1997 Plymouth Breeze
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Plymouth › Breeze › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Plymouth Breeze. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1997 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.
Owner complaints
155 complaints9 involved a crash8 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition
1997 plymouth breeze. consumer writes in regards to ignition recall and other recall notice issues. *smd
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1997 plymouth breeze. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from rear wheel drum on the passenger side. While attempting to park, smoke emitted from the rear wheel causing a fire. The failure recurred three times. The fire was extinguished by the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 plymouth breeze. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from rear wheel drum on the passenger side. While attempting to park, smoke emitted from the rear wheel causing a fire. The failure recurred three times. The fire was extinguished by the fire department and no police report was filed.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake system needed to be replaced on the rear tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 plymouth breeze. while placing fuel into the vehicle, the filler tube fell to the ground. gasoline began leaking out all over the ground. the vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed by a mechanic. the contact believes there was a hole or rust in the gasoline tank filler tube. the current and failure mileages were 120,000. updated 10/06/09. *lj updated 10/06/09
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My automatic transmission shifter easily pops out of drive .there IS no lock to hold it in drive. Not sure if it was made this way ????? you can hit if forward and it could go in to reverse im sure. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Upon arriving home from work I backed the vehicle into my driveway and found the vehicle would not move and the passenger side front tire was rubbing against the undercarriage. Investigation after removing the tire found the outer tie rod ball joint had separated and collapsed. inspection of the…
Upon arriving home from work I backed the vehicle into my driveway and found the vehicle would not move and the passenger side front tire was rubbing against the undercarriage. Investigation after removing the tire found the outer tie rod ball joint had separated and collapsed. inspection of the part found no apparent lubrication and rust appeared on the ball section. vehicle was towed to my mechanics shop and the part removed and replaced with a new unit. I asked if the drivers side tie rod was also in need of replacement but inspection by my mechanic apparently found the unit to be intact. The removed part was discarded unfortunately but the mechanic indicated he's seen the same failure on other vehicles of the same manufacturer [chrysler corp] *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot it caught on fire. the fire occurred without warning. there was a report made by the police and fire departments. the fire department determined the fire started in the engine compartment. the vehicle was towed to the…
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot it caught on fire. the fire occurred without warning. there was a report made by the police and fire departments. the fire department determined the fire started in the engine compartment. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. upon inspection the dealer determined the fire was caused by the electrical wiring. no repairs have been made. updated 4/11/2006 - *nm
- Wheels
Consumer inquiry regarding the defect in the hubcaps on the plymouth breeze and the dodge stratus.*mr *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion steering gear crunching noise. 45.000 miles due to lengthy research it appears that there are serious defects in the steering system of many daimler chrysler vehicles. after 27 years of experience with 14 vehicles (mostly gm and ford) I have never had as many…
Rack and pinion steering gear crunching noise. 45.000 miles due to lengthy research it appears that there are serious defects in the steering system of many daimler chrysler vehicles. after 27 years of experience with 14 vehicles (mostly gm and ford) I have never had as many drivetrain/suspension/steering failures as with this plymouth breeze. the real problem IS that chrysler does not take responsibility (financial responsibility) for potentially life threatening defects. they should issue a recall and pay for the parts and labor and then find suppliers who know what they are doing. I consider the breeze unusable at highway speeds, such as anything over 30 mph. for having such a beautiful design this situation IS just sad. please forward this to chrysler as I am in the process of starting a small claims court case. if you can forward this to chrysler please tell them that we just want reliable transportation, not having our lives at stake. you see - if you hit a tree or something solid - all of the evidence against them IS gone. wake up consumers - read the vehicle reports before you buy. beauty must be more than skin deep.*jb
- Power train › Axle assembly
Dt: caller received a recall letter concerning trans axle floor shifter ignition/ park interlock. She took vehicle to dealer, and they claimed they fixed it, but they did not give her an invoice. Once she put super glue on the shifter, and after they fixed it, she noticed that the place where she glued it was still there. Manufacturer had not been contacted yet.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Since I bought the car I have had to replace 2 water pumps in 3 years. I own a plymouth breeze(1997) and I just had to replace another water pump plus it did damage to valves and head. It cost me $1600.00. The mechanic said it IS the way that chrysler made this car. He said the intreppit and the…
Since I bought the car I have had to replace 2 water pumps in 3 years. I own a plymouth breeze(1997) and I just had to replace another water pump plus it did damage to valves and head. It cost me $1600.00. The mechanic said it IS the way that chrysler made this car. He said the intreppit and the breeze are defective because of how the manufacturer made them.i was never warned about this problem nor have I heard from chrysler that there may be a defect. I have the defective water pump saved for anyone who wants to examine it!i think chrysler should be forced to pay for these repairs because of the defect in there manufacture of this vehicle.i have owned at least 10 car and have never had to replace 2 water pumps in a 3 year period.i have only had to replace 1 other water pump but it never did damage to the head and valves.this IS a defect of the chrysler coorporation. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Prior to the fire my car was parked in driveway and when I walked outside the wind shild wipers were going. I was unable to get them to stop so I had to pull the fuse out. then on july 11 2004 my car caught fire under the hood it appeared to have started in the fuse box.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
