1995-1998 Chrysler Cirrus, Chrysler Sebring and others recall: park/neutral start interlock switch

Chrysler Corporation reported this safety recall on August 6, 1998. It covers about 685,000 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 685,000
reported: Aug 6, 1998
owners notified: Oct 26, 1998
related complaints: 439

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

Affected vehicles

Chrysler Cirrus 1995-1998 1995 1996 1997 1998
Chrysler Sebring 1996-1998 1996 1997 1998
Dodge Stratus 1995-1998 1995 1996 1997 1998
Plymouth Breeze 1996-1998 1996 1997 1998

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 439 complaints about transmission problems.

1995 Chrysler Cirrus 1996 Chrysler Cirrus 1997 Chrysler Cirrus 1998 Chrysler Cirrus 1996 Chrysler Sebring 1997 Chrysler Sebring 1998 Chrysler Sebring 1995 Dodge Stratus 1996 Dodge Stratus 1997 Dodge Stratus 1998 Dodge Stratus 1996 Plymouth Breeze

Questions about recall 98V183000

Is there a recall on the 1995-1998 Chrysler Cirrus, Chrysler Sebring and others park/neutral start interlock switch?

Yes. Recall 98V183000, reported on August 6, 1998, covers about 685,000 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 98V183000?

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.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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