1996 Plymouth Breeze
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Plymouth › Breeze › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Plymouth Breeze. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
10 recalls name the 1996 Plymouth Breeze. Newest first.
Federal-mogul IS recalling certain replacement control arm assemblies, part numbers k7425, 10945, fa4510x, k7427, 10946, and fa4611x, sold for use on various passenger vehicles listed above. the ball joint on the control arm assembly can fail causing the ball stud to wear through the control arm housing resulting in noise and/or separation of the ball stud…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there IS a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. the safety recall began on january 28, 2011. owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
Qualis automotive IS recalling certain aftermarket ball joints sold for use on certain passenger vehicles. the socket may have been excessively hardened which could cause it to crack near the retaining ring groove allowing the ball stud to separate under impact load. the subject ball joints were sold as four part numbers, d10945, d10946, g10945, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball stud from the socket of the ball joint housing would allow the control arm to collapse and the wheel to fold in causing loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. the safety recall began on november 9, 2009. owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
Certain airtex fuel pump modules, p/nos. E7089m, e7094m, e7113m, and e7129m, manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006. these fuel pump modules were sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact airtex toll-free at 1-866-867-3759.
Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. these fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. the recall began on october 6, 2006. owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.
On 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 removed. an inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. owner notification began on june 14, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. the adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. a combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. if the cover seal leaks or the boot IS damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood IS slammed shut.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs simultaneously without engaging the primary latch, the hood would not be restrained increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake fluid leakage can result in diminished effectiveness of one half of the split brake system. The instrument panel warning light(s) will signal system impairment prior to partial brake system loss.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If either front wheel valve sticks, the vehicle would swerve from a straight stop when the brakes are applied.
Remedy
Dealers will install a plate and silicone grease injected into the solenoid cavity to eliminate the potential for this condition.
Owner complaints
182 complaints16 involved a crash2 involved a fire17 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
1996 plymouth breeze had something break from the vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle stalled and caught fire after coming to a rest on the shoulder. *kb the cause of the fire was undetermined. (Ohio traffic crash report)*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I was coming home one evening from town, and my brakes failed to stop. the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard and never once slowed me down and I crashed into another vehicle. It was a pretty bad wreck and luckily no one was seriously injured. *jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The plastic adjustments on the seat belts have fallen off 2 of the seat belts, therefore, I assume, they are no longer safe to use. *nm
- Unknown or other
Approximately three weeks ago, after making a left turn, I noticed the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the problem would disappear after backing up. And was not always consistent. I brought it into my garage who checked the belts and fluid. They reported everything was fine. yesterday…
Approximately three weeks ago, after making a left turn, I noticed the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the problem would disappear after backing up. And was not always consistent. I brought it into my garage who checked the belts and fluid. They reported everything was fine. yesterday (2/22) leaving work I was making a left turn out of the parking lot into the exit lane, and lost all steering ability. Another employee stopped to see if I needed help. When I told him I lost the steering again and asked if he could look. when I opened my door to get out, from his height he could see something sticking out underneath the clutch area. He reached down and saw that a chunk of the cloth mat had been sucked up into the steering column at the base of the floor and was wrapped freezing the steering. it took him a while, but he was eventually able to free it. almost the entire, heavy cloth mat was a giant ball wrapped by the column. I was lucky that it happened on the company campus only moving a few miles an hour, and not up on interstate 78 I travel everyday at 55 miles an hour when the steering completely froze. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Oil noticed on ground under vehicle. Mechanic says head gasket IS leaking oil out of engine. Head gasket failure IS causing oil to be leaked onto ground which causes ecological damage to our environment per epa. This web site documents this as a trend for this platform of plymouth vehicle. There…
