1998 Chrysler Cirrus: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 69 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (12% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle dies going down the highway sitting or idling runs for 30 minutes then dies, lots of complaints about Chrysler vehicles doing this, very unsafe, vehicle should never shut down by themselves, electrical problems.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“The misfires and stalls while I'm driving. It doesn't matter if it's warmed up and if it's cold. Stalls and misfires while driving on freeway and just stops when it wants too”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. While driving 25 mph, the lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine misfired. The contact also mentioned that there was a clicking noise and the ball joints were prematurely worn. In addition, the suspension was unstable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on more than one occasion where the failure was not able to be replicated. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn into the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN and the failure mileage were not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
“My car will stall out in low or idol. It would just shut off. While driving and switching gears it will sound like its missing. I took it to get it smog. They said that the computer in the car was resetting every time I start the car. They also said that it was doing the same problem as the chrysler cirrus 1996 was doing. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. While the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, the engine began to overheat and steam emitted from underneath the hood area. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and towed to an independent auto shop. The technician stated the coolant hose fractured. The part was ordered. The vehicle would be repaired once the part became available. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that when attempting a turn in either direction or parking, there was a loud, abnormal noise from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers who repaired various components on the vehicle. The second dealer repaired most of the suspension including the tie rod. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 85,900.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2010
“My 1998 chrysler cirrus with only 75000 miles on it was sitting in the driveway for 5+ hours, not running (keys inside my home) and it caught on fire. The fire was deemed to be an electrical short somewhere in the drivers door panel, possible the electric mirror location switch. No accidents with this car, no modifications where done, everything is (was) stock as it rolled off the assembly line in 1998. My daughter received a slight burn putting the fire out. The car is a complete lose but did not burn completely. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“Car loses all power when driving especially after it rains. You have to let it sit awhile and then it will start up. This happens frequently and is quite dangerous.from what I have researched on the internet this is a common problem with this car and alot of frustrated people are wondering why this hasn't been a recall problem since it seems to happen in all cirrus models. This is an expensive repair and it seems to be an extremely life threatening one since it happens on major highways without no warning what so ever. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2009
“Chrysler cirrus 1998 lx car shut down while daughter was driving at 50mph. Very dangerous situation on highway but was able to get off road without getting hit. Daughter 18 years old and very scared over situation. Crankshaft shifter sensor replaced. Mechanic said it was a well known problem with this car. Internet research confirms this. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE TUBE CAN CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CLAMP AND WEAR A HOLE IN IT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBES FOR VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CLAMP. IF THE TUBE SHOWS EVIDENCE OF CONTACT, IT WILL BE REPLACED. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CONTACT EXISTS, THE TUBE WILL BE FASTENED WITH A CLIP.
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.
IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY ADHERED LINE CONNECTORS.
Remedy: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cirrus by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus reliable?
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (12% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Chrysler Cirrus problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Chrysler Cirrus have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.