Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
07039705/09/199707-05-936088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *nlm01/07/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
07039705/09/199752963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. *yc11/13/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
18010002/04/2000609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt04/12/2000
09079812/11/1998603107Subject regarding oil seepage at cam position sensor / misinterpreted head gasket leak. *yc11/17/1999
09079909/17/1999607914Information regarding 2.5l v-6 head gasket application. *tt10/18/1999
09089909/17/1999090598607916Technical service bulletin regarding multi-layer steel (mls) head gasket installation procedures. *tt10/18/1999
09059811/06/1998602898A new multi-layer steel ( mls ) head gasket has been developed and is being implemented into production vehicles. *yc01/20/1999
983006/01/1998601763Subject on labor operation time change for domestic 2.ol dohc and 2.4l head gasket replacement. *yc08/24/1998
18189804/10/1998600764Excessive cold crank time, start die out or weak run-up, sags/stumble/hesitation after a cold start, idle rpm cycling. *yc06/05/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
180200108/17/2001623153Exhibiting rough idle, hard start and start & stall.*cls10/26/2001
090080001/12/2001618396This bulletin involves installation of a new component to assist cam seal retention. *jb04/12/2001
18179705/02/19976088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *nlm01/11/2000
09099712/19/19976088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *nlm01/10/2000
09029704/25/1997519602.4l crankshaft/camshaft timing. *tw07/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
25029810/23/1998602881Subject regarding i/m ( inspection maintenance ) testing - obd ii carb readiness monitor information. *yc01/20/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
18019801/16/1998600491Upstream 02 sensor shorted to voltage along with possible symptoms of sagging/hesitation or rough idle. *ak05/18/1998

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
10/25/200495000105/01/2004
 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
02/15/200356010
 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.
01/15/20030
 The spark plugs are full of oil
09/15/200390000
 Oil leal...head gasket....defect in design brakes
01/22/2004730001611/17/1998
 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
09/07/200390000101/04/2000
 Oil leak...head gasket defect..plymouth breeze 1997..possible fire hazard. chrysler said no problem with this model. *ak
01/28/2003109/01/2001
 The consumer stated, whenever the vehicle was turned off, the engine fluids began to bubble, and caused the oil to boil over into the cooling system. ts scc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
04/04/20052
 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
12/01/20000
 Vehicle was losing oil, overflow container for antifreeze and water had turned brown. once car overheated, and let out a mixture of water and oil. *ak
03/01/1999303/03/1998
 Because of the coolant bottle system failure, the vehicle bubbles and gurgles after turning off. et
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
12/17/1999107/01/1997
 The gaskets and radiator failed, causing vehicle to overheat. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
10/01/200598000105/01/2004
 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
06/23/20041
 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
05/17/2004507/08/1999
 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
2001
 While driving consumer smelled burning oil. dealer found that head gasket was leaking oil and needed to be replaced. *ak
05/08/200360000110/16/1998
 Good evening, i wanted to obtain more information about the class action suit against chrysler. i have a 97 plymouth breeze that has had a head and a transmission replaced at 2 separate times. the head was replaced because of head gasket and the transmission after if overheated on highway use (5, 2003), got stuck 200+ miles away from home. finally i sent my last payment last month but to my surprise my transmission is acting up again and the only services i get from the shop is for my to drive to them (200 miles away). other issues brakes do not last and suspension is on the fritz.. thank you daniel rodriguez rbdaniel@bellsouth.net miami, fl *la
11/20/200318000204/24/2000
 Multiple oil leaks and brake problems. bought car with 14,000 miles, replaced front brakes and rotors at 19,000 miles, replaced cam seals at 32,000 miles, had new brakes again at 39,000 miles, and now at 49,500 having spark plug seals replaced. all major engine work done at newburgh park motors, newburgh ny. this car has cost me more in maintenance than my crappy 1979 gmc pick-up with a billion miles on it! the dealer just shrugs it off and says this is typical and it is the customer's responsibility. i say shame on chrysler for manufacturing a sub-standard product and not standing behind it! you cowards!!!!! *la
208/20/1997
 Consumer noticed oil leaking from under vehicle. technician indicated the head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak when the vehicle was under a year old, the same oil leaked was repaired. *ph *jb
05/26/20034500002/21/1997
