Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
During a required inspection of my wifes 2002 Chrysler cirris VIN#1c3ej46xyn297907 the brake linings were disengrating(both ends of the front brakes) back brake seals leaking.the vehicle was bought June of 2000 she averages 4,000 per year 17,000 miles on the car. It is kept in aheated garage and has been serviced at the dealer where she bought it for reg. Maint. And inspection.(we have complained about the brakes squealing from the ist year and have been told that it is just the open brakes now days and it is just road dirt. All along it was the brake pads disingrating. It cost $500.00 to replace . Since we had complaind each time I feel it was the dealer not wanting to change them when they were under warranty. I called Chrysler consumer line and was told what did I expect' the brakes disinigrated from non-use since the vehicle is driven only 4,000 per year. …
Complaint received via e-mail. We own a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus lx and a 2003 Chrysler van, so the cirris is only driven about 4000 miles a year. I have been having an ongoing problem with the brakes, which I have complaint about each time it's serviced. The dealership tells me it's just dust in them. The vehicle was in for inspection, and they said the brakes had disintegrated, the rotors needed replacement and the back cylinders were leaking. The brake pads are hardly worn in the center, but are disintegrating in the ends. Them manufacture indicated that the brake pads disintegrated from non-use. I spoke to other Chrysler van owners and they are having the same problem. After checking the vehicle the mechanic found the cylinders leaking so they were replaced.
I have a 1999 Chrysler Cirrus. My wife took the car for the day 10/15/08, she called me at work to say the brakes were making a very loud grinding noise. The next day I drove the car to the dealer to have the brakes serviced. On the way over, the brake pads completely stopped functioning. I had to down shift to stop. I drove at 10 MPH or slower the last mile to the dealer. They told me the rotors needed to be replaced along with the brakes. This car had no brakes. What troubles me, is that the brake pads had no wear indicators on them. Had I heard the screeching of the indicators, I would have had the pads replaced sooner. I had no idea the pads was that bad. A few days earlier, I was in rhode island to visit my daughters. I was traveling at highway speeds. This could have caused a bad accident had the brakes failed then. …
Every eight to ten thousand miles the rotors warped. While stopping at 70 MPH steering wheel felt as if it was going to come right out of consumer's hands. Consumer stated that Chrysler manufactured the vehicle with the wrong part. The brakes were worked on three times. But, problem recurred.
Anti-lock brake system is locking while the vehicle is in full speed w/o the brakes being pressed. Sensor is automatically releasing the ABS brakes without advance warning. Dealer advised consumer that all four brake pads, and calipers have to be replaced. This will be the second time for the entire brakes system to be replaced.
Consumer believes recall 99v-244 concerning the right rear brake tube May have caused accident in which consumer experienced loss of braking ability and loss of control resulting in hitting the stairs in front of house and hitting neighbors home, consumer suffered minor cuts to hand and a lump on forehead. Nlm
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.
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles May have been built with an inadequate weld between the right front brake hose block and the stand-off bracket.
Remedy: Dealers will add a brake line bracket to the right front brake tube.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler Cirrus years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (121), 1996 (24), 2000 (16), 1997 (11) and 1998 (9) model years. Brake complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chrysler Cirrus brake problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 00V-196 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000); 99V-244 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 15, 1999); 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chrysler Cirrus brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (94 mentions), followed by the foundation components › master cylinder (27).
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.