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 1996 Chrysler Cirrus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
At 55,000 miles the ABS light came on on my vehicle's instrupment panel.upon taking same to a certified mechanic I was advised that the ABS motor was no longer working however the vehicle brakes them selves were in working order. I contacted Chrysler and was advised that my vehicle was not on the recall list as other 1996 2.5 liter Chrysler Cirrus(s) were for their ABS master cylinder piston (recall#686) and master cylinder primary piston(recall#687). At 75,000 miles I was exiting off of interstate I-95 onto I-395 when I attempted to brake for a traffic signal(red light) the ABS light which normally stayed lit constantly began to flicker/blink . While my foot was pushing the brake pedal the pedal began to pulsate and pushed up. …
Loss of ABS when applying brakes. This happens at all levels of braking, I.e. Heavy, medium and minimal braking. When loss of ABS happens, the pedal decends to the floor and a buzz/racheting noise is heard. This problem has lead to potentially 4 major accidents. To solve the loss of braking, driver has to "re-pump" the pedal after loss has occured. (no MIL/scan tool code recorded) .
After having the front brake pads replaced emergency brake locked and melted the brake drum without being engaged. While driving a passing motorist noticed fire coming from the rear of the vehicle and notified the consumer. Emergency braking system and drums had to be replaced. The cause of the failure was undetermined.
When consumer applied the brakes suddenly to avoid a collision, the brakes locked up which caused vehicle to skid. Vehicle had been checked by 2 dealers and an independent mechanic who have all confirmed the hydraulic control unit had failed. Ts
The rear brake hose collapsed from excessive hardware dust, which caused the rear wheel cylinder to leak, the rear brakes were replaced, the master cylinder was replaced under recall, however it had to be replaced a second time. Ts
Both a 3rd party inspection station and the dealer mechanic acknowledge that the front rotors on this vehicle are pitted...in manufacture...at an 'unreasonably' premature lifespan...23K miles. Since Chrysler does not participate in the bbb lemon law arbitration...their direct contact [phone] maintained the warranty of 1yr/12K miles...disregarding the supporting evidence from the above sources that the pitting was a manufacturing flaw...and therefore clearly the responsibility of Chrysler to replace...at no cost.
While driving, upon applying brakes to make a gradual stop the brakes failed to respond. Vehicle would need an extended stopping distance. Vehicle was involved in a crash. Consumer has contacted the dealer which determined that the front brake rotors were the incorrect size causing the problem. Front brake rotors were replaced. Ts
When driving on wet pavementand upon depressing brake pedal to make a sudden stop, consumer heard noise coming from the brakes, and there was extended stopping distance. Also, in order to stop alot of force had to be applied to brake pedal. Consumer has contacted the dealer . Please provide any further details.
Consumer was traveling about 35mph on a highway street, and went to apply brakes and pedal went all the way to the floor. He passed the stop sign, there were no brakes. Then, as he rode down the street, three blocks later the brakes came back and the emergency brakes handle was up.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with parking brake. When put vehicle in park and went to get out of the door, the vehicle started rolling. As a result, the consumer was dragged and severely injured. The manufacturer has been contacted.
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 1996 Chrysler Cirrus?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 15% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 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 1996 Chrysler Cirrus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.