1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission problems

22 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 127,505. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 22
of this car's complaints: 14%
typical mileage: 127,505
crashes: 2
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Automatic transmission
11
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
6
Driveline
2
Manual transmission
1
Axle assembly
1
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chrysler Cirrus transmission problems in other years

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported January 13, 2004 · 2,315,768 vehicles affected

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 switchReported August 6, 1998 · 685,000 vehicles affected

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

Related investigations

Auto trans ignition-park interlockOpened July 17, 2003, closed January 30, 2004

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

What 1996 Chrysler Cirrus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 22, 2016 · Transmission · 87,500 miles · WY · crash

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 127,505 miles · IN

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!

Filed Nov 30, 2006 · Body, Fuel system · 135,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated there were three recalls were performed on the vehicle, which were not performed correctly. The fuel pump recall #06e091000, hood attachments #97v095000, and the ignition switch #98v183000 were the 3 recalls. All 3 recalls were completed but the problems were not corrected, and the service dealer and manufacturer were not willing to correct these issues further under the recall.

Filed Nov 28, 2006 · Transmission · 91,960 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the shifter could be taken out of gear without the key in the ignition and the check engine light illuminated. A the federal safety agency recall, #98v183000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the park/neutral start switch however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair under the recall.

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Transmission · 89,455 miles · VA

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning there was a explosion due to the trans axle loosening and busting the transmission case. *ak the vehicle experienced loss of power steering and brakes. The transmission was serviced. *ph *jb *jb *ph

Filed Feb 27, 2002 · Transmission · MI

A link within automatic transmission interlock system malfuntioned, causing vehicle not to engage in park or drive. Please give any further details.

Filed Feb 13, 2002 · Transmission · MS

The vehicle 'changed gears' while driving along a major highway, as if it slipped into park or reverse. The tires began to spin uncontrollably and the RPM and engine was raised. Managed to maneuver the vehicle off the main road to avoid being hit from the rear by oncoming traffic. Turned engine off, put the car into park, and restarted car. Put the car into drive but the car would not shift beyound 2nd gear. Mechanic does not recognize 'code' and states that the transmission has to be rebuilt. Thank god, I was alone in the car (I was headed to school to pick up my teenage daughter), and could manage to get it off of the main highway and out of heavy traffic to avoid a major accident and posible fatalities.

Filed Sep 18, 2001 · Transmission · MN

The differential pin broke off and damaged the transmission while the consumer was traveling.

Filed Aug 1, 2001 · Transmission · NC

Possible interlock system failure caused the vehicle in accident. The consumer had filed claim with the other vehicle's insurance.the subrogation specialist jacqueline martin attached the recall.

Filed Nov 21, 2000 · Acceleration, Transmission · MA

While driving accelerator pedal sticks ,causing loss of vehicle control. *ak the vehicle's RPM races up and down while applying the brake. When brake is released, the vehicle goes forward on its own. The A/C failed. The transmission revs and appears it's going to blow up. The dealer tried to fix all of the above. Some of it twice or more.

Questions about the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission

Does the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 127,505 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 04V021000, 98V183000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chrysler Cirrus have bad transmission?

The Chrysler Cirrus model years with the most transmission complaints are 1995 (65 complaints), 1996 (22 complaints) and 1999 (13 complaints).