 Head gasket oil leak-this has been known as a common problem for this model-why has a recall not been done when it is so well known? it is very costly and inconvenient to have repaired when it seems to have nothing to do with wear on the vehicle. *nlm
04/06/1999210/08/1996
 Oil leak - 1999 - car (1997 breeze) still under warranty at the time. dealer repaired car by replacing head gasket and cam seals. three weeks later, oil still leaking and returned to same dealer, who again fixed car. about a year later during oil change was told car was still leaking, but out of warranty now. i've been told by mechanics (even at dealerships) that this is a known problem but no recalls, plymouth just continued to have this problem repaired at owner's expense. *tt
1
 The head gasket failed.*jb
11/13/20024580003/31/1997
 The head gasket leaked oil into the coolant system. which resulted in damage to the cylinder head, water pumpand hoses. *ts coolant also leaked from the cylinder head. *jb
09/21/2002210/01/2098
 We had to replace the head and gasket on our car april of 2001. i called chrysler and they paid for the part. now we have to replace the head and gasket that was placed on in 2001 with a new head and gasket again.*ak
07/02/2001106/26/2000
 Vehicle leaking oil while driving. vehicle taken to the dealer and they informed consumer of a blown head gasket. *ak *jg
08/01/2000
 I have had nothing but problems with this car and the warrent i bought for it hasn't done me any good. i know thats not your fault. i have had to replace my spark plug seals twice and now i am having to replace my cam shaft seal. i have heard that many of these types of cars have had the same problem. one machanic said that he thought there would be a re-call on the cam shaft seals so that is why i am making this coplaint. i really like the car it just leaks oil all over the grown. i heard that plymouth is no longer making cars but i really think that i shouldn't have had to pay for this to get fixed and they should have to pay me back. my car isn't that old to have all these problems with it. plus i also think that the dealer i bought it from sells crap cars. everyone that i know of that bought a car from there has had to pay to have some major things fixed one even had to have a whole new engine in her dodge status. thank you for taking the time to read this and i hope to have something done. dara meyer
01/10/2002
 While traveling at 30mph head gasket blewout, and oil spilled out. contacted dealer, and dealer was aware of problem, but still did not do anything for consumer.*ak
01/01/2002
 Driver says there is a constant oil leak. while driving there was a horrible noise then a sudden loss of power. vehicles speed decreased, and would not go above 35 mph. took to dealer, and dealer stated head gasket needed replacement. *ak
101/01/1997
 Leeking oil, had to replace head gasket at cost of $650, found numerous consumer complaints on website, agree this should be factory recall. auto repair shop replaces numerous gaskets on same model and also agrees should be recalled. *ak
11/08/2001104/01/2000
 Engine head gasket failed causing an oil leak. had the same problem with 1996 dodge stratus we own. this seems to be a common problem with these vehicles. repair cost is > $700. this is an obvious manufactuers defect given the number of complaints for this defect and the low number of miles this failure happens at. *ak
10/25/20014
 Vehicle leaks oil. head gaskets are blown for fourth straight time. contacted dealer, and dealer stated they fixed problem, and it was not a safety issue. *ak
10/01/2001101/01/1997
 Head gasket failed at low mileage. *ak
10/10/1999101/01/1997
 The oil is leaking head gasket not working. huge environmental hazard. mechanics and dealers say they fix too many. neon engine line needs recall. too expensive to fix and oil spilling from millions of vehicles. *ak
09/01/200006/01/1998
 Mechanic saidthat car was taken to says that this problem is very common in this model of vehicle and thought that there was already a recall for this part due to the high number of replacements that he has done in the past on original head gaskets.*ak
03/01/2001112/01/1998
 Oil leak from head gasket. *ak
111/01/1996
 My 97 plymouth breeze is leaking oil from the head gasket, this repair is going to cost me $250. chrysler notes they don't have to repair this problem because my car is out of warranty. chrysler knew there was a defective head gasket problem with this car, i was never notified of this problem, which should have been repaired under warranty. i understand parts can go bad, but not with this frequent occurance and chrysler acknowledging a problem. this problem not only could possibly be a safety issue due to car failure on a highway, but it is an environmental issue with motor oil polluting roads and driveways, then being washed into the drains. there should be a mandatory recall based on the amount of oil being leaked into our environment.*ak
04/04/2001102/01/1997
 Blown head gasket. $900.00 to repair. no satisfaction from the dealer or the manufacturer. i was told this happens to all cars. but i doubt it happens to all cars with only 37,000 miles! *ak
12/17/1999107/01/1997
 The gaskets and radiator failed, causing vehicle to overheat. nlm
03/01/2001309/01/1997
