1995 Chrysler Cirrus Problems
- Complaints
- 369filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles, 33 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints from owners of this model year concentrate on two areas: brakes that lose pedal feel or stop working, and automatic transmissions that slip, drop into neutral, or refuse to shift out of first. Most reports arrive well past 80,000 miles, though the transmission complaints often come earlier and describe failures while driving at highway speed. Electrical and computer-related stalling, cooling problems, and front suspension/ball joint failures also recur.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, drops to neutral or sticks in gear
- 57 complaints (15%)
- median 105,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2012
Complaints describe the car suddenly leaving gear at highway speed, engine speed rising while the car coasts, then dropping back into first or second and staying there. Owners report repeat solenoid pack and transmission control module replacements, and some say a rebuilt or replacement transmission was installed and the behavior returned. Commonly reported between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles, often at 55-70 mph.
What to check: Drive it at highway speed and watch for a rise in rpm without acceleration or a drop into a single gear. Ask whether the solenoid pack or transmission control module has been replaced and whether fluid changes are documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission without warning either shifts down into second gear and will not shift up or worse the transmission goes limp when driving at any speed in other words you end up coasting and could possibly cause a serious accident, the first time this happened to me I was going 65 MPH on the freeway. Fortunately, I was on the right hand side of the road so I could coast off and come to a stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10352499, filed 2010-08, 40,000 miles“1995 Chrysler Cirrus is continually downshifting into 2nd gear and stays there. I have tried to have it fixed and to no avail. The solenoid pack was replaced twice and this did not solve the problem. This was a costly repair that accomplished nothing. I even got a second opinion from an independent mechanic and it was in error also. This is a very dangerous defect that is evidently being experienced by many Chrysler owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10088438, filed 2004-08, 80,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinks to the floor / ABS braking loss
- 102 complaints (28%)
- median 93,694 mi at 9.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2008
Owners describe the brake pedal traveling all the way to the floor, sometimes with the ABS warning light on, and having to stop with the parking brake. Several say a master cylinder or an ABS hydraulic unit or sensor was replaced, and some report the problem returned afterwards. A few mention a rear wheel cylinder coming apart and taking out the ABS sensor with it. Spread across many mileage points, from low-mileage cars to well over 100,000 miles; several describe it during normal braking at low speed.
Recall 96V075000Recall 96V074000
What to check: Ask for records of any master cylinder or ABS hydraulic unit work, and whether recall 96V075000 or 96V074000 was completed. Test the pedal for firmness with the engine running and watch that the ABS light goes out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving down the interstate, it suddenly sounded like there was an increase in road noise, then suddenly there was a puff of smoke from the back and the noise disappeared. Stopping to check, my master cylinder was half-empty. Per Chrysler dealer who repaired it, right rear brake came apart (cylinder blown and springs broken). When it failed, it also damaged right rear tone wheel and sensor, making the anti-lock brakes inoperative. There was no warning before this catastrophic brake failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10013972, filed 2003-04, 68,388 miles“While driving ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing ABS light to come on and the brake pedal to travel to the floor, and vehicle acclerated which may have caused a crash. To stop vehicle, emergency parking brake had to be applied. Mechanic fixed an ABS right sensor. Problem is still occurring.ak”
NHTSA complaint #865934, filed 2000-07 - Electrical system
Engine stalls while driving or at stops
- 39 complaints (11%)
- median 95,000 mi at 9.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2008
Owners report the engine cutting out as if the ignition were switched off, at speeds from parking-lot to interstate, sometimes restarting immediately and sometimes only after sitting. Complaints mention oxygen sensors, alternator wiring, the engine computer and the starter being replaced, with some owners saying the stall returned after repairs. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 130,000 miles, at a wide range of speeds and driving conditions.
What to check: Ask whether the computer, oxygen sensor or idle control has been replaced and why. A scan for stored codes and a test drive long enough to fully warm the engine will help show whether the stall is still present.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus that keeps stalling, even while traveling at speeds of 60 m.p.h. The car just stalls like the ignition was turned off, but it will restart right away. I have had it in to the shop several times and they keep replacing parts but it does not correct the problem. They say that the computer does not show an error code for them to know what the problem is. It is getting expensive replacing parts that they think are the problem and then the problem continues to exist.”
NHTSA complaint #10060572, filed 2004-03, 72,000 miles“I have a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus, v-6 engine with 82,000 miles. I have had a problem with this car since august 2003 and have not been able to resolve it. Anytime I drive the vehicle for periods longer than 20 minutes it will just stall for no reason. When the problem happens it is as if someone has turned off the ignition. The car will restart after several hours but not before and when it does restart it is as if nothing was ever wrong. This can happen at any speed and is a very dangerous situation when it happens on the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10064405, filed 2004-04, 79,000 miles - Suspension
Front ball joint and control arm separation
- 22 complaints (6%)
- median 90,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2008
Complaints describe a front ball joint or upper control arm letting go, in some cases letting the wheel fall away or causing loss of steering control, along with creaking or grinding noises beforehand. Owners report mechanics attributing the failure to lost lubrication and replacing ball joints or control arms, and one owner notes the same part failed again after a recall repair. Reported from low mileage up to about 120,000 miles, often preceded by noise over bumps or while turning.
What to check: Ask whether recall 97V201000 (front lower control arm ball joint) was performed, and have the front ball joints and control arm bushings inspected for play, torn boots or missing grease fittings before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at 60/70 MPH, there was a loud noise from the rear of vehicle. Consumer pulled vehicle over. Upon inspection of the vehicle, consumer noticed rear driver's side wheel was out of line, and almost came completely off. Had vehicle towed to dealership. The mechanic replaced the ball joints because they had broken apart. Also serviced the driver's side rear wheel and tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10044927, filed 2003-10, 97,000 miles“While driving, the consumer heard a grinding noise in the steering wheel and it felt loose. The vehicle was taken to a body shop for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced which had already been replaced twice. It twice. Revised: the original rack and pinion had worn out. The steering was loose at 90k miles and the rack and pinion at 23k miles. Both of the stabilizers had frozen in the lower control arms.”
