Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 1996 Cirrus with only 87+++ miles suddenly downshifts while driving over 40 MPH. This is a recent purchase. I live in wyoming and it is winter time with icy road conditions nearly everywhere. I am a single mother with a 10 year old daughter. When this happened to us on the highway, it caused us to spin off of the road. Luckily we were unhurt. This automobile is unsafe!!! The limp mode appears to be activated due to faulty/low quality parts by Chrysler. Why isn"t this recalled??? I have no choice but to drive this car. I will sue Chrysler if we have another incident!!! This incident occured when we were driving straight at about 50 MPH.
Dt*: the contact stated there were three recalls were performed on the vehicle, which were not performed correctly. The fuel pump recall #06e091000, hood attachments #97V095000, and the ignition switch #98V183000 were the 3 recalls. All 3 recalls were completed but the problems were not corrected, and the service dealer and manufacturer were not willing to correct these issues further under the recall.
Dt*: the contact stated the shifter could be taken out of gear without the key in the ignition and the check engine light illuminated. A NHTSA recall, #98V183000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the park/neutral start switch however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair under the recall.
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning there was a explosion due to the trans axle loosening and busting the transmission case. The vehicle experienced loss of power steering and brakes. The transmission was serviced.
Parked vehicle. Getting out of vehicle when it started rolling backwards. Driver knocked down by door. Vehicle hit tree in woods after owner got loose. Emergency brakes not on at time. Will be taking vehicle to dealership.
The vehicle 'changed gears' while driving along a major highway, as if it slipped into park or reverse. The tires began to spin uncontrollably and the RPM and engine was raised. Managed to maneuver the vehicle off the main road to avoid being hit from the rear by oncoming traffic. Turned engine off, put the car into park, and restarted car. Put the car into drive but the car would not shift beyound 2nd gear. Mechanic does not recognize 'code' and states that the transmission has to be rebuilt. Thank god, I was alone in the car (I was headed to school to pick up my teenage daughter), and could manage to get it off of the main highway and out of heavy traffic to avoid a major accident and posible fatalities.
Car would shift out of gear at various speeds and at stop. The car also jerks into gear at various speeds. It has been taken back to the dealer on numerous occasions, each time they can't seem to find any problems with the vehicle. The last instance of this occurring was February 5th 1999. While pulling into my development at a speed of 35mph the car jumped out of gear, and I was unable to get the vehicle into drive or reverse. I had to push the vehicle to my driveway. My concern is that my family was in the vehicle when this occurred and we had just come off the highway.
Problem was diagnosed as a failure of the transmission control module (TCM) and the solenoid pack. However, it is apparent that the transmission itself is faulty, as it makes a "moaning" sound at what I presume are the shift points. Dealer does not recognize this issue as a problem, although it is getting progressively worse. Original diagnosed problem, failure of the TCM, would cause the auto to go into "limp-in" mode. (auto defaults to second gear, which would happen at low speeds or when stopped.)
While driving accelerator pedal sticks ,causing loss of vehicle control. The vehicle's RPM races up and down while applying the brake. When brake is released, the vehicle goes forward on its own. The A/C failed. The transmission revs and appears it's going to blow up. The dealer tried to fix all of the above. Some of it twice or more.
Transmission failed and had to be rebuilt at 42,534 miles. Transmission failed again 800 miles later. Eventhough I had reported an earlier problem on trans (while still under warranty), they would not cover this failure due to the fact I was 6,000 miles over warranty.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Auto trans ignition-park interlock
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…
Transmission complaints in other Cirrus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 14% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-021 (floor shift, Jan 13, 2004); NHTSA recall 98V-183 (park/neutral start interlock switch, Aug 6, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Cirrus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.