Investigation RQ03005: 1999 Chrysler Cirrus

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Apr 8, 2003

Closed

Jul 16, 2003

Model years

1999

Subject

Auto trans ignition-park interlock

Component: Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Summary

Three of the manfacturer complaints and two of the manufacturer crashes reported above were duplicates of odi reports.the majority of crashes occurred after operators parked the vehicle without engaging park gear position; a non-functional ignition-park interlock system subsequently failed to prevent key removal before the operators exited the vehicle.most of the crashes were minor and involved minor property damage.four of the injury incidents occurred when unattended children moved the gearshift from the park position causing the vehicle to roll away, one injury occurred when the operator was struck by a roll-away vehicle after parking and exiting.all injuries were relatively minor.a significant number of interlock system failures appear to be related to disengagement of the interlock pin that rides in the interlock lever slot within the shift mechanism.an engineering analysis will be opened to further study interlock system failures.

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

• 1999 Chrysler Cirrus62 complaints