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2000 Chrysler Cirrus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Chrysler Cirrus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 69.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

45 reports with mileage · 54 unknown

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.

  • Steering. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports23 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

99 reports
170,000 miles · Jun 14, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED, RUSTED, AND LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED, RUSTED, AND LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT WOULD EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ODI #10461740

111,080 miles · Feb 5, 2012
SteeringSuspensionCrash

WHILE DRIVING MY SON HOME FROM SCHOOL, MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS BECAME DISABLED DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINT SNAPPING OFF THE CONTROL ARM. I HAD TO GET MY VEICHLE TOWED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT BALL JOINT , THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND ALSO THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. I ONLY OWN THIS CAR 6 MONTHS ( 1825 MILES) AND THIS WAS THE 2…

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WHILE DRIVING MY SON HOME FROM SCHOOL, MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS BECAME DISABLED DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINT SNAPPING OFF THE CONTROL ARM. I HAD TO GET MY VEICHLE TOWED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT BALL JOINT , THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND ALSO THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. I ONLY OWN THIS CAR 6 MONTHS ( 1825 MILES) AND THIS WAS THE 2ND MAJOR REPAIR I HAD WITH THIS VEICHLES STEERING CONPONENTS ( RACK & PINION ASSY AND POWER STEERING PUMP). I FOUND ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL ID #79830 . CAN YOU PLEASE HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM OR LEAD ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANK YOU! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10446713

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2011
Steering

2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL NOTICE INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE TIME, HE WAS CONVINCED THE DEALER RECTIFIED THE CONDITION, BUT APPARENTLY THEY DID NOT. THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10406288

132,049 miles · Jan 26, 2011
Unknown Or Other

BLOWER MOTOR FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET HEAT. WHEN INSPECTED BY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR WHERE BURNT OUT. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL CHYSLER OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME THING.

NHTSA ODI #10379221

143,000 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE HOSE WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE WITH VERY LIMITED AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

NHTSA ODI #10351376

200,000 miles · Jul 12, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED ON MAIN STREET WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FURTHER FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED ON MAIN STREET WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FURTHER FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 09/16-10 *BF UPDATED 09/20/10

NHTSA ODI #10342661

81,000 miles · Jun 21, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

2000 CIRRUS 2.5L ENGINE RANDOMLY STALLS AND FROST / FREEZE PLUGS RUST THROUGH. STALLING: ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHICH LEAVES THE OPERATOR WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. NO TROUBLE CODES ARE DISPLAYED OR PENDING. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL START AND RUN…

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2000 CIRRUS 2.5L ENGINE RANDOMLY STALLS AND FROST / FREEZE PLUGS RUST THROUGH. STALLING: ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHICH LEAVES THE OPERATOR WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. NO TROUBLE CODES ARE DISPLAYED OR PENDING. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL START AND RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS OR WEEKS. WHEN STALLED, IF YOU ACTIVATE THE ALARM SYSTEM AND LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS IT SEEMS TO CLEAR THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND ALLOW THE FUEL PUMP TO RUN, WHICH ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO START. HAVEN'T CRASHED YET, HOWEVER WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL HARROWING EXPERIENCES. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF CHRYSLER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME RANDOM STALLING ISSUE, TO WHICH THEY HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING SENSORS....ETC ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CAR CONTINUES THIS RANDOM STALLING BEHAVIOR. BOTTOM LINE, THEY SELL THE CAR, WHICH MOVES THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE ON TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING OWNER. BOTTOM LINE THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT RANDOMLY STOP DURING OPERATION, AND IF IT DOES SHUTDOWN AS PROGRAMMED IN THE COMPUTER DUE TO A PENDING OR PERCEIVED MECHANICAL ISSUE, THE TROUBLE CODES SHOULD BE ACTIVATED. CHRYSLER KNOWS THIS IS AND ISSUE AND THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT, HOPING IT WILL GO AWAY WITH TIME. FROST OR FREEZE PLUGS ARE RUSTING OUT, NEVER IN MY 40 YEARS OF DRIVING HAVE I HAD A CAR THAT DID THIS. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND AGAIN THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER. SAVE 50 CENTS COST THE CUSTOMER OWNER THOUSANDS. I FIXED TWO PLUGS FRONT AND BACK ON ENGINE HOWEVER NOW THE PLUGS BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE ARE LEAKING DO TO RUST. YES I'VE CHANGED THE COOLANT AND THIS STARTED IN 2004 WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339293

107,435 miles · Jun 15, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT AND A LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,435. UPDA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT AND A LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,435. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/18/10*JB

NHTSA ODI #10336392

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2010
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH CONNECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD WHICH LEAD TO STEERING PROBLEMS AND THE LINE. BRAKES FAILED ME ON MARCH 22, 2010 HAD A BAD CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY BRAKES NOR MY EMERGENCY BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, BOTH FAILED ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10324944

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE FUEL FILLER NECK FOR MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS FOR OVER A MONTH. IT HAS BEEN ON FACTORY BACKORDER AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS NOT EVEN BEING MADE...LEAVING ME WITH A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO, BECAUSE THE PART RUSTED OUT IT ENDED UP DAMAGING MY FUEL PUMP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT...COS…

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I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE FUEL FILLER NECK FOR MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS FOR OVER A MONTH. IT HAS BEEN ON FACTORY BACKORDER AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS NOT EVEN BEING MADE...LEAVING ME WITH A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO, BECAUSE THE PART RUSTED OUT IT ENDED UP DAMAGING MY FUEL PUMP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT...COSTING ME OVER $300 ALONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10318915

Official recalls

5

06V001000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Jan 5, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

00V196000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE STAND-OFF BRACKET FROM THE BLOCK COULD CAUSE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND RESULT IN A HALF SYSTEM BRAKE LOSS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.

00V066000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE INCORRECT LABELS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.

00V067000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE PAINT PROVIDES CORROSION PROTECTION NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STRAPS DO NOT LOOSEN OVER TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.

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

2

EA05019 · Power Steering Fluid Fires

Opened Nov 7, 2005 · Closed Jan 12, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

PE05036 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Jun 29, 2005 · Closed Nov 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

ON JUNE 29, 2005, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-036 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE PASSENGER CARS (JA CARS). THE JA CARS WERE INTRODUCED IN MY 1995 AND ENDED WITH MY 2000.THEY WERE PRODUCED WITH 2.0L, 2.4L AND 2.5L ENGINES.THE INCIDENT DATA IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY OF THIS RESUME ARE FOR SUBJECT VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES FOR ALL CAUSES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM FIELD INSPECTIONS OF FIRE INCIDENT VEHICLES INDICATE THAT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS USED IN JA CARS WITH BOTH THE 2.4L AND 2.0L ENGINES IN MY 1995 THROUGH 2000.THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE IN THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2000 JA VEHICLES WITH 2.4L ENGINES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN IN THE PRIOR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES USING THAT ENGINE AND IN ANY OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE 2.0L OR 2.5L ENGINES.DAIMLERCHRYSLER IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE AND HAS PROVIDED PERIODIC UPDATES TO ODI. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-019) HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.