1996 Chrysler Cirrus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 14%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,960miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 14% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,960 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling on the highway and without prior warning there was a explosion due to the trans axle loosening and busting the transmission case. The vehicle experienced loss of power steering and brakes. The transmission was serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #10032324, filed 2003-10, 89,455 miles“Transmission failed and had to be rebuilt at 42,534 miles. Transmission failed again 800 miles later. Eventhough I had reported an earlier problem on trans (while still under warranty), they would not cover this failure due to the fact I was 6,000 miles over warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #714608, filed 1999-11“The contact stated the shifter could be taken out of gear without the key in the ignition and the check engine light illuminated. A NHTSA recall, #98v183000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the park/neutral start switch however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10174575, filed 2006-11, 91,960 miles“The contact stated there were three recalls were performed on the vehicle, which were not performed correctly. The fuel pump recall #06e091000, hood attachments #97v095000, and the ignition switch #98v183000 were the 3 recalls. All 3 recalls were completed but the problems were not corrected, and the service dealer and manufacturer were not willing to correct these issues further under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10174803, filed 2006-11, 135,000 miles“Car would shift out of gear at various speeds and at stop. The car also jerks into gear at various speeds. It has been taken back to the dealer on numerous occasions, each time they can't seem to find any problems with the vehicle. The last instance of this occurring was february 5th 1999. While pulling into my development at a speed of 35mph the car jumped out of gear, and I was unable to get the vehicle into drive or reverse. I had to push the vehicle to my driveway. My concern is that my family was in the vehicle when this occurred and we had just come off the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #702995, filed 1999-02Related recalls
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004On 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…Covers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1999, Dodge Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999 +6 more
- 98V183000Aug 6, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the…Covers: Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1998, Dodge Stratus 1995–1998, Chrysler Sebring 1996–1998 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
38 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsElectrical system
18 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 31, 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