Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
My front tires feel like they are going to break off the vehicle due to the lower ball joints,steering control arm, inner and outer tie rods; accelerates all by itself. Will not lock shifter with key out of ignition. ECM is faulty because it shuts the lights off,turns engine,all lights, off . Unpredictably! Seat belts do not engage when stopping. If I were to be critically injured because of malfunctioning of said vehicle? Who would take responsibility of my safety and well being? This all happens while operation of vehicle. Traveling on the freeway at 55 MPH. ABS malfunctions as well even when driving 15 MPH.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke seen from the engine compartment. The contact also noticed that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The fire was extinguished using a fire extinguisher. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 96V006000 (engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline). The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 49,063.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. While making a left turn between 10-20 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The failure occurred on five different occasions and was repaired each time for a total cost of $2,283.04. The dealer stated that there were no recalls listed. The contact spoke with daimler Chrysler on three occasions and they stated that nothing could be done. They stated that they do not own their dealerships and it would be the dealer's decision to make the repair or issue a recall. Daimler Chrysler further stated that they would try and send a technician to inspect the vehicle; however, no one has yet to arrive. The failure occurs while driving, stopped, or making a right or left turn. The failure mileage was 49,784 and current mileage was 50,261.
While driving at 75mph down the highway a flash of fire was noticed coming from under hood. When pulled over to lift hood, the engine burst into flames. The fire suddenly went out on its own. Dealer was contacted. It was found that the galley-plug had blown out, thus dumping all the oil out onto the manifold causing the fire. This plug was recalled and was taken in for repair, but according to the investigator, the actual repair was never done.
While crossing an intersection the consumer's vehicle stalled right in the middle of the intersection. After a few tries the vehicle was restarted. After driving a few feet the vehicle stalled once again. Also the windshield wipers work intermittently when it rained. When the wipers were on intermittent they would move very fast for that speed.
We noticed major oil dripping. Our mechanic found it to be coming from the head gasket. We referred the problem to the dealer and to the 1-800 customer complaint number for Chrysler. We were told: a) the car is out of warranty b)they would not stand behind a bad head gasket at 40,000 miles, and c) although there was nothing wrong with the original head gasket design that the gasket has been completely redesigned and was on national back order. Our mechanic was able to obtain a new type and fixed the car. He said he has talked to other mechanics who are seeing this gasket oil leak problem on this chrylser. He said the old gasket was faulty and that the new design is three layer thick and very well designed. But, remember, we were told by Chrysler that the new one was not designed because there was any problem with the old one.
I did not receive and owners manual, and would like to know if I am entitled to receiveve one. Also I would like to know if I am entitled to receiveve a copy of any and all factory warranties. I was told, by a third party that catalyc converter is covered by factory warranty up to 8yrs or 80,000 miles and that applies even though I am not the original buyer of the car. If this applies to me, I would like to know how I can go about getting a copy of the owners manual as well as the factory warranties. I would like to know if I can have any recall repairs done or if the statute of limitations has run out on that. I really like this car.
On numerous occasions while slowing down from a high speed (for example- paying a toll on a highway) the engine cuts out and all power is lost including breaks and steering. I have been able to restart the car and avoid any accidents. I read an article where Mitsubishi is admitting to covering up problems. The car is Chrysler but the engine is Mitsubishi!! I owned the car for two months and they had to conduct a major overhaul of the wiring. I noted in the article that in the mirage, engines were stalling because of a defective engine shaft. Perhaps this is what is happening to my car??
My car started to hesitate at take off and misfire while idling. It was running really rough. It was time for a tune-up, which was done, and the mechanic informed me that there are internal problems with my catalytic converter and that distributor unit would need to be replaced. He also informed me that I would have to pay for the distributor to be replaced, but catalytic converter is covered under factory warranty. I do not have a copy of the factory warranty or an owners manual and would like to know how I can get one. Thank you.
Consumer's 1969 Chrysler Cirrus did not pass inspection due to a so called recall on the vehicle regarding the emission system. The consumer was told that there was no recall. The oil was thick and dirty at the bottom of the groove on the dip stick. The consumer requested to be compensated and or reimbursed for the time lost from work.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
Engine complaints in other Cirrus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 24% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is engine (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Cirrus engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-006 (gasoline, Jan 11, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Cirrus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.