Oil noticed on ground under vehicle. Mechanic says head gasket IS leaking oil out of engine. Head gasket failure IS causing oil to be leaked onto ground which causes ecological damage to our environment per epa. This web site documents this as a trend for this platform of plymouth vehicle. There must be tens of thousands of gallons of petroleum oil being spilled into our environment by these vehicles, maybe more. These vehicles are injuring us all and should no longer be used unless properly and permanently fixed. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Recall notice regarding the transaxle floor shifter ignition interlock system on the 1996 plymouth breeze.*mr the vehicle was taken tot he dealer but the refused to repair the vehicle under the r recall due to vin. *nm
- Electrical system
Dt: with no warning the car just shuts off while driving and in all weather conditions. Problem IS in the electrical system. has had battery recharged and was told by manufacturer to get an electronic analysis test on the vehicle but the test IS not free. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Problems getting repair work completed on 1996 plymouth breeze.*mr when the consumer returned to pick up his vehicle, he was told no work had been performed because there was a special part that needed to ordered. the dealer still has not contacted the consumer. the problem was a recall repair on the shift inter-lock. Recall#04v021000. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
After taking the vehicle in to the dealer on a recall for the park interlock the dealer charged the consumer for performing the repairs. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
While parked on a slight incline with no keys in the ignition, the gear shift of the floor console was able to be moved. The vehicle rolled and hit a house. the vehicle had a child inside at the time that sustained minor head injuries. the owner received a recall notice one year later. Nhtsa recall campaign 04v021000; floor shift console. please provide details. *jb *tc
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv) · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
While driving vehicle idled real high, then slowed down. put the key in the ignition and the vehicle started up, but it did not move. had a mechanic to look at the vehicle and was told that the computer was burnt out. Then she had a second opinon, and was told that she had a fuel pump air leak…
While driving vehicle idled real high, then slowed down. put the key in the ignition and the vehicle started up, but it did not move. had a mechanic to look at the vehicle and was told that the computer was burnt out. Then she had a second opinon, and was told that she had a fuel pump air leak, and this caused her to have power reduction while driving. she states she has never received a recall on her vehicle.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure
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. *la
- Engine and engine cooling · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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…
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. Chrysler confirmed the problem with the dealer and then did nothing for two days until I called back and found out that the decision rested in the regional manager's hands who was out of town on vacation for 4 more days. I contacted chrysler again and escallated the decision through a few levels of management and found that my request had been denied due to the age of the car and its mileage. This irritates me for several reasons. Head gaskets are supposed to have a much longer life span that 72K miles. This IS a well documented defect with the car I have and I feel that a recall IS in order. From what I've read on the internet, many breeze/neon owners have had success convincing chrysler to pay for some of the repair. I brought my car in on tuesday night and it wasn't until the end of the day on thursday that chrysler made their decision. In the meantime, the mechanic did not repair the problem because he was waiting on the response from chrysler. Hence, I was out of the use of my car an additional two days. Additionally, I've already incurred about $400 in expenses most likely related to this head gasket from previous repairs to my oil leak problem. It's a shame all this happened because I was pretty pleased with the car up until I discovered this problem.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical
I acquired a 1996 plymouth breeze in march of 2002. the day after I got the car, the "check engine" light came on. since then, the light has come one a total of 4 times. each time it has been fixed or looked at, the O2 sensor was the cause of the problem. on halloween 2002, I took my…
I acquired a 1996 plymouth breeze in march of 2002. the day after I got the car, the "check engine" light came on. since then, the light has come one a total of 4 times. each time it has been fixed or looked at, the O2 sensor was the cause of the problem. on halloween 2002, I took my car in to get a routine oil change and to find out the cause of a ticking sound. the auto center (that was doing my oil change) said it was a rod bearing, but when I took the car to the dealership, they said that it was a flywheel. the car was repaired and 2 days after I pick up the car, the "check engine" light comes on for the 4TH time. I am taking the car to the dealership and praying that this IS the last time I will have to make any repairs for the same thing!!!
- Engine and engine cooling
The oil constantly leaks. The head gasket has been replaced three times. (1998, 2000, 2002). The head gasket IS now worn again and needs to be replaced. the timing belt replaced once due to the oil leaking on it. now the timing belt needs to be replaced again
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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). within a span of 82, 000 miles: I have had to replace…
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). within a span of 82, 000 miles: I have had to replace the head gasket twice at 54,000 and 113,000 ($1000), I have had two major tune-ups at 60,000 and 92,000 miles ($500), I have had all sensors replaced at 101,000 miles ($1500), I have had three major brake jobs within 18 months ($1800), I had to replace the radiator ($250), I had to have the catalytic converter replaced at 75,000 miles ($350), I had to have a new transmission at 95,000 miles ($1500), ive had numerous repairs based on the readouts from the computer ($600+), replaced the oil pan gasket but it still leaks ($150) the window seals leak when it rains (never tried to fix) (this car sat in my driveway almost all of 2002 because I could not afford the repairs) after all of my futile attempts to keep my transportation operable, its currently sitting in my driveway with the following problems: it cuts off while driving, the engine revs up and down when idle, there IS a severe oil leak that no one can seem to fix, the engine light stays on no matter what repairs are done, the factory radio, the speedometer, and the mileage gauge, no longer work. there IS absolutely no pickup when driving up hills, when you turn the ac on there IS an unbearable horrible rattling noise and the car loses an obscene amount of power and feels as though its going to cut off, theres a scowling noise when you turn the steering wheel left to right it takes 15 minutes in order for the heater to blow out warm air. and I still owe $6,000 on this vehicle. *jb
- Air bags · Steering
1996 plymouth breeze involved in accident due to equipment failure.*mr the accident was the result of steering problems. Consume later received a safety recall notification from chrysler that concerned the lower control arms and ball joints. Consumer's son sustained injuries.…
1996 plymouth breeze involved in accident due to equipment failure.*mr the accident was the result of steering problems. Consume later received a safety recall notification from chrysler that concerned the lower control arms and ball joints. Consumer's son sustained injuries. insurance company declared the vehicle totaled. The head gasket was replaced prior to the accident. Driver was making a turn when he hear a clinking or popping sound. At the enid of the turn the steering wheel would not steer the vehicle. He hit the curb and heard a loud sound under the vehicle. He then hit the sign pole, which broke a the base and came through the windshield. He had to duck out of the way as the pole hit his headrest and then struck the wall. This IS where he injured his neck and back, trying to avoid the pole. The air bags didn't deploy. *ph
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Passenger front side power window failed to operate properly. window would periodically stick when depressing the button to move window up or down.*ak
- Air bags
Consumer was involved in a head on collision. The air bag deployed at 15 mph which caused severe injuries to consumer. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. *ph
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Ltr FWD fm m. Balwin/nhtsa region x fm laura feinstein(wa) re the defective head gasket. torn head gasket caused fuel to leak out on to the ground.*mr *ts *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Ltr fm laura feinstein (wa) re the defective head gasket...*mr the head gasket had torn. oil leaked from the vehicle. the dealer was contacted for monetary assistance which was discussed with a few chrysler representatives and the request was denied. the consumers mechanic stated that there…
Ltr fm laura feinstein (wa) re the defective head gasket...*mr the head gasket had torn. oil leaked from the vehicle. the dealer was contacted for monetary assistance which was discussed with a few chrysler representatives and the request was denied. the consumers mechanic stated that there were other vehicles that had experienced the same problem. the consumer had requested a full reimbursement for the repair cost. scc *ts *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The vehicle had a defective head gasket. The consumer inquired about recalls/warranties or other information concerning defective head gaskets. *Ak *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The vehicles head gasket cracked which resulted in an oil leak. the dealer was notified. *nlm 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…
The vehicles head gasket cracked which resulted in an oil leak. the dealer was notified. *nlm 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. *mr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #96 v 07 500, however the vehicle identification number was not I included in the recall. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
The head gasket IS leaking oil. The dealership has been contacted. ph
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, JX and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports…
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, JX and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever IS shorter).there are no complaints of prowler interlock failure in odi?s database, and dc has received no reports either.the prowler IS excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system IS required under fmvss 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there IS no overt indication to an operator that the system IS defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04v021, dc will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator?s ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with my 2000, dc incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (btsi) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of btsi involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (rma) of the shift button.the rma shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089036Concerns with transmission fluid auxiliary cooler. *Nlm
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088917Concerns with "bump" feel during a/c compressor engagement. *Nlm
- 6088896Concerns with obdii readiness code retention, frderal packages. *Nlm
- 6088888Concerns on erroneous mi; illumination with hex codes $6A, erroneous pcm resets, shift cycling, cold engine stumble. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 623153Exhibiting rough idle, hard start and start & stall.*cls
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618396This bulletin involves installation of a new component to assist cam seal retention.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 612149Vehicles may experience clunking or rattle in steering wheel/steering column. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610007Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selection vehicles.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 608371Daimler chrysler IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selected vehicles.
- 608370Subject pertaining to a missing rear cup holder slide clip.
Every Plymouth Breeze model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.