Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
NHTSA recall 98V183000 · announced August 6, 1998 · filed by Chrysler Corporation · 685,000 units affected
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.
The risk
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.
What to do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by this recall
- 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1998 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1996 Chrysler Sebring
- 1997 Chrysler Sebring
- 1998 Chrysler Sebring
- 1995 Dodge Stratus
- 1996 Dodge Stratus
- 1997 Dodge Stratus
- 1998 Dodge Stratus
- 1996 Plymouth Breeze
- 1997 Plymouth Breeze
- 1998 Plymouth Breeze
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.