The problem
Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
The risk
When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-084 (97V084000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines |
| Report date | May 5, 1997 |
| Owners notified | May 19, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 960,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-084 repair free?
Yes. Dodge dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 960,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.