Model year record

1996 Chrysler Concorde recalls & problems

The 1996 Chrysler Concorde has 2 safety recalls and 161 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (73 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints161filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths13 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Power trainJan 13, 2004

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 04V0210002,315,768 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 6, 1998

Fuel injection system

Recall 98V184000722,600 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Chrysler Concorde 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Concorde

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Concorde

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringRack and pinion; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	73	1	0	1	62,565 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	26	0	1	0	81,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	18	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift	18	1	0	4	59,483 mi
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system; Delivery	15	0	2	0	100,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; 12v/24v/48v battery	14	0	1	0	92,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	14	0	0	0	87,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal	10	7	0	6	143,000 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	9	1	0	1	115,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages	6	0	0	0	—
StructureBody; Frame and members	6	0	1	1	75,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Concealment devices	4	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bagsCrash1 injury
I'M SORRY, BUT I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT MILAGE ON THE CAR. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 40 , BUT I WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST BECAUSE 1) THE ROAD WAS WET BECAUSE IT HAD JUST RAINED LIGHTLY, MAYBE 8 MINUTES PRIOR 2) I SAW THE OTHER DRIVER'S CAR WAS IN MY LANE. I WAS HIT PRETTY MUCH HEAD ON. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! I HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF MY CAR.THUS MY BEAUTIFUL CONCORD WAS A TOTAL LOSS. IT HAD BEEN IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
May 9, 2014 · 165,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V184000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL RAIL HAD FRACTURED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *TR
Jul 15, 2012 · 60,000 miles
Suspension
QUICK-STRUTS AFTER MARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS MAY BE DEFECTIVE. THIS PRODUCT IS CALLED A MONROE QUICK- STRUT. THE FAILED PART WAS RETURNED FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT: PART #171939. THE TOP OF THE STRUT, NUT, AND STEAL WASHER "TORE FREE" OF THE PLATE WHICH COMPRESSES THE SPRING. THE 'TOP PLATE' PART OF THE ASSEMBLY REMAINED ANCHORED TO THE CAR BY THREE NUTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THIS PLATE NO LONGER CONTAINED THE STRUT AND THE COMPRESSED SPRING AS SUPPLIED IN QUICK STRUT ASSEMBLY. THE ASSEMBLY AS PURCHASED, HAS A NUT AND WASHER MOUNTED IN TWO INCHES OF RUBBER MOLDED IN THE PLATE ON TOP OF THE STRUT SPRING ASSEMBLY. THAT RUBBER COMPONENT FAILED. THIS BECOMES OBVIOUS AFTER THE PARTS ARE REMOVED…
Jul 3, 2012 · 113,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON MY 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE LXI 3.5L VIN F. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN SEPTEMBER 2010 AND THE ODOR HAS BECOME MUCH STRONGER IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS. I AM FEARING A FIRE MAY OCCUR. GAS MILEAGE HAS GREATLY DECREASED TO ABOUT 12-15 MPH. *TR
Sep 1, 2010 · 157,600 miles
Fuel system, other
WE SMELLED GAS FROM THE ENGINE AREA. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION NOTED A LEAK IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM . GAS WAS DRIPPING EVERY 1 SECOND NEAR THE O RING BY THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL. HELP!. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A 3.5L ENGINE BUT A 3.3L 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE. I KNOW THE 3.5L HAD A RECALL ON THIS DID THE 3.3L HAVE ONE ALSO AND NOONE NOTICE????? ALSO WHEN YOU PUT THE FLOOR SHIFTER INTO GEAR I.E. DRIVE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD, OR IF IN REVERSE THAT EITHER. THEN IT JERKS INTO GEAR ALMOST LIKE THE SHIFTER OR LEAVERS ARE NOT WORKING. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE LOOKED AT FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. I DO BELIEVE IT MAY BE A SHIFTER ISSUE AND THEN THE O RING LEAKING GAS…
Feb 6, 2011 · 143,000 miles
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1 injury
1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE. REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT INJURIES CAUSED BY FAILED CAR JACK. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED WHEN THE JACK COLLAPSED. (LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). *JB UPDATED 05/11/10.*JB UPDATED 05/07/10.*JB UPDATED 03/12/10 UPDATED 06/25/10.*JB
Jan 1, 1901
Structure › Frame and members
1. "BUSY RATTLE", NOT LOUD, BUT CONTINUOUS, MOST NOTICEABLE ON SMOOTH ROADS ABOVE 30 MPH, FROM FRONT FRAME SUB-ASSEMBLY, FOUR MOUNTING BOLTS. THE SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY IS ALSO CALLED THE "MOTOR CARRIER" AND IS BOLTED FROM THE BOTTOM UP TO THE FRAME (ABOVE). EACH BOLT GOES THROUGH A LARGE RUBBER BUSHING (ALSO CALLED AN INSULATOR). WITH 75,000 THOUSAND MILES AND NO OIL LEAKS, THE RUBBER BUSHINGS ARE ALL DRIED OUT AND FLAKING APART. EACH INSULATOR COST OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM CHRYSLER. THE COST OF REPLACING VIA A QUOTE FROM PEP BOYS IS OVER SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE MADE FROM A HARD YELLOW PLASTIC TYPE MATERIAL AND SHOULD BE MORE DURABLE. 2.…
Oct 15, 2009 · 75,000 miles
Electrical system
I'VE HAD A 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE LX FOR ABOUT 1 YR. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION 99% OF THE TIME I HAVE TO KEEP TURNING THE KEY UNTIL IT TURNS ON, IF IT EVEN DOES, AND A FEW MONTHS AGO EVERYTIME MY CAR DOES TURN ON, ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE DOOR LOCKS KEEP GOING UP AND DOWN. IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVABLE FOR AT LEAST 2 MONTHS NOW. REPLACED RELAYS, FUSES, STARTER, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY! I EVEN TOOK IT TO A SHOP WHICH THE MANAGER IS A FAMILY FRIEND, HE HAD IT FOR 2 WKS. RAN A FULL DIAGNOSTIC AND ALSO THE BATTERY WHICH IS NEW AND HAVE EXCHANGED SEVERAL TIMES WILL NOT HOLD A CHARGE. IT HAS NEW BATTERY GROUND CABLE NEW CABLE FROM ALTERNATOR…
Apr 5, 2008 · 115,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSISClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT…
DP04007 · opened Oct 13, 2004 · closed Oct 27, 2004
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCKClosedLed to recall 04V021000
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE…
EA03011 · opened Jul 17, 2003 · closed Jan 30, 2004
STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA99031 · opened Oct 29, 1999 · closed Sep 13, 2001
STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINIONClosed
SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS.DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN.THE ISSUES REPORTED INVOLVE PREMATURE WEAR OUT AT THE RACK AND PINION INTERFACE WITH THE INNER TIE ROD END(S), BINDING AND STICKING OF THE STEERING GEAR, CRACKED OR BROKEN TIE ROD ENDS, SHEARED RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BOLTS, AND WEAR OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION MOUNT BUSHINGS.MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS MENTION STEERING WONDER AND LOOSE STEERING.THREE OF THE MOST RECENT COMPLAINTS ALLEGE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SHEARED BOLTS.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A THOROUGH TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEM FAILURE ALLEGATIONS AND TO QUANTIFY THE EFFECT THAT THESE FAILURES HAVE ON VEHICLE CONTROL.
PE99044 · opened Jun 28, 1999 · closed Oct 29, 1999
FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAKClosedLed to recall 98V184000
RQ98018 · opened Oct 7, 1998 · closed Jul 8, 2002