1996 Chrysler Cirrus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 11%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,252miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 11% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,252 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My front tires feel like they are going to break off the vehicle due to the lower ball joints,steering control arm, inner and outer tie rods; accelerates all by itself. Will not lock shifter with key out of ignition. Ecm is faulty because it shuts the lights off,turns engine,all lights, off . Unpredictably! Seat belts do not engage when stopping. If I were to be critically injured because of malfunctioning of said vehicle? Who would take responsibility of my safety and well being? This all happens while operation of vehicle. Traveling on the freeway at 55 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10943875, filed 2017-01, 107,000 miles“My car started to hesitate at take off and misfire while idling. It was running really rough. It was time for a tune-up, which was done, and the mechanic informed me that there are internal problems with my catalytic converter and that distributor unit would need to be replaced. He also informed me that I would have to pay for the distributor to be replaced, but catalytic converter is covered under factory warranty. I do not have a copy of the factory warranty or an owners manual and would like to know how I can get one. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #738510, filed 2000-12“Consumer started the car after about an hour none of the gauges were working. The lights were on, but speedometer/,gas gauge, and RPM would not move. However, engine check light, and the airbag light were on. Dealer said it was the dashboard computer that was not functioning properly. This could cause an accident if computer acted up while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #852680, filed 1999-11“While driving 40 MPH there was a loud clanking sound, engine revved. Stepped on gas, engine died. Tried to restart vehicle, would not start. Took vehicle to dealer, who found distributor had gone out.”
NHTSA complaint #886938, filed 2001-04“Driving the vehicle down the road and noticed smoke coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. Consumer got out and saw sparks under the hood. No warning lights came on inside of the vehicle. Called fire department, and they put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #825780, filed 1998-07Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Return: 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…
- 10129044Aug 17, 20161NT30XDVAC - 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…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Inspect 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…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016P/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…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
38 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology