Car owner reported fuel smell. We investigated and found the exhaust system had failed at the aft muffler exit to pipe, welded joint. This caused the fuel tank to melt and leak fuel. The heat shield was installed but the melting occurred over the top of the shield. We have photographs of the damage available. We will preserve the fuel tank for any investigation through 12/31/2014. If we have not heard from you we will discard it.
The worst 2000 Plymouth Breeze 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.
- Steering16
- Engine8
- Fuel system5
- Electrical4
- Transmission3
- Brakes2
- Airbags1
- Lights1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Plymouth Breeze
Recalls 5
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose may prematurely heat age and develop a leak.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 06V001000 · Recall details
Child seat
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 00V366000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 00V196000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with incorrect child lock instruction labels.
- Risk
- The incorrect labels could cause confusion as to whether the childproof safety lock was activated.
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with correct labels.
Recall number 00V066000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with unpainted fuel tank straps.
- Risk
- The paint provides corrosion protection necessary to ensure the straps do not loosen over time.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps.
Recall number 00V067000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2000 Plymouth Breeze
Defect investigations
Power steering fluid fires
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 the federal safety agency 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.
EA05019
Engine compartment fires
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.
PE05036
Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Plymouth Breeze 46
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Valve Body
- 82212076, 82203694
- Powertrain control module initialization
- Powertrain control module initialization
- Incorrect cylinder head cover torque specification
2000 Plymouth Breeze 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-23 | 27-34 | 22-27 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 20 |
What 2000 Plymouth Breeze owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 plymouth breeze. After parking the vehicle, it began to smoke and caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water. The fire department was not notified. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the wire harnesses, battery, and power steering cables needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 186,998.
We had been having trouble with smoke coming from under the hood. We thought it was oil leaking. We stopped and my husband checked under the hood. He didn't find any oil but there was some power steering fluid on his hand. He thought he knew what the problem was and we could make it to our destination where he would try to fix it. When we arrived at our destination, the car was smoking some. I parked in one location, but then decided to park in another. As I turned my steering wheel to park in the other location, smoke began to come from under the hood. As I completed parking, the smoke got heavier and heavier until flames began to appear by the windshield from under the hood and you could smell rubber burning. We immediately existed the car. My husband opened the hood a little to try to stop the fire from spreading. Eventually he put the fire out with water. Most of the wiring and hoses near the power steering area were burnt or damaged and had to be replaced. We had to have the car towed to a friend's house until we could buy all the parts that were destroyed in the fire.
On 1/25/13 I had some minor repair work done on my vehicle. My mechanic informed me that I had a leak in my power steering hose. He also informed me of a recall that had been issued in 2006 #06v001000. I never received notice of this recall. I have owned the vehicle since 2004, and am in possession of the title that verifies that. I called my local dealer, security dodge on long island, ny to discuss the matter. I was informed by their service department that my vehicle did not show any open recalls. They told me this recall was remedied in 2007 in cottonwood, az. They also gave me the name of the owner, which is not me. My car was never serviced in cottonwood, az. At the time that was 2 hours from where I lived. I opened a case with daimler chrysler who instructed me to contact the service manager at security dodge. The service manager was far from helpful or interested in the confusion with this situation. I have just read all of the incidents of fire resulting from this hose and I need help in getting this rectified. It appears there must be a clerical error with my VIN number in their system. I feel this is backed up by the fact they gave me the incorrect name of the owner as well. I am now very fearful to drive this vehicle. I never had this recall repair made in cottonwood, az in 2007 or at any other time. Can you assist me in getting this rectified?
I parked the car and went into the post office. I heard people stating the fire department was needed for a car on fire. I looked out the window and saw the breeze with substantial smoke coming from under the hood. I walked outside as the post office called 911. Having a clear view of the car, there were bits of material with flames dropping from under the car. The police and fire department responded and put out the fire. The fire marshall indicated the fire started against the fire wall in the corner of the engine near the driver seat. The car was towed from site and is considered a loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 plymouth breeze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The contact heard a loud popping noise and the vehicle began to smoke from under the hood. The police and fire department were called and they advised he contact that the fire started from the power steering hose fracturing. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 140,000.
Car dies out without warning. It will restart. This happens 4-5 times a week. There is no signs of loss of power, and there is no engine light on!
I was driving my car, and suddenly the car started to slow down and stop. I checked every thing and everything it was ok, water and oil. And couple month before this happen I receive a recall letter saying some thing was wrong with those type of cars.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 plymouth breeze. The vehicle had been parked for less than one minute when the contact noticed smoke under the hood. The smoke then turned into flames. The contact used a blanket and a water hose to extinguish the fire. The vehicle sustained $1,900 worth of damages. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v191000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) three weeks after the fire. Plymouth sent a contractor to investigate the cause of the fire and concluded that the fire was not related to the safety recall. The vehicle was repaired by a mechanic. After repairing the vehicle, the mechanic discovered a leak from the high pressure power steering hose directly onto the exhaust manifold, which was the possible cause of the fire. The mechanic also stated that it was physically impossible to identify the hose leak unless the vehicle was running under pressure. When the plymouth representative investigated the vehicle, it was not running. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 81,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 plymouth breeze. While the contact's husband was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle would no longer drive. The vehicle idled and he pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact's husband (a mechanic) stated that the failure was with the fuel pressure. The dealer informed the contact that if she could not provide a receipt for the fuel pump recall repair (the federal safety agency campaign id number 06e088000: fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) that was performed in 2006, they could not assist. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 92,000.
Compare the 2000 Plymouth Breeze
Other model years
Questions about the 2000 Plymouth Breeze
Is the 2000 Plymouth Breeze reliable?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2000 Plymouth Breeze, 38.0 times a typical Breeze model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Plymouth Breeze?
Steering, with 16 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles. Next is engine (8).
How many recalls does the 2000 Plymouth Breeze have?
5 recalls, covering steering, child seat and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2000 Plymouth Breeze steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 06V001000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Plymouth Breeze have bad steering?
The Plymouth Breeze model years with the most steering complaints are 1996 (20 complaints), 1998 (18 complaints) and 1999 (16 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2000 Plymouth Breeze get?
Official estimates for the 2000 Plymouth Breeze range from 20 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-23 city and 27-34 highway.
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