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1995 Chrysler Cirrus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cirrus years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 69.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 33 of 369 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

44 crash reports5 fire reports24 injury reports

What owners actually said

369 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON ITS OWN. OWNER HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO STOP. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10111411

126,200 miles · Nov 30, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, 2.5L 6CYLN ENGINE, BOUGHT FOR OUR TWIN DAUGHTERS 16TH BIRTHDAY AND WITHIN 2 DAYS OF GETTING THE CAR, THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED RESULTING IN THEM LOSING PS/PB CONTROL., THE CAR HAS REPEATEDLY STALLED WHILE THEY HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THEY CAME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING A MAN AS HE…

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1995 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, 2.5L 6CYLN ENGINE, BOUGHT FOR OUR TWIN DAUGHTERS 16TH BIRTHDAY AND WITHIN 2 DAYS OF GETTING THE CAR, THEY WERE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE ENGINE STALLED RESULTING IN THEM LOSING PS/PB CONTROL., THE CAR HAS REPEATEDLY STALLED WHILE THEY HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THEY CAME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING A MAN AS HE WAS WALKING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THIS ENGINE FAILURE AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THIS CAR ALSO HAS A PROBLEM STARTING, MY HUSBAND IS A SENIOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHINICIAN AND HE FOUND THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THERE IS NO SPARK, HAVE WE SOLVED THE PROBLEM AS TO WHAT TO REPLACE? NO, IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIES FROM THE COIL TO THE COMPUTER CHIP. OUR DAUGHTERS DROVE THE CAR FOR 9 DAYS AND NOW IT SITS WAITING TO GET FIXED, DO WE WANT TO GO THROUGH THE EXPENSE OF GUESSING WHAT PART IT NEEDS TO RUN AGAIN? NO!! WHEN REVIEWING THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR IN GENERAL, I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN, MAYBE YOUR WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE YOU WILL TAKE ANY ACTION ON THIS, I THINK IT IS VERY BAD BUSINESS TO NOT EVEN KNOW WHY THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING. I HOPE FOR OTHER PEOPLES SAKE THAT NO ONE GETS HURT OVER THIS, UNLIKE YOUR COMPANY THAT ONLY CARES ABOUT THE BIG BUCKS INVOLVED. DO A JOB RIGHT OR DON'T DO IT AT ALL. I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AND WILL LET ANYONE KNOW WHO IS IN THE MARKETPLACE FOR A CAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10100764

12,000 miles · Oct 18, 2004
Power TrainCrash

WHILE PARKED AND THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY COLLIDING INTO A TREE. THEN SIX WEEKS LATER A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER THEY HAVE DENIED HER CLAIM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATIO…

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WHILE PARKED AND THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY COLLIDING INTO A TREE. THEN SIX WEEKS LATER A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER THEY HAVE DENIED HER CLAIM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10097014

105,000 miles · Sep 28, 2004
EquipmentPower TrainStructure

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. *AK THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS AT ALL. THE SUNROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE TIME. THE RADIO WOULDN'T WORK. THE A/C BUTTON WOULD NOT REMAIN ENGAGED. THE OVERHEAD MATERIAL WAS COMING DOWN. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10090270

125,000 miles · Sep 23, 2004
Power Train

WHEN DRIVING 30-60 MPH TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS SENDING RPMS THROUGH THE ROOF. SOMETIMES I CAN PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE CAR TO RESET THE COMPUTER AND SOMETIMES NOT. THIS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING CAR USED. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DID AN OVERHAUL ON THE TRANSMISSION, GAVE IT BACK TO US, AN…

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WHEN DRIVING 30-60 MPH TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS SENDING RPMS THROUGH THE ROOF. SOMETIMES I CAN PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE CAR TO RESET THE COMPUTER AND SOMETIMES NOT. THIS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME 1 MONTH AFTER PURCHASING CAR USED. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DID AN OVERHAUL ON THE TRANSMISSION, GAVE IT BACK TO US, AND PROBLEM RECURRED 5 DAYS LATER. TURNED OUT TO BE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SHORTED. NOW THREE YEARS LATER THIS IS HAPPENING AGAIN. IT'S NOT VERY SAFE TO BE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ONLY BE ABLE TO GO 30 MPH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10093064

116,000 miles · Sep 21, 2004
Power Train

VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND MAKES A JOLTING MOVEMENT. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN 30 MPH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10093963

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL FOR ABS BRAKE REPAIRS. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10092922

90,000 miles · Sep 14, 2004
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT FELT LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IT TWICE. *JB REVISED: THE ORIGINAL RACK AND PINION HAD W…

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WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT FELT LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED TWICE. IT TWICE. *JB REVISED: THE ORIGINAL RACK AND PINION HAD WORN OUT. THE STEERING WAS LOOSE AT 90K MILES AND THE RACK AND PINION AT 23K MILES. BOTH OF THE STABILIZERS HAD FROZEN IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10089325

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2004
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10091599

119,000 miles · Sep 2, 2004
Latches/locks/linkagesPower TrainSeat Belts

RPM'S RUNNING HIGH, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ROUGH IDLE, ABS LIGHT CONSISTANTLY ON EVEN AFTER INSPECTION, GEAR SLIPS WHEN PLACING INTO PARK, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR REVERSED ON ITS OWN. HAVE COMPLAINED AND WANTED INTO ANOTHER CAR DUE TO HAVING THIS ONE ON A 24 LEASE, THEY DENIED ME AND HAVE HAD TO DRIVE IT AND WITH 3 CHILDREN AND M…

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RPM'S RUNNING HIGH, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ROUGH IDLE, ABS LIGHT CONSISTANTLY ON EVEN AFTER INSPECTION, GEAR SLIPS WHEN PLACING INTO PARK, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR REVERSED ON ITS OWN. HAVE COMPLAINED AND WANTED INTO ANOTHER CAR DUE TO HAVING THIS ONE ON A 24 LEASE, THEY DENIED ME AND HAVE HAD TO DRIVE IT AND WITH 3 CHILDREN AND MYSELF IN THE CAR IT IS NOT SAFE, BUT IS THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION WE HAVE. WE NEED HELP RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10088996

Official recalls

7

04V021000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Jan 13, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

98V183000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch

Aug 6, 1998

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

98V063000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Mar 20, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FAILURE OF A SEAT BELT ANCHOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SEAT BELT PROTECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SEAT BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR FLOOR ATTACHMENTS FOR PROPER POSITIONING. IF THE ANCHOR WAS IMPROPERLY ORIENTED, THE ORIENTATION WILL BE CORRECTED.

97V201000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Nov 13, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

96V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

May 3, 1996

THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

96V074000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

May 2, 1996

CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

96V006000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Jan 11, 1996

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock

Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

DP03002 · Steering Column Separation

Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column

MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.

EA97016 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Opened Sep 29, 1997 · Closed Nov 20, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

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 NHTSA 97V-201 AND A COPY OF CHRYSLER'S LETTER TO NHTSA IS ATTACHED HERETO.

PE97009 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 29, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

THE MANUFACTURER IDENTIFED VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINT FAILURES AS TABULATED ABOVE.IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 72 WARRANTY REPORTS WERE IDENTIFIED FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN OR CRACKED BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CHRYSLER ALSO REPORTED THAT 1996 AND 1997 MODELS ARE EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AS THE SUBJECT 1995 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.A PARTIAL RESPONSE TO NHTSA'S INFORMATION REQUEST INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S ANALYSES AND EVALUATIONS OF THE CONDITION WERE CONTINUING.IN ORDER TO CONTINUE NHTSA'S COMPLETE ASSESSMENT OF THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THIS MATTER, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS.