Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chrysler Cirrus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I've had my engine checked back in May of 05 by the dealer they said it was engine misfire,the distributor ignition was bad. They charged me $321 just to check it,then I paid $276 to get it fixed. The car has had a drip ever since. In the past 6 to 8 months or longer I've had a drip from the engine that can't be fixed , I recently had my car worked on it was in the shop for a month it cost me $2500 to repair and it still has a leak. It's back there again because it needs that expansion plug and retaining bracket that only the dealer can provide according to every site but the place the car comes from. I'm also having transmission problems which I've had since I brought the vehicle. Because I need a shift mechanism and cable from the dealer according to every site but where the car comes from. …
While driving down the interstate, it suddenly sounded like there was an increase in road noise, then suddenly there was a puff of smoke from the back and the noise disappeared. Stopping to check, my master cylinder was half-empty. Per Chrysler dealer who repaired it, ""right rear brake came apart (cylinder blown and springs broken)." when it failed, it also damaged right rear tone wheel and sensor, making the anti-lock brakes inoperative. There was no warning before this catastrophic brake failure.
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.
Noise detected same week car purchased replaced once, but noice continued until present, dealer informed of noise from beginning and several times and also manufacturer but problem presist. Dealer said could not do anything because noise could not be reproduced wich then was reproduced but was considered normal but problem caused accident accident also problem with brakes wearing out too fast.
While driving 40 MPH, driver noticed a stopped vehicle, driver hit the brakes to avoid hitting the stopped car, brakes did not stop and vehicle hit stopped vehicle in the rear, rear wheels of stopped vehicle came off the ground, front airbags did not deploy, and the driver's seat belt did not lock, drivers forehead hit windshield. Vehicle totaled.
Vehicle was in park with engine running, consumer applied brakes, and put vehicle in drive. Suddenly engine revved, and vehicle surged forward, pedal to floor. Vehicle hit a couple of curbs, went airborne about 32 ft, then, landed in a 15 ft deep ditch. Damage $ 666.00, no injuries.
While driving at a low rate of speed, the brakes were applied, the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distances, causing the vehicle to collide. Owner states that vehicle's ABS system was replaced prior to collision. The dealer will be notified.
Hydraulic noise under hood as brakes applied, brakes failed to stop car, caused minor crash, leaking master cyl replaced, brakes failed again twice, Chrysler replacing computer module governing brake hydraulics, would not confirm this would cause brakes to fail
Recall 96V075000/brakes:hydraulic:master cylinder: brake failed while driving at 35-40 MPH, forcing vehicle into an field to avoid a collision. But, five passengers sustained minor injuries; dealer notifed. Feel free to provide further details.
After applying brakes ABS system did not release after each brake application which caused brakes to fail and the vehicle to fishtail, resulting in a collision. Consumer states the brake lines collapse, rear brake adjusters failed.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a plate and silicone grease injected into the solenoid cavity to eliminate the potential for this condition.
Brake complaints in other Cirrus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus?
NHTSA has 121 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus, 33% of the model year's 369 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (65 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chrysler Cirrus brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996); NHTSA recall 96V-074 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, May 2, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Chrysler Cirrus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 119,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 20 crashes, 1 fire and 14 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.