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 Plymouth Breeze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was coming home one evening from town, and my brakes failed to stop. The brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard and never once slowed me down and I crashed into another vehicle. It was a pretty bad wreck and luckily no one was seriously injured.
Brakes needed replacing 4 months after buying car. Dealer said was not under warranty. Had complete brake job on front 2 times, 1 on rear, cylinder replaced, shoes replaced, brakes still do not work properly, something comes loose if pressed suddenly causing car to slide and not stop. Pads have been replaced numerous times due to quick wear out. Accident could have been avoided if brakes worked properly. Car does not stop efficiently. Also,engine head gasket was replaced under warranty. Engine has been leaking oil again since 7/98. Dealer maintains that I will have to repair because out of warranty. Oil light does not work to warn when oil is low. Constantly adding oil to keep at proper level. Parking brake has been adjusted several times but does not stay long. Fuel gauge gives inaccurate reading. Appears to be empty when not. Air conditioner quit month before car accident in 8/99. …
Consumer has been experiencing problems with brakes. Replaced brakes twice since owning vehicle. . When applying brakes, consumer's foot went to the floorboard, lost control, resulting in a collision/ fatality. Manufacturer has been contacted.
I purchased my 1996 Plymouth Breeze in April of 1998 with 33,000 miles on it and it currently has 115,000 miles on it. The initial signs of problems begin at 50,000 miles with an oil leak no one could seem to fix (not even the dealership). Within a span of 82, 000 miles: I have had to replace the head gasket twice at 54,000 and 113,000 ($1000), I have had two major tune-ups at 60,000 and 92,000 miles ($500), I have had all sensors replaced at 101,000 miles ($1500), I have had three major brake jobs within 18 months ($1800), I had to replace the radiator ($250), I had to have the catalytic converter replaced at 75,000 miles ($350), I had to have a new transmission at 95,000 miles ($1500), I ve had numerous repairs based on the readouts from the computer ($600+), replaced the oil pan gasket but it still leaks ($150) the window seals leak when it rains (never tried to fix) (this car sat in …
I purchased a used car, and sometimes you need to fix minor things if the car is old, but this car is a 1996. Almost still new and I just don't understand how the transmission could bad this soon. When I bought the car it was leaking oil so I figured it was just something simple. I took the car into jim earp Chrysler-Plymouth on 55th and l street they told me I needed to replace my headgaskets, and brakes.I did. They car was still leaking so I took it back in on 6/10/99 but they could't look at it. I went to another dealer they told me my transmission is probaly cracked. I do have another friend who bought his car brand new and the same problem, headgaskets went bad, his engine cracked, and now his car is in the shop for bad transmission. My car makes more noise now and it didn't before. …
I'm so disappointed in this car. I bought it new in 1996, and it's been constant problems since I did. The first time the head gasket went out, the car was still under warranty, but has gone out twice since then. I've spent so much money on repairs, that I could have bought a whole new car if you add it all up. The brakes are always squeeking and wearing out quickly. Whenever one thing goes wrong, it's quickly followed by several other problems. My transmission had a massive leak last year (2001) that took the dealer two times to fix. But now it's leaking again. I went and bought a new Kia two days ago--but I'm reluctant to try and sell this lemon to anybody. It has no trade in value whatsoever. Now that I'm aware of the major head gasket problems, I wonder if there's any sort of class action lawsuit against the makers of Plymouth? I want my money back!!!
ABS light stays on at all times. Brake pedal is very hard when applied. On July 26 the front rotors were replaced. Also noise and vibration was experienced when brakes were applied. Vehicle also pulls when braking, on one occasion front rotors were overheated, dealer stated this was due to an ABS problem, consumer found there was a recall on the master cylinder 96V075, there was also a recall on the ABS 96V074. Transmission made a grinding noise and while at a complete stop, vehicle's gears shifted on their own. Steering wheel squeaks when making turns.
When applying the brakes there is a noise which indicates more wear and tear on the braking system. Dealer said they fixed the problem. Problem still exists. Also, steering wheel becomes "stiff and hard." occupant cannot control the vehicle. In addition, problems with transmission, when the occupant accelerates the vehicle does not "perform as it should". Causes unknown. Please provide details.
While applying the brakes left caliper broke in hallf, resulting in loss of brakes. Dealer replaced the rotors/ calipers and pads. Right brake pads and rotors have been replaced due to sticking/ eating into the rotors. Manufacturer has been notified.
The paint peels off , it has been painted several times . The steering wheel shakes when you stop,it vibrates and is very noisy. Also, brakes squeal in the front, they have been replaced, but the problem is still there.
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 Breeze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Plymouth Breeze?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Plymouth Breeze, 12% of the model year's 182 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Breeze 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 Plymouth Breeze brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 242,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries and 1 death 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.