The consumer's vehicle was parked in the parking lot of the hospital, the intercom announced there was a vehicle on fire. the vehicle was not driveable. *jb *nm
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Power steering pump was replaced three times since the purchase of the vehicle. the power steering pump failed again.*ak
- Unknown or other
On 11/05/2003 my cars headgasket was going.i purchased my car on 11/14/2003 the car had 59,708. I only put on the car13,000 miles from the time that I had it. I did a carfax on the car and saw that on 5/02/2003 the car had 96,113 then on 8/06/03 it had 59,294 miles there was a 36,819 mile…
On 11/05/2003 my cars headgasket was going.i purchased my car on 11/14/2003 the car had 59,708. I only put on the car13,000 miles from the time that I had it. I did a carfax on the car and saw that on 5/02/2003 the car had 96,113 then on 8/06/03 it had 59,294 miles there was a 36,819 mile rollback.now I need to know the true mileage on the car because if the miles on the car were turned back that means that my car has over 148,000 miles and my machanic said that being that the car was 7 years old that car would have over 148,000 miles. I need to know the true miles that were on the car when the first owner sold the car.because im going to court due to this mileage problem. So if you could please help me with this mileage issue.pleaseit would be vety helpful being the first owner was in new york . The dealership IS giving me a hard time with the problem .i took great care of my car one month after I got the car I got an oil change then I got it flushed and filed w/ the oil change in march and every 3,000 miles after that.they asked me to bring the car to them on 11/08/2004. Apon doing that the car then died. Had the car towed from were I broke down. My car sat in the parking lot of the dealership for 2 days . They were to have someone look at the car . But instead they sent it out to get looked at . But instead they broke down my engine and I have not had my car for the last month next month will be 2 months .so could you please help me thank you very much
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brakes malfunction, ABS light on. *bf the vehicle had constant brake problem. everytime on problem was fixed something else failed. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
The tail lights failed to illuminate. please provide more information. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving 10 mph on a dry/smooth road surface both frontal air bags deployed inadvertently. no injury to report. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood. suddenly the vehicle caught on fire. the fire was extinguished by the fire department. the cause had not been determined. The driver will contact the dealer in the near future. please provide further details. *Jb
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The driver side lights don't work. The bulbs do not need replacing, I've checked. And as for the fuses they all ok. It leads me to believe there IS a electrical problem. And I'm not the only one who's having this problem, my friend who has the same make and model has the same problem but on the…
The driver side lights don't work. The bulbs do not need replacing, I've checked. And as for the fuses they all ok. It leads me to believe there IS a electrical problem. And I'm not the only one who's having this problem, my friend who has the same make and model has the same problem but on the other side(passanger). On another note I get a smell from the heater core when its on. I have to keep it on other wise the engine over heats. I've had the thermostate and a raditor flush to see if it would help. But even with all that's been done for repairs it keeps happening. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Suspension
Engine: canshaft oil seal fell out, ruined engine, required rebuilding engine. Chrysler refused to pay. I found a tsb that provides a retainer to keep oil seal from falling out. engine has severe vibration at idle. Can not find cause. front suspension: loud clunk near drivers footwell, many…
Engine: canshaft oil seal fell out, ruined engine, required rebuilding engine. Chrysler refused to pay. I found a tsb that provides a retainer to keep oil seal from falling out. engine has severe vibration at idle. Can not find cause. front suspension: loud clunk near drivers footwell, many rattles. Found failed front lower control arm rear bushing. while repairing also found both outer tie rod ends worn and left side inner tie rod end worn. Sway bar link was also worn. No help from chrysler at all. rear wheel bearing loose. Tightened retainer nut to specified 185 ft lbs. Which corrected problem.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Tires
The spark plugs are full of oil
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic
Oil leal...head gasket....defect in design brakes
- Steering
I've been having some problems with my '97 breeze since I bought it in april of 2002. The steering wheel and the door panels shake/vibrate when the car IS in gear and stopped at a stop sign. Come to find out there was a bolt missing off of the engine compartment and the others were loose and they got fixed but the car still has the vibration in the steering wheel.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
The tie rod on the driver side of the vehicle broke and the passenger side tire rod IS loose.*mr
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut · Tires · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The struts failed. the cause had not been determined. the part had been replaced three times within one year. *jb there were engine problems, the spark plugs continued to get dirty, two sets of tires were lost, there was an odor coming from the ac, there was a leak coming from the main seal…
The struts failed. the cause had not been determined. the part had been replaced three times within one year. *jb there were engine problems, the spark plugs continued to get dirty, two sets of tires were lost, there was an odor coming from the ac, there was a leak coming from the main seal and left rear corner of the head, the heater fan only worked on high, there was a tapping noise coming from the engine compartment when the vehicle was first started then goes away, there was a clunking noise in the front wheels, the flash module caused the engine light to come on and the upstream #2 sensor was replaced, the steering rack had broken, the temperature gauge was inoperative, and the ac belt was cracked. *Sc the consumer has since traded the vehicle. *Jb
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.
- Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
- Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 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
- 6088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *Nlm
- 6088917Concerns with "bump" feel during a/c compressor engagement. *Nlm
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *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
- 6088758Concerns with low frequency rumble/ gear type noise from front of vehicel. *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.
Every Plymouth Breeze model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.