Most common 1997 Chrysler Cirrus problems
Share of the 69 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chrysler Cirrus complaints by model year
Best Cirrus years: 1998, 1999, 1997. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Chrysler Cirrus recalls (4)
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
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.
Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood is slammed shut.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus:
Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
Lower control arm ball joint failure
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…
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…
What 1997 Chrysler Cirrus owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus. The light on the odometer gauge on the instrument control panel stopped working. Shortly afterwards, the entire lighting on the instrument control panel failed. The horn also began blowing without application. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they replaced the steering column along with the horn switch. Two weeks after the repair the fuse failed when using the horn. The dealer replaced the ignition switch, but upon further inspection she noticed that the crank shaft position sensor had melted. The contact stated that the failure was electrical since none of the repairs have remedied the failure, and the vehicle continued to stall without prior warnings. The failure mileage was under 45,000 . The current was 99,877.
Upon taking the vehicle in for recall repairs for the trans axle, the consumer started to experience other problems, such as dropping gears, and cutting off intermittently. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer four times, and the dealer replaced the computer. However, the problem had not been rectified as of yet. As of April 5, 2005, the vehicle still exhibited the same problem. Recall campaign# 98V183000 & 04V021000. The idle was re-adjusted.
Brakes
ABS warning light came on. Brought car to dealership for diagnosis. Diagnosis showed system relay output circuit code. Testing showed faulty power distribution center due to corrosion. Proper repair is replacement of power distribution center and harness. Service center found part is no longer manufactured. Service center conducted nationwide parts search to no avail. As a consequence ABS system is now non-functional.
Brake hose blewout. Vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. While driving the brake hose blewout and caused the brake pedal to go to the floor. There was no indication that the failure was about to occur, no brake fluid leakage or erratic braking. Fluid covered the left front wheel and caliper. The dealer noticed evidence that the brake hose rubbed on the caliper.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl*- the contact parked her 1997 Chrysler Cirrus in the driveway, removed the keyes and approximately 30-45 seconds later the vehicle rolled out of the parking lot and crashed into the neighbors carport. The vehicle was parked on a flat surface, and emergency brake was not engaged. The road conditions were dry. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealership to be repaired due to a recall notice. The dealership advised the contact that they replaced the shifter plunger. The contact is still was having the same problem the vehicle. The current mileage was 10,4000 miles.
Experienced problems with transmission. The A/C evaporated coil needed to be replaced by the consumer after 42920 miles. The consumers vehicle started leaking oil. The consumer put the vehicle in reverse and proceeded to back out of the driveway. The consumer put the car in drive to drive away after backing and the vehicle continued to go in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic for service an was found that the pin in the differential had come loose puncturing the transmission case causing rapid fluid loss. The entire transmission had to be replaced.
1997 Chrysler Cirrus engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus a good car?
Based on 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Cirrus rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cirrus at the same age. It is one of the best Cirrus years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the brakes (11) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus, the most recent from January 13, 2004 (floor shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chrysler Cirrus?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998, 1999 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1996. See the full Chrysler Cirrus years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chrysler Cirrus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.