 Purchased vehicle 9/97 w/23 miles. original headgasket failed at around 50,000 miles in 3/98 , plymouth offered to replace 50/50. second headgasket failed around 86,000 miles 12/99 replaced as goodwill service; 3/01 vehicle has around 119,500 miles and needs another headgasket replacement. chrysler nor dealership will replace for free. will cost $750.00. i can not drive this vehicle due to the fact that the oil is leaking all through the engine, spark-plugs etc. i need help don't know what else to do!*ak
06/15/1999209/01/1997
 Original head gasket leaked badly and was replaced. the replacement head gasket is now leaking also. the odometer has gone out altogether.*ak
11/24/2000211/01/1999
 Camshaft sensor and head gasket replacement
01/07/199912/01/1997
 2 head gaskets changed rusting inside of car seat brackets. *ak
06/15/2000
 Lower control arm is making a popping sound. also, headgasket blew. *ak
108/01/1999
 A cracked engine head caused oil to get into water of radiator . *ak
01/18/2001105/01/1998
 Have had repairs done on electronic module and now the head gasket is leaking oil very badly. *ak
 Premature wear of head gaskets, causing leakage. dealer has replaced head gaskets, but problem still exists.&*ak
11/08/20000
 Vehicle was leaking oil. took to dealer, and they said head gasket needed to be replaced.*ak
03/06/2000108/01/1998
 In march 2000, noted a small leak of coolant from radiator. no warning lights or overheating problems occured which would indicate serious problems. vehicle taken to dealer who informed us of head gasket failure causing coolant to enter transmission and oil to enter cooling system. head gasket replaced along with dealer suggested flushing of transmission and raditor and replacement of necessary belts and hoses. in july 2000 another leak of coolant. dealer advised us of complete radiator failure. both dealers state this failure is not linked to original head gasket problem. radiator and all hoses replaced.
09/18/2000203/01/1998
 I have owned this car since 1998 . when i purchased the car it had 28,000 mi. on it. just when the next 36,000 mi rolled over yhe head gasket blew. now another 30,000 mi it blew again. i called the original dealer they said there is a problem with the 2.0 litre engines head gasket but there is no recall at this time. home office refuses to make a call. *ak
08/26/2000106/01/1997
 Head gasket broke on plymouth breeze
07/05/2000
 The head gaskets have blown out, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. the dealer has been notified.*ak
03/21/2000108/01/1997
 Head gasket was leaking on my 97' plymouth breeze. i know 6 people personally that have the same engine and had the same problem. they have breezes, neons, stratuses and all the 4 cylinders headgasket leak. chrysler needs to do something about this problem in my opinion. thanks. *ak
03/15/2000501/01/1998
 We hav ehad numerous problems with our vehicle. we have had starters, transmission modules, fuel pumps, head gaskets, and a leak detection pump replaced so far. all chrysler can say about this is that your out of luck. the dealership threatened to use force to beat me up (pat terhar teh gm at the dealership) all i want is chrysler to take responsibility for the number of problems i have had, instead they keep changing me hundreds of dollars for repairs. my understanding is that there are numerous cars with similar problems as i have had. please investigate. i am running out of steam. thanks!)( dot number: )
02/26/2000208/01/1998
 Vehicle experiencing problem with oil leakages; towed vehicle to an independent repair shop. consumer was informed of a blown head gasket. head gasket was replaced by dealer on 26 aug 199898 at 32,000 miles. currently, problem reoccurred, and dealer refused to repair unless consumer picks up the charges. *ak *ml
01/05/2000103/01/1999
 On 1/5/00 i arrived home and after getting out of car heard hissing noise and popped the hood and then relized that the car was leaking oil all over the driveway. took car to a texaco station and they stated that i had a cracked gasket and would fix for an estimated cost of $534.80 (frontier chevy dealer estimated 600.00, was not boing to bother with the people i bought the car from since they are 1 hour away and am very dissatisfied with there servie). according to lemon-aid updates on website http://lemonaidcars.com/home.htm under the novemer 1999 section section 2 states that service bulliton number 09-05-98, they have know about this problem for past 16 months. additionally per odi id 704054 someone else has had the exact same problem. how can i go about trying to have them pay for the new gaskets and manhours that i had to pay for becuase of there poor product. could i sue them in small claims court? *ak
10/19/1999
 Engine head gaskets have blown out, causing oil and coolant to leak from the vehicle . dealer has repaired the vehicle, and the manufacturer has been notified.*ak
 Engine check light had came on ,and vehicle kept losing power due to a blown head gasket leaking oil. dealer replaced head gasket twice before. however, engine is losing power again. *ak
 Head gaskets have blown out and are leaking oil into the engine compartment.also, engine check light keeps coming on. dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak
12/03/1998102/01/1997
 Head gasket leaked. nm
06/06/1998108/01/1997
 Major oil leak from head gasket, dealer says common problem and wants $579 to repair. found this is a common problem and chrysler is paying 1/2 cost through some dealers. this should be a recall item!
