1998 Plymouth Breeze

The 1998 Plymouth Breeze is a midsize sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 2.4L V6. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Breeze was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

• 2.0L 4-cylinder
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, rough idle, decreased engine power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, loss of power, loud noises from the engine
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• 2.4L V6
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
  • Slipping gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, transmission shudders or hesitates when shifting
    • Solution: Replace the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Front strut mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Sway bar links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, decreased stability when cornering
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the engine, electrical components not working properly
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, electrical components not working properly
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Door lock actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking/unlocking properly, buzzing or clicking sounds from the doors
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
• Trunk latch failure * Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the trunk, trunk lid not closing properly * Solution: Replace the trunk latch * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Power window motors
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not moving up or down, slow window operation
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
• Dashboard cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

Overall, the 1998 Plymouth Breeze is a reliable vehicle with some common issues that are relatively inexpensive to fix. The most severe issues include intake manifold gasket failure and timing belt failure, which can lead to major engine damage if not addressed promptly. However, these issues are not widespread and most Breeze owners will experience only minor problems over the life of their vehicle.