NHTSA complaint #10089325, filed 2004-09, 90,000 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and coolant loss
- 27 complaints (7%)
- median 82,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2012
Owners describe the engine running hot, a missing thermostat, coolant leaking from hoses, and repeated trips to the dealer for coolant problems. Some link overheating to a later loss of power or a no-start condition after the car would not go above a certain speed. Reported from around 60,000 to over 120,000 miles, often during warm-weather driving.
Recall 96V0060001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for residue around hoses, the water pump and the cylinder head, and ask whether the thermostat is present and when the cooling system was last serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've had my engine checked back in may of 05 by the dealer they said it was engine misfire,the distributor ignition was bad. They charged me $321 just to check it,then I paid $276 to get it fixed. The car has had a drip ever since. In the past 6 to 8 months or longer I've had a drip from the engine that can't be fixed , I recently had my car worked on it was in the shop for a month it cost me $2500 to repair and it still has a leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156496, filed 2006-05, 122,150 miles“While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle would not change gears. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop who informed the consumer that the transmission was not working. Also, the vehicle would overheat on a regular basis. The consumer claims that the vehicle was taken to the dealer 9 times for coolant problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10083289, filed 2004-07, 61,000 miles
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 369 consumer complaints for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus. 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 45 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 33 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes121 33%
- Engine cooling42 11%
- Suspension40 11%
- Electrical system37 10%
- Vehicle speed control35 9.5%
- Equipment33 8.9%
- Steering26 7.0%
- Air bags16 4.3%
Also reported: Seat belts (14), Body and structure (14), Exterior lighting (12), Fuel system (12), Other or unknown (8), Wheels (6), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Tires (4), Seats (3).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Rpm's running high, transmission slipping, rough idle, ABS light consistantly on even after inspection, gear slips when placing into park, while driving the car reversed on its own. Have complained and wanted into another car due to having this one on a 24 lease, they denied me and have had to drive it and with 3 children and myself in the car it is not safe, but is the only transportation we have. We need help resolving this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10088996, filed 2004-09, 119,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Our car will shift perfectly one day and don't want to shift the next second for np reason, we have replaced the modulator.. Coolant temp sensor.. We have also even recabliorated the shifting pattern and still have this problem.. Is this going to keep happening or is there something I can do to fix it. We did a diagnostic on it and the transmission was good.. I don't know what else to do.?”
NHTSA complaint #10453166, filed 2012-03, 35 milesEngine cooling: “1995 Chrysler Cirrus, 2.5l 6cyln engine, bought for our twin daughters 16th birthday and within 2 days of getting the car, they were driving on the expressway and the engine stalled resulting in them losing ps/pb control., the car has repeatedly stalled while they have been driving and they came very close to hitting a man as he was walking along the side of the road because of this engine failure and loss of power steering and power brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100764, filed 2004-11, 126,200 milesSuspension: “Grinding in the wheels when turning and loose of power stering fluid. Checked with 2 auto machanics (garages) stated that with such low miles they should not be going bad. Talked to customer service for european u.s military sales and they stated that I should contact you since this is not in the recales listed for my car recall numbers 750,78a.”
NHTSA complaint #739807, filed 2001-01Mileage when problems were reported
9% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 72,000 and 122,150 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cirrus · sedan | not rated | 3 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1995 Chrysler Cirrus version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cirrus FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Cirrus FWD | 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1999, Dodge Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999 +6 more
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…
- 98V183000Aug 6, 1998Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1998, Dodge Stratus 1995–1998, Chrysler Sebring 1996–1998 +1 more
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…
- 98V063000Mar 20, 1998Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995, Dodge Stratus 1995
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear seat belt anchor does not achieve the loading required by fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
- 97V201000Nov 13, 1997Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1997, Dodge Stratus 1995–1997, Chrysler Sebring 1995–1997 +1 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
- 96V075000May 3, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1996, Dodge Neon 1995–1996, Plymouth Neon 1995–1996 +2 more
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
- 96V074000May 2, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1996, Dodge Stratus 1995–1996, Plymouth Breeze 1996
Corrosion of the abs hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
See all 7 recalls for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA97016Lower control arm ball joint failureClosed · Sep 29, 1997
- PE97009Lower control arm ball joint failureClosed · Mar 13, 1997
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Electrical system. 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…
- 10130080Aug 22, 2016Equipment, Exterior lighting. 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…
- 10130079Aug 22, 2016Equipment. 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…
- 10129047Aug 18, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129045Aug 18, 2016Equipment. CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part…
- 10129044Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. 1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part…
- 10129042Aug 17, 2016Equipment. Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016Electrical system. P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA…
- 10129046Jun 2, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
Other model years of the Chrysler Cirrus
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 99 | 85,500 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 62 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 69 | 89,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 69 | 93,400 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 160 | 90,980 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 369 | 90,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler Cirrus model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus?
Complaints from owners of this model year concentrate on two areas: brakes that lose pedal feel or stop working, and automatic transmissions that slip, drop into neutral, or refuse to shift out of first. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips, drops to neutral or sticks in gear; Brake pedal sinks to the floor / ABS braking loss; Engine stalls while driving or at stops.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus have?
NHTSA recorded 369 consumer complaints for the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 121 complaints (33% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 66.
Has the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus get?
The EPA rates the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus (Cirrus, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1995 Chrysler Cirrus reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 72,000 and 122,150 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.