12/24/199803/01/1997
 Vehicle leaking oil. replaced engine head gasket. consulted 2 dealers. both said this is a common problem with this model. should a recall be initiated? *ak
1
 The lobes on the engine camshaft are prematurely wearing, resulting in loss of power. cause of the excessive wear is due to the improper size of the cams during installation . *ak.et
10/27/1998104/22/1997
 Engine head gasket blew out, causing oil to leak from engine. dealer/mfr. notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. *ak
09/09/1998
 Consumer noticed oil leaking from vehicle. vehicle taken to dealer for repairs. during repairs and service dealer found pin in camshaft sheared off, and two valves needed replacement. consumer believed this condition was caused by manufacturer. *ak
08/07/199809/04/1997
 Camshaft has a slight infection per the dealer . when the vehicle was in motion it would not exceed speeds of 40mph. the vehicle has been repaired by the dealer. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
1
 The engine leaks oil causing it to run hot and the engine light to illuminates, the vehicle also stalls out when stopped at a stop light. nlm
06/10/2001211/01/1997
 February 2000, 60,000 miles on vehicle. started leaking oil at about 55,000, kept putting oil in it and fixed the seals. didnt take care of the problem. took it to dealer that i bought it from, they admitted a problem with the make of car. they wanted $800.00 to fix it. after complaining enough we paid only 300.00. now june of 2001. 1 year and 4 months, and 30,000 miles later, it is leaking again. started three weeks ago, and now it is leaking a lot just like before. i will be calling the dealership in the morning. and i will be throwing a fit till its paid for then im getting rid of the car. there needs to be something done about this. people can't afford dishing out this type of money for something that is cryslers fault that they are hiding behind. please help. *ak
02/28/2001201/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/01/20000
 Engine is leaking oil.*ak
08/15/2000301/16/1997
 Ongoing problem with tie rod and ball joint failures. dealer had replaced both tie rod and ball joint three times each, and problem appeared to be reoccurring. dealership denied recall 97v201 stating that all parts were okay, the initial problem was an ongoing front end noise and vibration. seeking help from nhtsa in this matter. vehicle also experiencing an oil leaking problem, the head gasket has been replaced 4 times. a chipped drive chain caused motor vibration. *ak *slc
10/15/20000
 Wheels sounded like they were going to fall off whenever consumer hit a bump. engine check light was coming on, and consumer was constantly putting oil in vehicle. took vehicle to dealer, and they said vehicle was burning oil and making a knocking noise. left and right tie rods needed to be replaced.*ak
09/21/2000401/01/1998
 On two seperate occassions, 6/11/98 & 3/3/98i went to lawrence chrysler ply. in richmond to inspect for problems they claimed that they found nothing. firestone service 7/26/99 valve cover gasket installed at $99.31,7/3 00 valve cover gasket set and spark plug seal and more for $264.38 9/21/00 cam sensor sealand services for $106.20 and the problem only gets worst . i am currently having to put oil in every time i want to drive some where.
07/06/2000103/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
02/12/2000
 On going problem with stalling. vehicle would stall while driving or would not start or restart intermittently. dealer notified, and some repairs were made on several occasions, but problem still reoccurring. *ak
03/30/2000105/01/1997
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
10/01/1999
 No summary listed in above vehicle. *ak
01/01/200006/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
09/13/1999202/01/1998
 No summary
07/26/1999
 Oil had gotten into the raditor. *ak
10/01/19971406/01/1997
 At various speeds the vehicle will completely shut down, causing loss of vehicle control. cause unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem. *ak
1
 Vehicle stalled.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
02/03/20039200005/17/2001
 I am having trouble with my 1997 plymouth breeze, i took it to a repair shop and was told that it is the head gasket. i need to know if there is any kind of recall due to this problem. i was told from the repair shop that it is very common for these kind of vehicles to have this problem. please advise me if there is anything i can do. thank you for your cooperation.
108/01/1997
 The car was bought new and because of health it was sold to son. it only had 27,000 miles on it when leak was noted. took to danville chrysler plymouth in danville ind. they said the car had just run out of warranty . said it was a common problem with this type car. i t cost 633.00 to repair. still leaked and told it was a spring that had lost tension near intake gasket. am watching to see if it still leaks. bad weather has hindered that. not many miles for a head gasket to be blowing.*ak
07/01/1998
 Muffler - loud rattle, brakes - loud scratching sounds/ replaced pads still scratching