VehicleVerdict

1997 Chrysler Concorde problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Chrysler Concorde sits mid-pack among Concorde years: 189 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 225, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (27), electrical system (22), and brakes (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

189

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Concorde years?

Concorde NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Concorde years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Chrysler Concorde problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2714%
Electrical System2212%
Brakes2111%
Steering179%
Fuel System179%
Body & Structure137%
Transmission126%
Visibility & Wipers116%
Airbags105%
Suspension105%
Lighting63%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)53%
Seat Belts42%
Speed Control42%
Other42%
Tires & Wheels21%
Latches & Locks21%
Child Seat11%
Seats11%

Does the 1997 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.

“WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERHOOD WHEN STOPPING AT RED LIGHT. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED UP. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2002 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 30 TO 35 MPH SMELLED FIRE AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO THE ENGINE CATCHING ON FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“FRONT ROTORS HAVE RUST RIDGES AND PITS IN THEM. THE CAR HAS 28000 MILES ON IT AND THE BRAKE PADS ARE LIKE NEW. WITH THIS RUST RIDGE ON THE ROTOR IT WILL WEAR THE PADS PREMATURLEY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NORMAL WEAR. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 20 YEARS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR !”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 29, 2000

“WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED BACK INTO THE GARAGE. THE DRIVER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND A APPOINTMENT. THE RECALL WAS NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 12, 2004 · fire

“I HAVE EXPERIENCED ALOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING OF MY CHRYSLER CONCORDE 1997. AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRONT CRADLE BUSHINGS WHERE WORN AWAY. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS. I LOOKED AT A WEB SITE CONCERNING THIS AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND OTHER CHRSLER MODELS. AND IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 14, 2009

1997 Chrysler Concorde — common questions

Is the 1997 Chrysler Concorde reliable?

It is close to typical for the Concorde: 189 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Concorde problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (27 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), brakes (21 complaints).

Does the 1997 Chrysler Concorde have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Chrysler Concorde. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Chrysler Concorde under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.