Across 5 model years, the Chrysler Cirrus has 528 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 42 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and service brakes. 1996 drew the most complaints (194), 1999 the fewest (73).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chrysler Cirrus vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 1996 (194 complaints). Lowest: 1999 (73).
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is consistently described as unreliable, poorly built, and frustrating to own and maintain.
Brittle plastic, door panels with tabs that break easily, extremely shallow cup holders.
Vehicles randomly not starting for hours, shutting off while driving, dashboard gauge clusters malfunctioning, dead batteries.
Transmissions described as problematic and prone to failure, often around 90,000 miles.
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.
Battery located behind the front driver's side wheel, requiring wheel removal or specific steering angle to access.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cirrus. Individual model years are broken down above.
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