Investigation PE05036: 1999–2000 Chrysler Cirrus

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jun 29, 2005

Closed

Nov 7, 2005

Model years

1999–2000

Subject

Engine compartment fires

Component: Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline

Summary

On june 29, 2005, odi opened preliminary evaluation pe05-036 to investigate complaints of engine compartment fires in model year (my) 1999-2000 chrysler cirrus, dodge stratus and plymouth breeze passenger cars (ja cars). The ja cars were introduced in my 1995 and ended with my 2000.they were produced with 2.0l, 2.4l and 2.5l engines.the incident data in the failure report summary of this resume are for subject vehicle engine compartment fires for all causes. According to daimlerchrysler, evidence collected from field inspections of fire incident vehicles indicate that fluid leakage from the high pressure power steering hose is the most likely cause of the fires in the subject vehicles.the subject high pressure power steering hose is used in ja cars with both the 2.4l and 2.0l engines in my 1995 through 2000.the fire incident rate in the my 1999 through 2000 ja vehicles with 2.4l engines is significantly higher than in the prior model year vehicles using that engine and in any of the vehicles with the 2.0l or 2.5l engines.daimlerchrysler is continuing its investigation of the issue and has provided periodic updates to odi. An engineering analysis (ea05-019) has been opened to further assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2000 Chrysler Cirrus99 complaints
• 1999 Chrysler Cirrus62 complaints