Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for those late ’90s sedans that once ruled the roads. Today, we’re diving into a blast from the past: the 1999 Chrysler Cirrus. This sleek, mid-sized sedan was quite the head-turner back in the day, with its stylish design and promise of a smooth ride. But as with any vehicle that’s been around for a couple of decades, the Cirrus has its fair share of quirks and issues. Whether you’re considering buying a used one or just curious about its legacy, let’s take a closer look at the common problems and overall reliability of this classic ride. Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s a lot to love about the 1999 Chrysler Cirrus. It offered a comfortable interior, decent performance, and a touch of luxury that appealed to many drivers. However, like any car, it wasn’t without its flaws. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, the Cirrus had a few notorious issues that owners had to contend with. In this post, we’ll explore these common problems, discuss how they impact the car’s reliability, and help you decide if this vintage sedan is worth the investment. So buckle up, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with the 1999 Chrysler Cirrus!
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in Spark Plug Tube Seals May Cause Misfire and Poor Fuel Economy

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has some reliability issues, particularly with the spark plug tube seals. When these seals fail, it can lead to engine misfires and poor fuel economy, which are common complaints among owners. While this problem can be addressed with timely maintenance, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Broken Wires in Wiring Harness May Cause Engine Problems

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has some reliability issues, particularly with broken wires in the wiring harness that can lead to engine problems. This kind of issue can be a real headache, as it might cause the engine to misfire or even stall unexpectedly. If youre considering this car, its worth checking if this problem has been addressed or repaired to avoid potential hassles down the road.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Recall to inspect front, lower ball joints

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has had some issues, particularly with the front, lower ball joints, which have been significant enough to warrant a recall for inspection. While this problem is a concern, addressing it through the recall can help maintain the vehicle’s overall reliability. It’s always a good idea to stay on top of these inspections to ensure your Cirrus runs smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Automatic Transmission May Fail Due to Internal/Electrical Component Failure

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has had some issues with its automatic transmission, mainly due to internal or electrical component failures. This problem can lead to unexpected transmission malfunctions, which might be a hassle if you’re relying on it for daily commutes. While not every Cirrus will experience this, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car for its overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Defective Speed Sensors May Cause Cruise Control/Speedometer/Shifting Problems

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has some issues with defective speed sensors, which can lead to problems with the cruise control, speedometer, and shifting. These issues can be pretty annoying and might affect the overall driving experience. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus seems to have some issues with a musty odor coming from the AC system, which has led to the use of a cleaner/disinfectant to tackle the problem. While this might be a bit of a hassle, it doesn’t seem like a major reliability concern overall. Just keep an eye on the AC system and make sure it’s regularly maintained to avoid any funky smells.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has a known issue with the check engine light coming on due to pinched leak detection pump vacuum lines. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it might require some attention to ensure the vacuum lines are properly routed and not pinched. Overall, while this issue is notable, it doesn’t necessarily overshadow the car’s reliability, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re driving or considering buying one.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light, hard starting, rough idle caused by EGR valve

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus seems to have some reliability issues, particularly with the EGR valve, which can trigger the check engine light, cause hard starting, and lead to a rough idle. These problems can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re not into frequent trips to the mechanic. While it’s not uncommon for older cars to have some quirks, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Revised Windshield Washer Nozzles Available to Prevent Plugging

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus had some issues with the windshield washer nozzles getting plugged, but they’ve released revised nozzles to tackle this problem. This update should help improve the overall reliability of the washer system, making it less of a hassle for owners. So, if you’ve been dealing with clogged nozzles, the new design might be worth checking out.

Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Recall on brake master cylinder due to potential leaks

Analysis:

The 1999 Chrysler Cirrus has had some issues, particularly with the brake master cylinder, which has been recalled due to potential leaks. This problem can affect the overall reliability of the vehicle, as it directly impacts the braking system’s performance. While it’s a significant concern, addressing the recall should help maintain the car’s safety and reliability.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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