Check a VIN

1998 Chrysler Cirrus problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus is engine and cooling, typically around 132,200 miles. It has 69.0 times the complaints of a typical Cirrus model year.

Typical year69.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
69
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
88
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 1998 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.

  • Engine
    14
  • Electrical
    11
  • Transmission
    11
  • Brakes
    9
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Suspension
    5
  • Airbags
    4
  • Body
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Wheels
    3
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

Ball joint 6Stalling 6

Recalls 3

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

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 15, 1999 · 366,508 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.
Risk
Daimlerchrysler recall no. 843. If this happens, the tube could leak, reducing the effectiveness of one-half of the diagonally split braking system, and resulting in longer stopping distances.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced. If no evidence of contact exists, the tube will be fastened with a clip.

Recall number 99V244000 · 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

See all 3 recalls for the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

Defect 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

Steering shaft bindingOpened September 10, 1999, closed July 26, 2001

There is no summary currently available

EA99028

Steering shaft bindingOpened May 3, 1999, closed September 10, 1999

There is no summary currently available

PE99030

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus 88

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 88 bulletins for the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

1998 Chrysler Cirrus fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD182822
2.5L 6‑cylFWD172520

What 1998 Chrysler Cirrus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 4, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Vehicle dies going down the highway sitting or idling runs for 30 minutes then dies, lots of complaints about Chrysler vehicles doing this, very unsafe, vehicle should never shut down by themselves, electrical problems.

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 17,356 miles · OR

The misfires and stalls while I'm driving. It doesn't matter if it's warmed up and if it's cold. Stalls and misfires while driving on freeway and just stops when it wants too

Filed Nov 1, 2016 · Suspension · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. While driving 25 MPH, the lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Tires · MI

On dec 29th 2015 I went to bell tires roseville michigan to have a punctured tire repaired they were really busy so I left my tire there with my spare on next day at 8am on dec 30th 2015 they said they patched my tire but they had no time to put the tire on so went to discount tire roseville michigan they notice the tire was not repaired properly as the tire was patched but it appeared that it was not plugged. I don't have the tire info right now I will give it to you later but my car is 1998 chrysler cirrus. My email is [xxx]- I am - [xxx] (I prefer email).......please notice that maybe bell tire used a new and approved procedure to fix my tire that does not involved plugging as well as patching. That is why I asked you for advice. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Filed Mar 4, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine misfired. The contact also mentioned that there was a clicking noise and the ball joints were prematurely worn. In addition, the suspension was unstable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on more than one occasion where the failure was not able to be replicated. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn into the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN and the failure mileage were not available.

Filed Oct 13, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · FL

I bought my car in feb 2014 used with a little under 70,000 miles. Overall the vehicle was in excellent condition with a few minor paint issues. Within the 1st week of buying it I noticed the check engine light would come on and act like it would stall, or would actually stall all together once coming to a complete stop. The scariest is when you are driving on a highway & the car looses all power! I have learned is if I throw it into neutral then the power will come back up & I don't have to come to a complete stop most of the times. I have taken it to my mechanic who I have used for over 10 yrs & he still has not been able to find the cause, he said the check engine light code is coming back as the park/neutral switch (which would be the transmission and costly and could not guarantee this would fix the problem). Last week my car died & I had to have it towed since it would not start. Ended up being the fuel pump, but when they put the new fuel pump, the PCM shorted it out so that ended up being replaced as well as the crank shaft sensor . He thought this would have fixed the problem but sadly it is still happening :( this is very frustrating to see that so many people have the same issue and yet chrysler is still not issuing a recall for this. When someone like me has a kid(s), it makes it very scary every time you get in to drive not knowing what will happen. As a single parent, I can not keep putting in thousands of dollars for a problem that should have already been identified and recalled and fixed. I have had the car for almost a year and still wont drive outside of orlando for the fear of breaking down too far from home. Please find what is causing this and recall so I can stop throwing money away on senseless fixes!!

Filed Jun 25, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 176,000 miles · CA

My car will stall out in low or idol. It would just shut off. While driving and switching gears it will sound like its missing. I took it to get it smog. They said that the computer in the car was resetting every time I start the car. They also said that it was doing the same problem as the chrysler cirrus 1996 was doing.

Filed Oct 31, 2011 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that when attempting a turn in either direction or parking, there was a loud, abnormal noise from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers who repaired various components on the vehicle. The second dealer repaired most of the suspension including the tie rod. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 85,900.

Filed Jul 6, 2011 · Engine · 170,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. While the contact was driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine began to overheat and steam emitted from underneath the hood area. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and towed to an independent auto shop. The technician stated the coolant hose fractured. The part was ordered. The vehicle would be repaired once the part became available. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The mileage was 170,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2011 · Fuel system · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and attempt to stall but would not stall. The failure occurred repeatedly and sporadically as the contact drove the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was 77,600 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1998 Chrysler Cirrus before you buy

Compare the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

Other model years

19941995199619971998199920002001

Questions about the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

Is the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus reliable?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus, 69.0 times a typical Cirrus model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus?

Engine and cooling, with 14 complaints, typically around 132,200 miles. Next is electrical (11).

How many recalls does the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus have?

3 recalls, covering power train and service brakes, hydraulic.

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 1998 Chrysler Cirrus get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 28 highway.

Share your experience with the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1998 Chrysler Cirrus?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN