VehicleVerdict

1996 Chrysler Concorde problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Chrysler Concorde sits mid-pack among Concorde years: 236 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 225, with 2 recalls and 5 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 73 reports (31% of the total).

236

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Concorde years?

Concorde NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted484 complaints1993: 463 complaints1994: 484 complaints1995: 330 complaints1996: 236 complaints1997: 189 complaints1998: 213 complaints1999: 422 complaints2000: 364 complaints2001: 112 complaints2002: 72 complaints2003: 40 complaints2004: 66 complaints
Concorde NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Concorde years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Chrysler Concorde problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering7331%
Engine2611%
Brakes219%
Transmission188%
Fuel System177%
Electrical System167%
Suspension146%
Airbags104%
Other83%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Body & Structure63%
Lighting52%
Tires & Wheels52%
Speed Control31%
Seat Belts31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats10%

Does the 1996 Chrysler Concorde have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V021000TransmissionJanuary 13, 2004 · 2,315,768 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

98V184000Fuel SystemAugust 6, 1998 · 722,600 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“STEERING IS VERY BAD. PULLS TO THE LEFT. RACK AND PINION BUSHINGS BAD, AS WELL AS A TIE ROD. USUALLY MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED. CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT. REPLACED WATER PUMP TWICE AS WELL AS THERMOSTAT. ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. BRAKES ARE VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 21, 2003

“WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED A STRANGE SMELL; BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM DASH DUCTS. PULLED OVER, SHUT ENGINE OFF, AND LOOKED UNDER HOOD. VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 8, 1998 · fire

“STEERING IS VERY BAD. PULLS TO THE LEFT. RACK AND PINION BUSHINGS BAD, AS WELL AS A TIE ROD. USUALLY MAKES A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED. CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT. REPLACED WATER PUMP TWICE AS WELL AS THERMOSTAT. ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. BRAKES ARE VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 2003

“WHEN USING 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE EXPERIENCED THE CAR'S FLOOR SHIFT LEVER JUMPED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHILE IN A DRIVEWAY. THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED (C45) AND REPAIRED ON 10/11/2004. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO A GARAGE DOOR. PER THE INSURANCE AGENT I NOTIFIED CHRYSLER, THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP, AND THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 21, 2005 · crash

“PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (98V184) CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST CONSUMER WITH THE HELP OF GETTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THEY ARE STATING THAT THE CONSUMER DID NOT NOTIFY THEM ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT FIRST OCCURED.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 24, 2001 · fire

1996 Chrysler Concorde — common questions

Is the 1996 Chrysler Concorde reliable?

It is close to typical for the Concorde: 236 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Concorde problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (73 complaints), engine (26 complaints), brakes (21 complaints).

Does the 1996 Chrysler Concorde have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Chrysler Concorde. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Chrysler Concorde under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Concorde years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Concorde years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Concorde years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.