Chrysler Cirrus Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chrysler Cirrus options? We analyzed 2 model years (2000–2006) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chrysler Cirrus has 107 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls across model years 2000–2006. The most reported issue area is STEERING.
- Make
- Chrysler
- Model
- Cirrus
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2006 (2 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 107
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Fire-related complaints
- 25
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2000 (107 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- STEERING
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe CHRYSLER CIRRUS has 107 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. 18 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 107 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 9 federal recall campaigns
- 18 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
9 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
EQUIPMENT
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
CHILD SEAT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2006. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 107 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
107 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would shake and the vehicle was difficult to keep in the lane. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound while driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ball joints were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
ON MAY 31, 2017, I DROVE MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS CAR APPROX 2 MILES TO A STORE AND PARKED IN THE STORE LOT AND THEN AS I WENT TO SHUT MY CAR OFF, I SAW ALOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY CAR HOOD SO I SHUT CAR OFF AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND THEN LIFTED MY HOOD AND SAW THAT MY ENGINE WAS IN ENGULFED IN FLAMES SO I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE HOOD AND STARTED TO RUN AWAY FROM MY CAR. BY THEN SOMEONE WHO SAW ALL THE SMOKE HAD CALLED POLICE TO THE SCENE AND FIRE TRUCKS CAME SOON AFTER THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FIREMAN PUT THE FIRE OUT. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DOM BALDUCCI'S CAR CARE AND WAS LEFT THERE FOR AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO COME AND INSPECT THE CAR WHICH HE DID AND AFTER THE INSPECTION HE CLAIMED MY CAR THE 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS AS A TOTAL LOSS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL HOSE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
CAR WILL CUT OFF WHILE CAR IS EITHER DECELERATING OR STATIONARY. OIL LIGHT WILL COME ON. PERIODICALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR TOO BUT MECHANIC CHECKED DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CODES NOTHING IS WRONG. VERY SCARY EXPERIENCES WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY AND SEVERAL CITY STREETS. NO PREWARNING LIGHTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
THE BALL JOINTS HAVE ALWAYS MADE NOISE. THE AIR CONDITIONING HAS NEVER WORKED.
Read 14 more owner reports
CRACKING IN THE TREAD GROOVE OF A LEMANS P195/65R15. CURRENT TREAD DEPTH MEASURES 8 TO 9/32.
CAR HAS BEEN MAKING FRONT END NOISE FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS BEFORE THE BALL JOINT BREAKING COMPLETELY CAUSE THE AXLE TO REMOVE AND BREAK ALSO VEHICLE NEEDS FIXED ASAP CALL ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE LOWER BALL JOINT IS VERY LOOSE AND MAKING ALOT OF NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE FOR THIS CAR. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *TR
IGNITION LOCKS UP, KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION, CAN'T PUT CAR IN PARK. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON, WHEN AIR BAG COMES ON THE CAR WANTS TO DIE OUT. ALREADY REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS, BRAKE DRUMS, BRAKE LINES, BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS TWICE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED, RUSTED, AND LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT WOULD EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
WHILE DRIVING MY SON HOME FROM SCHOOL, MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS BECAME DISABLED DUE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINT SNAPPING OFF THE CONTROL ARM. I HAD TO GET MY VEICHLE TOWED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT BALL JOINT , THE RIGHT CONTROL ARM AND ALSO THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. I ONLY OWN THIS CAR 6 MONTHS ( 1825 MILES) AND THIS WAS THE 2ND MAJOR REPAIR I HAD WITH THIS VEICHLES STEERING CONPONENTS ( RACK & PINION ASSY AND POWER STEERING PUMP). I FOUND ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL ID #79830 . CAN YOU PLEASE HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM OR LEAD ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANK YOU! *TR
2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE COMPLIED WITH THE RECALL NOTICE INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE TIME, HE WAS CONVINCED THE DEALER RECTIFIED THE CONDITION, BUT APPARENTLY THEY DID NOT. THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *JB
