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO GO BACK INTO GEAR WAS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SOMETIMES IT COULDN'T BE DRIVEN OVER 3…
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WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER'S 1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS SLIPPED INTO LOW GEAR. *NM THEN THIS OCCURRED THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RPM'S WENT UP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO GO BACK INTO GEAR WAS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SOMETIMES IT COULDN'T BE DRIVEN OVER 30 MPH OR WOULD SUDDENLY DROP FROM 55 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT TRANSMISSION RELATED BUT WAS ELECTRICAL. *NM
Official recalls
704V021000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Jan 13, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
98V183000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
Aug 6, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
98V063000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Mar 20, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FAILURE OF A SEAT BELT ANCHOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SEAT BELT PROTECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SEAT BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR FLOOR ATTACHMENTS FOR PROPER POSITIONING. IF THE ANCHOR WAS IMPROPERLY ORIENTED, THE ORIENTATION WILL BE CORRECTED.
97V201000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Nov 13, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
96V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
May 3, 1996
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
96V074000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
May 2, 1996
CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATE AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
96V006000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
Jan 11, 1996
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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 VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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 VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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 VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
EA97016 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Opened Sep 29, 1997 · Closed Nov 20, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
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 OPERATION, CAN RESULT IN AN INEFFECTIVE SEAL THAT PERMITS A LOSS OF LUBRICATION AND ACCELERTED WEAR OF THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO FAILURE AND SEPARTION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED AS NHTSA 97V-201 AND A COPY OF CHRYSLER'S LETTER TO NHTSA IS ATTACHED HERETO.
PE97009 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 29, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
THE MANUFACTURER IDENTIFED VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINT FAILURES AS TABULATED ABOVE.IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 72 WARRANTY REPORTS WERE IDENTIFIED FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN OR CRACKED BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CHRYSLER ALSO REPORTED THAT 1996 AND 1997 MODELS ARE EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AS THE SUBJECT 1995 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.A PARTIAL RESPONSE TO NHTSA'S INFORMATION REQUEST INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S ANALYSES AND EVALUATIONS OF THE CONDITION WERE CONTINUING.IN ORDER TO CONTINUE NHTSA'S COMPLETE ASSESSMENT OF THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THIS MATTER, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.