1996 Chrysler Cirrus
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 160
- Recalls
- 11
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 160 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 369 |
| 1996 | 160 |
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 69 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 99 |
| 2001 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-19
Service brakes
16% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Power train
14% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-22
Electrical system
12% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that driver side door caught on fire, dealer notified said wiring near controls was the cause. Ts
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-26
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-09
Suspension
11% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing lower ball joint and front.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-09-15
Safety timeline
11 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996Complaint volume 160 complaints filed for this model year.
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1996-04-22Engine and engine cooling96V006000 In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
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1996-06-10Service brakes, hydraulic96V075000 The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
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1996-07-08Service brakes, hydraulic96V074000 Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a plate and silicone grease injected into the solenoid cavity to eliminate the potential for this condition.
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1997-07-14Structure97V095000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood is slammed shut.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
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1997-09-29Engineering analysisClosed 1997-11-20 Lower control arm ball joint failure
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1997-12-15Suspension97V201000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
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…
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1998-10-26Power train98V183000 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…
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.
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2003-07-17Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-30 Auto trans ignition-park interlock
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2004-06-14Power train04V021000 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…
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…
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2006-10-06Fuel system, gasoline06E088000 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…
Remedy: Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006. Owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E091000 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…
Remedy: Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact airtex toll-free at 1-866-867-3759.
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2009-11-09Suspension09E056000 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…
Remedy: Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. The safety recall began on November 9, 2009. Owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
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2011-01-28Suspension10E059000 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…
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. The safety recall began on January 28, 2011. Owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Chrysler Cirrus — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 39 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V006000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 96V075000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 96V074000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 97V095000 · Structure
- Recall 97V201000 · Suspension
- Recall 98V183000 · Power train
- Recall 04V021000 · Power train
- Recall 06E088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E091000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09E056000 · Suspension
- Recall 10E059000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus have?
- 11 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.