1996 Chrysler Breeze

Introduction:

The 1996 Chrysler Breeze is a mid-size sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.0-liter V6. Both engines were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Breeze was known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and stylish exterior. However, it also had some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a decrease in engine performance, coolant leaks, and oil leaks. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Exhaust Manifold Cracking: The exhaust manifold can crack, causing exhaust leaks. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise and decreased engine performance. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine and decreased engine performance. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+

3.0-liter V6

• Intake Valve Sticking: The intake valves can stick, causing a decrease in engine performance and fuel economy. The solution is to have the intake valves cleaned or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a high engine temperature gauge reading, coolant leaks, and steam coming from the engine. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears: The transmission can slip gears, causing the vehicle to hesitate or jerk when shifting. The solution is to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Hard Shifting: The transmission can shift hard, causing a jerk when shifting gears. The solution is to have the transmission serviced or rebuilt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• No Reverse Gear: The transmission may not engage reverse gear. The solution is to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the suspension, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per axle
• Sway Bar Link Failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing the vehicle to sway excessively when cornering. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the suspension and poor handling. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the vehicle to wander or pull to one side when driving. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the suspension, uneven tire wear, and decreased steering precision. The solution is to replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ per side

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a dimming dashboard, flickering headlights, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Battery Drain: The battery can drain quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. Symptoms include a dead battery after a short period of time and difficulty starting the vehicle. The solution is to have the electrical system inspected and repaired. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Wiring Harness Issues: The wiring harness can develop issues, causing a variety of electrical problems. Symptoms can include flickering lights, inoperative gauges, and difficulty starting the vehicle. The solution is to repair or replace the wiring harness. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock properly. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors with the key or remote. The solution is to replace the door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
• Power Window Motor Failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to not roll up or down properly. Symptoms include difficulty operating the windows with the switches, slow window movement, or windows that do not move at all. The solution is to replace the power window motors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
• Trunk Lid Release Failure: The trunk lid release can fail, making it difficult or impossible to open the trunk. Symptoms include difficulty opening the trunk with the key or remote, or the trunk lid not opening at all. The solution is to replace the trunk lid release. Estimated Cost