Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Plymouth Breeze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot it caught on fire. The fire occurred without warning. There was a report made by the police and fire departments. The fire department determined the fire started in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Upon inspection the dealer determined the fire was caused by the electrical wiring. No repairs have been made. Updated 4/11/2006 -
The struts failed. The cause had not been determined. The part had been replaced three times within one year. There were engine problems, the spark plugs continued to get dirty, two sets of tires were lost, there was an odor coming from the ac, there was a leak coming from the main seal and left rear corner of the head, the heater fan only worked on high, there was a tapping noise coming from the engine compartment when the vehicle was first started then goes away, there was a clunking noise in the front wheels, the flash module caused the engine light to come on and the upstream #2 sensor was replaced, the steering rack had broken, the temperature gauge was inoperative, and the ac belt was cracked. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.
Good evening, I wanted to obtain more information about the class action suit against Chrysler. I have a 97 Plymouth Breeze that has had a head and a transmission replaced at 2 separate times. The head was replaced because of head gasket and the transmission after if overheated on highway use (5, 2003), got stuck 200+ miles away from home. Finally I sent my last payment last month but to my surprise my transmission is acting up again and the only services I get from the shop is for my to drive to them (200 miles away). Other issues brakes do not last and suspension is on the fritz.. Thank you daniel rodriguez [email] miami, fl
Multiple oil leaks and brake problems. Bought car with 14,000 miles, replaced front brakes and rotors at 19,000 miles, replaced cam seals at 32,000 miles, had new brakes again at 39,000 miles, and now at 49,500 having spark plug seals replaced. All major engine work done at newburgh park motors, newburgh ny. This car has cost me more in maintenance than my crappy 1979 GMC pick-up with a billion miles on it! The dealer just shrugs it off and says this is typical and it is the customer's responsibility. I say shame on Chrysler for manufacturing a sub-standard product and not standing behind it! You cowards!!!!!
Engine: canshaft oil seal fell out, ruined engine, required rebuilding engine. Chrysler refused to pay. I found a TSB that provides a retainer to keep oil seal from falling out. Engine has severe vibration at idle. Can not find cause. Front suspension: loud clunk near drivers footwell, many rattles. Found failed front lower control arm rear bushing. While repairing also found both outer tie rod ends worn and left side inner tie rod end worn. Sway bar link was also worn. No help from Chrysler at all. Rear wheel bearing loose. Tightened retainer nut to specified 185 ft lbs. Which corrected problem.
I am having trouble with my 1997 Plymouth Breeze, I took it to a repair shop and was told that it is the head gasket. I need to know if there is any kind of recall due to this problem. I was told from the repair shop that it is very common for these kind of vehicles to have this problem. Please advise me if there is anything I can do. Thank you for your cooperation.
The driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Suddenly the vehicle caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The cause had not been determined. The driver will contact the dealer in the near future. Please provide further details.
Head gasket oil leak-this has been known as a common problem for this model-why has a recall not been done when it is so well known? It is very costly and inconvenient to have repaired when it seems to have nothing to do with wear on the vehicle.
I have had nothing but problems with this car and the warrent I bought for it hasn't done me any good. I know thats not your fault. I have had to replace my spark plug seals twice and now I am having to replace my cam shaft seal. I have heard that many of these types of cars have had the same problem. One machanic said that he thought there would be a re-call on the cam shaft seals so that is why I am making this coplaint. I really like the car it just leaks oil all over the grown. I heard that Plymouth is no longer making cars but I really think that I shouldn't have had to pay for this to get fixed and they should have to pay me back. My car isn't that old to have all these problems with it. Plus I also think that the dealer I bought it from sells crap cars. …
On 1/5/00 I arrived home and after getting out of car heard hissing noise and popped the hood and then relized that the car was leaking oil all over the driveway. Took car to a texaco station and they stated that I had a cracked gasket and would fix for an estimated cost of $534.80 (frontier Chevy dealer estimated 600.00, was not boing to bother with the people I bought the car from since they are 1 hour away and am very dissatisfied with there servie). According to lemon-aid updates on website http://lemonaidcars.com/home.htm under the novemer 1999 section section 2 states that service bulliton number 09-05-98, they have know about this problem for past 16 months. Additionally per odi id 704054 someone else has had the exact same problem. How can I go about trying to have them pay for the new gaskets and manhours that I had to pay for becuase of there poor product. …
Engine complaints in other Breeze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Plymouth Breeze?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Plymouth Breeze, 54% of the model year's 155 complaints. The component named most often is engine (54 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Plymouth Breeze engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Plymouth Breeze, though it has 4 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Plymouth Breeze engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.