BLOWER MOTOR FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET HEAT. WHEN INSPECTED BY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR WHERE BURNT OUT. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL CHYSLER OWNERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME THING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE HOSE WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE FAILURE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE WITH VERY LIMITED AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS REAR ENDED ON MAIN STREET WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FURTHER FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000. UPDATED 09/16-10 *BF UPDATED 09/20/10
2000 CIRRUS 2.5L ENGINE RANDOMLY STALLS AND FROST / FREEZE PLUGS RUST THROUGH. STALLING: ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHICH LEAVES THE OPERATOR WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. NO TROUBLE CODES ARE DISPLAYED OR PENDING. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL START AND RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS OR WEEKS. WHEN STALLED, IF YOU ACTIVATE THE ALARM SYSTEM AND LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS IT SEEMS TO CLEAR THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND ALLOW THE FUEL PUMP TO RUN, WHICH ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO START. HAVEN'T CRASHED YET, HOWEVER WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL HARROWING EXPERIENCES. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF CHRYSLER OWNERS WITH THIS SAME RANDOM STALLING ISSUE, TO WHICH THEY HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING SENSORS....ETC ONLY TO FIND THAT THE CAR CONTINUES THIS RANDOM STALLING BEHAVIOR. BOTTOM LINE, THEY SELL THE CAR, WHICH MOVES THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE ON TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING OWNER. BOTTOM LINE THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT RANDOMLY STOP DURING OPERATION, AND IF IT DOES SHUTDOWN AS PROGRAMMED IN THE COMPUTER DUE TO A PENDING OR PERCEIVED MECHANICAL ISSUE, THE TROUBLE CODES SHOULD BE ACTIVATED. CHRYSLER KNOWS THIS IS AND ISSUE AND THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THIS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT, HOPING IT WILL GO AWAY WITH TIME. FROST OR FREEZE PLUGS ARE RUSTING OUT, NEVER IN MY 40 YEARS OF DRIVING HAVE I HAD A CAR THAT DID THIS. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND AGAIN THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CHRYSLER. SAVE 50 CENTS COST THE CUSTOMER OWNER THOUSANDS. I FIXED TWO PLUGS FRONT AND BACK ON ENGINE HOWEVER NOW THE PLUGS BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE ARE LEAKING DO TO RUST. YES I'VE CHANGED THE COOLANT AND THIS STARTED IN 2004 WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT AND A LOCKSMITH REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,435. UPDATED 08/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 08/18/10*JB
WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH CONNECTIONS UNDER THE HOOD WHICH LEAD TO STEERING PROBLEMS AND THE LINE. BRAKES FAILED ME ON MARCH 22, 2010 HAD A BAD CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY BRAKES NOR MY EMERGENCY BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, BOTH FAILED ME. *TR
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE FUEL FILLER NECK FOR MY 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS FOR OVER A MONTH. IT HAS BEEN ON FACTORY BACKORDER AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS NOT EVEN BEING MADE...LEAVING ME WITH A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO, BECAUSE THE PART RUSTED OUT IT ENDED UP DAMAGING MY FUEL PUMP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT...COSTING ME OVER $300 ALONE. *TR
Showing 20 of 107 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chrysler Cirrus
These pages show model-year patterns across 2 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chrysler Cirrus, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chrysler Cirrus has 107 complaints on record across 2 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chrysler Cirrus has 9 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 18 of the Chrysler Cirrus's 107 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chrysler Cirrus vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chrysler Cirrus vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chrysler Cirrus has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chrysler Cirrus stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chrysler Cirrus by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chrysler Cirrus.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chrysler Cirrus reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chrysler Cirrus reliable?
Below Average. The Chrysler Cirrus has 107 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STEERING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chrysler Cirrus years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (107 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chrysler Cirrus problems?
Top reported issues: STEERING (30 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (16 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints).
Does the Chrysler Cirrus have recalls?
Yes — 9 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chrysler Cirrus. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.