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 1999 Plymouth Breeze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Plymouth Breeze. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed that the vehicle was smoking. He pulled over and shortly afterwards, the vehicle burst into flames. The dealer stated that excessive oil caused the fire. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.
It seems as though everyone that owns a Plymouth Breeze must replace a head gasket. I know this May not be a safety concern in general, but an environmental hazard is apparent. Considering the anti-freeze and oil that is dumped on the ground as a result of this defect. It is a very costly repair to make, and is very common among owners of these cars. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the sources to go through to address these problems. I am bringing it to you in hopes that you will investigate this defect. The average working class family cannot afford to fix these types of defects while damiler Chrysler seems to get away with this obvious problem. No one to my knowledge has died, gotten injured, or crashed due to this defect, but think of the environmental hazards due to this vehicle considering the amount of oil and antifreeze dumped on our highways every day. …
Defective head gasket on 1999 Plymouth Breeze with 39,387 miles. Vehicle was purchased 4/11/02. When I took the car in for the first oil change, I was informed the head gasket was leaking and it was recommended I take it back to the dealer for replacement. However, the dealer told me the warranty was good for 3 years or 36,000 miles and their only offer was to replace it for $630. I declined, preferring to take it to someone I trust. I have since learned of at least two other Plymouth/Dodge owners that had their head gaskets replaced at less than 60,000 miles. Daimler Chrysler needs to address this issue in a manner other than charging the owner to replace a defective part.
Dt: the contact's daughter took vehicle to an independent repair shop because the vehicle was leaking fluid from the engine. The repair shop personnel told her it would be awhile before they could get to her vehicle. She needed to leave, and they told her it would be safe to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was driven home and parked. Then, someone noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. She went outside and discovered the vehicle was on fire. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was totaled. Updated 2/24/2006 -
My son, richard scott bradley, owns a 2000 Dodge stratus. A second son, robert brian bradley, owns a 1999 Dodge intrepid. I own a 1999 Plymouth Breeze. My two sons and I have each had a cooling system failure, and have been told that it will cost approximately $1200 to repair the malfunction. It seems more than coincidence that each of us would experience similar defects in the vehicles' air conditioning systems. In the not so distant future, each one of us will be in the market for a new car. In all due respect, I am open to your suggestions.
Radio expired before warranty July 2000--no replacement by Chrysler transmission sensors at 52,000 April 2001-- no replacement or help of any kind from Chrysler, head gasket now at 76,000, January 2003 no help or replacement from Chrysler, was told not their problem since warranty expired.
Head gasket blown. Estimates range from $700 to $1500 to repair. This seems to be a common problem with this make and model of vehicle, both Plymouth and Dodge from other complaints on this web site and repair shops. Is there a recall or any help to repair from Chrysler?
My Plymouth Breeze completely shut down as I was driving it. My daughter was in the car with me and we both could have gotten seriously hurt. Also, I just spent $700 on a blown head gasket. Something really needs to be done about these vehicles.
I supposedly had a gasket put on my vehicle but I still have a water leak. I see there were recalls on heads or gaskets. I also had brakes and rotors put on my car which I still have problem with . I have paid over$400 to get that gasket put on. When I use my air conditioner the power of my engine weakens and I hear valves rattling. I do not know the owner of the vehicle every get these things fix when there were a recall for them or not. I also had to put a transmission sensor on the vehicle. It is one thing after another for this vehicle. I thought maybe because of the age of the car. But after looking at the recall of the vehicle. I basically have to restore the vehicle. The dealer where I took my car told me that I had a recall on my brakes but I do not think they did anything about. Then I was also told that I needed work for the startling and power of my vehicle. …
1999 - Plymouth Breeze - defective head gasket - purchased 12/11/01 from good wheels glassboro - replaced by performance Dodge, woodbury, nj on 10/25/02 - 47,076 mi - received $300.00 from Chrysler corp. 02/03/04 - 51,854 mi - Chrysler Jeep woodbury, nj - had to replace it again - received $100.00 from Chrysler corp. 05/01/06 - 54,206 mi - Chrysler Jeep woodbury, nj - was told it had to be changed again at a cost of $917.34 05/30/06 - contacted daimler-Chrysler - received a letter back that they would do nothing conclusion - a fourth replacement of head gasket on an automobile with 54,206 miles - 12/11/98 - technical service bulletin from Chrysler corp. Informing all that they have gasket problems all above has been documented to Chrysler corp I have all documentations.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
On June 29, 2005, odi opened preliminary evaluation pe05-036 to investigate complaints of engine compartment fires in model year (my) 1999-2000 Chrysler cirrus, Dodge stratus and Plymouth breeze passenger cars (ja cars). The ja cars were introduced in my 1995 and ended with my 2000.they were produced with 2.0l, 2.4l and 2.5l engines.the incident data in the failure report summary of this resume are for subject…
Power steering fluid fires
Odi has received 29 reports of engine compartment fires that appear to be related to power steering hose leakage in model year (my) 1999 and 2000 Chrysler cirrus, Dodge stratus and Plymouth breeze vehicles (ja-cars) equipped with 2.4l engines.these reports indicate that the fire resulted from a power steering hose leak or that it occurred after an extended drive and shortly after being parked - conditions consistent…
Engine complaints in other Breeze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Plymouth Breeze?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Plymouth Breeze, 25% of the model year's 117 complaints. The component named most often is engine (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Plymouth Breeze engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Plymouth Breeze, though it has 3 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 1999 Plymouth Breeze engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 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.