1996 Plymouth Breeze Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 95about this part
- Share
- 52%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,550miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 95 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Plymouth Breeze, 52% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,550 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicles head gasket cracked which resulted in an oil leak. The dealer was notified. The vehicles head gasket cracked which resulted in an oil leak. The dealer was notified. Oil leak started before aug 2002 but other components were diagnosed as problem. Ultimately, the mechanic checked the head gasket and found the root of the problem. I had the part replaced at my own expense to have the car repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10017189, filed 2003-04, 72,600 miles“I purchased my 1996 Plymouth Breeze in april of 1998 with 33,000 miles on it and it currently has 115,000 miles on it. The initial signs of problems begin at 50,000 miles with an oil leak no one could seem to fix (not even the dealership). …”
NHTSA complaint #10058311, filed 2004-02, 54,000 miles“The head gasket was really the problem that I have the biggest beef about. I have had an oil leak since at least august 2002 and the mechanic that I've been taking my car to has replaced the oil pressure switch twice and most recently the cam shaft switch. At the last repair, he indicated that I had a torn head gasket, a very common problem with my model of car. I made an appointment with the local chrysler dealer and then contacted chrysler about some monetary assistance with this repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070201, filed 2004-01, 72,500 miles“1996 Plymouth Breeze 2.0 engine leaks extreme amounts of oil from area where upper, lower, and front seal come together. Not the seal itself. Also seems to run hot. It is not a problem caused over time. It is not sealed from new. Also interior has completely deteriorated as if it were 50 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #10074515, filed 2004-05, 1 miles“It's unbelievable that a 4 year old car would have the head gasket go out. Luckily, the dealer was able to fix it without the need for a new engine. But it still cost $1051 to have the car fixed. I've heard that other breezes have had the same problem. I am very unhappy about the whole thing.”
NHTSA complaint #734331, filed 2000-10Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Plymouth Breeze
25 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Plymouth Breeze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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