NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
30 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 9, 2005
Electrical SystemFire
DT: THE MAIN COMPUTER SHORTED OT AND CAUSED A FIRE. CONSUMER WAS WORKING WITH A MECHANIC AND THAT WAS WHEN THE COMPUTER SHORTED OUT. THEY WERE WORKING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. ANOTHER MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND HE KNEW AT LEAST THREE OTHER PEOPLE THAT THIS HAPPENED TO WHILE THEY WERE DRI…
Read full complaint
DT: THE MAIN COMPUTER SHORTED OT AND CAUSED A FIRE. CONSUMER WAS WORKING WITH A MECHANIC AND THAT WAS WHEN THE COMPUTER SHORTED OUT. THEY WERE WORKING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. ANOTHER MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND HE KNEW AT LEAST THREE OTHER PEOPLE THAT THIS HAPPENED TO WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITION TURNED ON. CONSUMER HAVD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BECAUSE IT WOULD SHORT OUT BECUASE CCOULD NOT GET TO THE BATTERY QUICK ENOUGH BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10124822
129,000 miles · May 24, 2005
Electrical SystemFire
DT: CAR BURNED IN DRIVEWAY. WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE. THE SMOKE STOPPED AFTER THE CONSUMER GOT HOME. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATORS CAME, AND CONSUMER'S CLAIM WAS DENIED. …
Read full complaint
DT: CAR BURNED IN DRIVEWAY. WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE. THE SMOKE STOPPED AFTER THE CONSUMER GOT HOME. ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATORS CAME, AND CONSUMER'S CLAIM WAS DENIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DASH LIGHTS WERE FLICKERING AND THE POWER STEERING MADE A LOT OF NOISES PRIOR TO THE FIRE INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10122035
114,000 miles · May 6, 2005
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK *BF *NM
NHTSA ODI #10117602
32,000 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Electrical System
THE HEAT IN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING AT ONLY 32,000 MILES. *BF *NM
NHTSA ODI #10111413
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
DRIVING ON I 35 GOING NORTH MILE MARKER 34 , I SMELLED SMOKE, STOPPED CARE, GOT GRANDSON OUT. OPEN HOOD, AND FLAMES SHOT FROM CAR ENGINE. A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHT WAS BEHIND ME AND STOPPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. LATHROP FIRE STATION WAS NOTIFIED. AND THEY CAME JUST AS THE FIRE WAS OUT. I CALLED MY WIFE SALLY MEYER AND TOLD HER…
Read full complaint
DRIVING ON I 35 GOING NORTH MILE MARKER 34 , I SMELLED SMOKE, STOPPED CARE, GOT GRANDSON OUT. OPEN HOOD, AND FLAMES SHOT FROM CAR ENGINE. A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHT WAS BEHIND ME AND STOPPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. LATHROP FIRE STATION WAS NOTIFIED. AND THEY CAME JUST AS THE FIRE WAS OUT. I CALLED MY WIFE SALLY MEYER AND TOLD HER OF EVENTS AND MY GRAND SON AND I GOT A RIDE HOME. THE CARE WAS TOWED TO A-1 AUTO LOCATED IN CAMERON MISSOURI BY SCOTTY?S TOWING SERVICE OUT OF CAMERON M MISSOURI. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING IT. I HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE OTHER FIRES THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED FOR THIS YEAR. ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WE ARE NOW WITH OUT A CAR. IS THERE ANYONE THAT CAN HELP US WITH THE DODGE COMPANY TO REIN VERSE US FOR THIS DAMAGE?*AK
NHTSA ODI #10104589
56,000 miles · Jul 13, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
STARTED CAR AND LOWERED WINDOW (POWER). MINUTES AFTER I STARTED TO DRIVE, THE POWER MIRRORS ON BOTH SIDES BEGAN TO MOVE BY THEMSEVES. MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. MINUTES AFTER THAT FLAMES SHOT OUT OF TOP OF DOOR PANEL. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF CAR. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY SOMEONE WIT…
Read full complaint
STARTED CAR AND LOWERED WINDOW (POWER). MINUTES AFTER I STARTED TO DRIVE, THE POWER MIRRORS ON BOTH SIDES BEGAN TO MOVE BY THEMSEVES. MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. MINUTES AFTER THAT FLAMES SHOT OUT OF TOP OF DOOR PANEL. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF CAR. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY SOMEONE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE BODY SHOP EWALD CHRYSLER MAYFAIR ON MAYFAIR ROAD IN WAWATOSA WI REPLACED THE DOOR. TO MY KNOWLEDGE NO FUSED HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DON'T KNOW IF PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10080959
71,000 miles · Oct 9, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND THE TENTION PULLEY FELL OUT . ALSO, DRIVING AFTER IT WAS FIXED CAR DIED WHEN TURNING CORNER AND WILL NOT START. JUST BOUGHT 5 MONTHS AGO. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041502
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2003
Electrical System
HEATER A/C BLOWER ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. DOES NOT DEFROST PROPERLY
NHTSA ODI #10005281
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2002
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A CONSTANT CRACKING SOUND, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 8 TIMES, STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE ON ALL TURNS AND GRINDING TYPE NOISE, DEALER FOUND REAR INBOARD BRAKE PAD RATTLING, LUBRICATED SLIDERS AND PUT ANTI SQU…
Read full complaint
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A CONSTANT CRACKING SOUND, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 8 TIMES, STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE ON ALL TURNS AND GRINDING TYPE NOISE, DEALER FOUND REAR INBOARD BRAKE PAD RATTLING, LUBRICATED SLIDERS AND PUT ANTI SQUEAL ON INBOARD BRAKE PAD BACKING, CONSUMER WAS ALSO HEARING NOISE OVER BUMPS, DEALER FOUND REAR SWAY BAR MISALIGNED. *YD
NHTSA ODI #8002143
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2001
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicFireInjury
AFTER BEING IN AN ACCIDENT HEAD ON THERE WAS NOT MUCH DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, SOON AFTER CONSUMER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER STATED ABS FAILED.*SLC
NHTSA ODI #8001179
Official recalls
5Jan 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3EA05019 · 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.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
Illustration