Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Plymouth Breeze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1996 Plymouth Breeze involved in accident due to equipment failure. The accident was the result of steering problems. Consume later received a safety recall notification from Chrysler that concerned the lower control arms and ball joints. Consumer's son sustained injuries. Insurance company declared the vehicle totaled. The head gasket was replaced prior to the accident. Driver was making a turn when he hear a clinking or popping sound. At the enid of the turn the steering wheel would not steer the vehicle. He hit the curb and heard a loud sound under the vehicle. He then hit the sign pole, which broke a the base and came through the windshield. He had to duck out of the way as the pole hit his headrest and then struck the wall. This is where he injured his neck and back, trying to avoid the pole. The air bags didn't deploy.
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.
Steering column off center, squeaking and abnormal vibration. Complained from 4 times from 6000 - 50,000. Was told it was normal but at 50,000 miles while no longer under warranty told faulty steering column , repaired at my cost. A 1000 miles later needs new steering column again and abnormal vibration still exists. Contacted Chrysler who agreed to pay for half of parts and was told that it is not there fault it was misdiagnosed the previous four times.
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.
There is excessive vibration in the steering wheel. Dealer cannot repair. In addition, there is a forward lunging when slowing to a stop/replaced broken motor mount/broken alternator bolt/sensor for idle/rack and pinion steering/head gasket/exhaust leak due to loose bolts and broken power steering cap.
Faulty steering column. Complained about this problem 4 times from 6000 - 30000 miles, replaced at 50,000 at cost to me. Now after 1000 more miles has to be replaced again. Chyrsler replied that it is not their problem that it was misdiagnosed all those times.
Customer states there is noise in the front end when turning both ways and over bumps, dealer replaced rack and pinion and replaced rack and pinion.
When vehicle is started the steering makes a low pitch squeeling noise. Noise continues and steering is restrictive until vehicle has been driven for 15-20 min.
When vehicle is started the steering makes a low pitch squeeling noise. Noise continues and steering is restrictive until vehicle has been driven for 15-20 min.
Consume took car in for a tire rotation, ball joint and covers were bent. Consumer start hearing a scraping noise. Mechanic said it was tie rod.
Steering complaints in other Breeze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Plymouth Breeze?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Plymouth Breeze, 11% of the model year's 182 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Plymouth Breeze steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Plymouth Breeze, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.