The 1996 Chrysler Cirrus has 42 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
42
Engine complaints
21%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence
INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 75MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY A FLASH OF FIRE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. WHEN PULLED OVER TO LIFT HOOD, THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE SUDDENLY WENT OUT ON ITS OWN. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE GALLEY-PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT, THUS DUMPING ALL THE OIL OUT ONTO…”
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus engine — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 96V006000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.