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. Ecm is faulty because it shuts the lights off,turns engine,all lights, off . Unpredictably! Seat belts do not engage when stopping. If I were to be critically injured because of malfunctioning of said vehicle? Who would take responsibility of my safety and well being? This all happens while operation of vehicle. Traveling on the freeway at 55 MPH. Abs malfunctions as well even when driving 15 MPH.
The worst 1996 Chrysler Cirrus problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine39
- Brakes24
- Transmission22
- Electrical18
- Suspension18
- Acceleration14
- Steering13
- Body7
- Airbags4
- Visibility4
- Fuel system3
- Locks3
- Tires3
- Lights2
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
Recalls 7
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 04V021000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 98V183000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 97V201000 · Recall details
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood is slammed shut.
- Risk
- If this condition occurs simultaneously without engaging the primary latch, the hood would not be restrained increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
Recall number 97V095000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 96V075000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 96V074000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 96V006000 · Recall details
See all 7 recalls for the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
Defect investigations
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 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.
EA03011
Lower control arm ball joint failure
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 the federal safety agency 97v‑201 and a copy of chrysler's letter to the federal safety agency is attached hereto.
EA97016
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus 95
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Return: Wiring Assy
- Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy
- Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your...
- CBXDP361AA
- Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
1996 Chrysler Cirrus fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26 | 21 |
What 1996 Chrysler Cirrus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. When this happened to us on the highway, it caused us to spin off of the road. Luckily we were unhurt. This automobile is unsafe!!! The limp mode appears to be activated due to faulty/low quality parts by chrysler. Why isn"t this recalled??? I have no choice but to drive this car. I will sue chrysler if we have another incident!!! This incident occured when we were driving straight at about 50 MPH.
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. The fire was extinguished using a fire extinguisher. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 96v006000 (engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline). The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 49,063.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that the rear lateral link fractured, causing the rear driver side tire to fold inward while driving 10 MPH. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or local mechanic for repairs or diagnostics. The failure mileage was 118,000.
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. The vehicle independently veered off the road, and crashed into a electric pole, yet the vehicle did not stop. She then crashed into a second pole, jumped a creek and crashed into a tree as the vehicle came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts did not restrain the driver as she plunged into the steering wheel. She then exited the vehicle through the driver side window. The driver sustained injuries to the neck, shoulder, chest and a minor concussion. She also suffered short-term memory loss as a result. A police report was available. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 97v201000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) which could potentially cause a loss of steering control. The contact was unaware that the vehicle was ever repaired in regards to the recall. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was approximately 180,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chrysler cirrus. While driving approximately 25 to 30 MPH on normal road conditions; the front driver side tire disengaged from the vehicle. The contact was able to safely drive into the emergency lane. Roadside assistance towed the vehicle to the residence. An authorized dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The federal safety agency campaign id number 09e056000 (suspension; front control arm: lower ball joint) is related to the failure. The VIN was included in the recall defect; however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle per the recall remedy. The vehicle is inoperable and has been not repaired. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
The car started making a creaking sound in like the axles and then it became a grinding sound . We were driving down the road and the tire just came off we slid like 20 feet before coming to a stop.
Http://nhthqnwws111.odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/acms/docservlet/artemis/public/recalls/1998/v/rc-98v183-nn.pdf recall has not been repaired and they have actually made it worse!
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chrysler cirrus. While driving 30 MPH, the driver's side lower tie rod dropped from the vehicle and the tire turned at a ninety degree angle. The contact left the vehicle to get a tow and, when he returned, the police removed the vehicle. Chrysler stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v201000 (control arm: ball joint separation). The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Update 09/10/08 *cw updated 09/16/08
Oil in my radiator. Sludge inside of my engine.
Compare the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
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Questions about the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
Is the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus reliable?
Owners have filed 160 complaints about the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 160.0 times a typical Cirrus model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus?
Engine and cooling, with 39 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is brakes (24).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus have?
7 recalls, covering power train, suspension and structure.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V006000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chrysler Cirrus have bad engine?
The Chrysler Cirrus model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (42 complaints), 1996 (39 complaints) and 1998 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.
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