1997 Chrysler Cirrus problems & reliability
69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (4 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1997 Chrysler Cirrus vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 11 | 16% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic → | 11 | 16% |
| Power Train → | 10 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 8 | 12% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 10% |
| Steering | 6 | 9% |
| Suspension | 6 | 9% |
| Visibility | 6 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 5 | 7% |
| Tires | 5 | 7% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“At first I heard a squeaking noise that gradually turned into a grinding noise. After having my brake pads replaced and front driver side caliper replaced, the grinding noise turned into a metal on metal grind with a peculiar metal smell which resulted in something ceasing up (only way to describe how tight the tires…”
Suspension · filed Sep 18, 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler cirrus. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the rear passenger door swung open abnormally. The contact had to screw in the bolt that held the latch into place. The contact was concerned with the possibility of someone falling from the vehicle. The vehicle was not…”
Structure · filed Oct 11, 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chrysler cirrus. The light on the odometer gauge on the instrument control panel stopped working. Shortly afterwards, the entire lighting on the instrument control panel failed. The horn also began blowing without application. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they replaced the…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Oct 21, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
Engineering Analysis EA03011 · opened Jul 17, 2003 · closed Jan 30, 2004 · led to recall 04V021000
- STEERING SHAFT BINDING
Engineering Analysis EA99028 · opened Sep 10, 1999 · closed Jul 26, 2001 · led to recall 01I012000
- STEERING SHAFT BINDING
Preliminary Evaluation PE99030 · opened May 3, 1999 · closed Sep 10, 1999
- LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA97016 · opened Sep 29, 1997 · closed Nov 20, 1997 · led to recall 97V201000
Technical service bulletins
97 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus. The 10 most recent:
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part…
23027 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 23, 2016
05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying…
23104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2016
Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See…
23137 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1997 Chrysler Cirrus has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1997 Chrysler Cirrus?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.