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Electrical systemPart report

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 1998-07

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20001414%
199958%
19981116%
1997812%
19961811%
19953710%

Other parts of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus

Engine cooling
38 complaints
Brakes
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
22 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Equipment
9 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Latches, 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