Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2000
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports.
11 problems reported (6 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPoor build quality and cheap interior materials
Brittle plastic, door panels with tabs that break easily, extremely shallow cup holders.
- RecurrentChronic electrical problems
Vehicles randomly not starting for hours, shutting off while driving, dashboard gauge clusters malfunctioning, dead batteries.
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission failures
Transmissions described as problematic and prone to failure, often around 90,000 miles.
+ 8 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine failures and head gasket issues
Engines failing around 90,000 miles; a specific technical service bulletin (TSB 09-05-98) addressed a faulty multi-layer steel head gasket for 1995-2000 models. V6 engines noted for serious, unspecified issues and notorious engine sludge.
- RecurrentInconvenient maintenance design
Battery located behind the front driver's side wheel, requiring wheel removal or specific steering angle to access.
- RecurrentPower steering problems
Squealing when turning, wheel jumping at turning limits, failing pumps.
- IsolatedAir conditioning system failures
System works intermittently or not at all.
- IsolatedCooling system/overheating issues
Vehicles running hot, repeated thermostat replacements not solving the problem.
- IsolatedSunroof mechanism failures
Motors seizing, requiring manual operation.
- IsolatedOil pressure warning light
Illuminating during hard turns, suggesting potential oil pickup or level issues.
- IsolatedPremature parts discontinuation
Brake lines and other parts no longer available from the dealer for a model only one year old at the time.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim, engine, or model year is recommended. Discussions suggest avoiding V6 engine options due to serious, unspecified issues.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Plymouth Breeze.
Is the Cirrus right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is consistently described as unreliable, poorly built, and frustrating to own and maintain. Positive remarks are extremely rare and isolated to minor features like headlights and windshield wipers. The dominant narrative is one of frequent mechanical and electrical failures, subpar interior quality, and inconvenient design, leading to significant owner dissatisfaction and a strong aversion to the brand among former owners.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available. Owner discussions focus on the vehicle's inherent flaws rather than its market positioning.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. A single, isolated mention suggests the Mitsubishi-made 4G64 2.4L engine may be more reliable than Chrysler's own 2.4L engines, but this is not a consensus recommendation.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase by former owners. Described as suitable only for those with a very low budget and high tolerance for repairs. If considering, extreme caution is advised. Specifically, avoid V6 engine options. Check for a full service history. Be prepared for electrical gremlins, automatic transmission problems, and difficult-to-source replacement parts. Verify all dashboard gauges and warning lights function correctly. Test the power steering, air conditioning, and sunroof (if equipped) thoroughly. Expect poor build quality and inconvenient maintenance procedures.
Remarks
The Chrysler Cirrus was part of the "cloud car" platform shared with the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. Many reported issues, particularly related to the 2.0L and 2.4L engines and their head gaskets, are documented in manufacturer technical service bulletins, indicating known design flaws. The vehicle's reputation for poor reliability is a dominant theme, with several owners stating the experience permanently turned them away from the Chrysler brand. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions spanning the 1995-2000 model years.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 107 | 9 | steering |
| 1999 | 73 | 7 | power train |
| 1998 | 77 | 7 | electrical system |
| 1997 | 77 | 8 | service brakes |
| 1996 | 194 | 11 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices42 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2000 · suspension:front:control arm:lower ball jointcampaign 09E056000
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.
2000 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 10E059000
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.
2000 · equipmentcampaign 09E043000
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.
2000 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mountingcampaign 00V067000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.
2000 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 00V066000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.
2000 · child seatcampaign 00V366000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
2000 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 06V001000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
2000 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 06E088000
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.
2000 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 00V196000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.
1999 · suspension:front:control arm:lower ball jointcampaign 09E056000
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.
1999 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 10E059000
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.
1999 · equipmentcampaign 09E043000
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.
1999 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 06V001000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
1999 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 06E088000
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.
1999 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 99V244000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE TUBE CAN CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CLAMP AND WEAR A HOLE IN IT.
27 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5 i V6 24V
2.5L 6-cylinder · 168 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1995–2000