Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for those late '90s rides that once ruled the roads. Today, we're diving into a bit of a blast from the past with the 1999 Plymouth Breeze. This mid-sized sedan was part of Chrysler's "Cloud Cars" lineup, and while it might not have the cult following of some other '90s icons, it certainly has its own story to tell. Whether you're considering picking one up for a nostalgic drive or just curious about its quirks, we're here to break down the common problems and overall reliability of this classic cruiser.
Now, let's be real—no car is perfect, and the Plymouth Breeze is no exception. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, this car had its fair share of issues that kept mechanics busy. But don't let that scare you off just yet! Despite its flaws, the Breeze also had some redeeming qualities that made it a decent choice for budget-conscious drivers back in the day. So, buckle up as we take a closer look at what made the 1999 Plymouth Breeze both a headache and a hidden gem for those who dared to take it for a spin.
Brake System
Reported problems
- Failure in Spark Plug Tube Seals May Cause Misfire and Poor Fuel Economy
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has some reliability issues, particularly with the spark plug tube seals. When these seals fail, it can lead to engine misfires and poor fuel economy, which can be a hassle for drivers. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car.
Parts assessed: Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).
Heating & Cooling
Reported problems
- Automatic Transmission May Fail Due to Internal/Electrical Component Failure
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has some issues with its automatic transmission, mainly due to internal or electrical component failures. This problem can lead to unexpected transmission malfunctions, which might be a hassle if youre relying on it for daily commutes. While not every Breeze will experience this, its something to keep in mind if youre considering this car for its overall reliability.
Parts assessed: Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.
Drivetrain
Reported problems
- Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has a known issue where an oil leak may develop at the cam sensor O-ring. While this problem can be a bit of a hassle, it’s generally not a deal-breaker if caught early and fixed promptly. Overall, the car has its quirks, but with regular maintenance, it can still be a reliable ride.
Parts assessed: CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.
Interior Electronics
Reported problems
- Head Gasket May Fail Prematurely
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has a known issue with the head gasket potentially failing prematurely, which can lead to engine problems if not addressed. This issue can affect the overall reliability of the car, as a failing head gasket might result in costly repairs and downtime. If you’re considering a Breeze, it’s worth checking if this problem has been previously addressed or budget for potential repairs.
Parts assessed: Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.
Cooling System
Reported problems
- Starting Issues and Trouble Code Due to Defective Cam/Crankshaft Sensor
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze seems to have some reliability issues, particularly with starting problems and trouble codes linked to a defective cam/crankshaft sensor. This issue can lead to frustrating experiences for owners, as it affects the car’s ability to start smoothly and may trigger warning lights. While not every Breeze will have this problem, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.
Parts assessed: Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).
Ignition & Wiring
Reported problems
- Revised Windshield Washer Nozzles Available to Prevent Plugging
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze had some issues with the windshield washer nozzles getting plugged, but revised nozzles are now available to tackle this problem. This update should help improve the overall reliability of the washer system, making it less of a hassle for owners. While the Breeze had its quirks, addressing this specific issue is a step in the right direction for keeping the car running smoothly.
Parts assessed: Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.
Engine Repairs
Reported problems
- Defective Speed Sensors May Cause Cruise Control/Speedometer/Shifting Problems
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has some reliability issues, particularly with defective speed sensors that can lead to problems with the cruise control, speedometer, and shifting. These issues can be pretty annoying and might require some attention to keep the car running smoothly. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car.
Parts assessed: Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.
Exhaust System
Reported problems
- Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze has a known issue with the check engine light coming on due to pinched leak detection pump vacuum lines. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it might require some attention to ensure the vacuum lines are properly routed and not pinched. Overall, while this issue is notable, it doesn’t necessarily overshadow the car’s general reliability, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.
Parts assessed: Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.
Fuel & Emissions
Reported problems
- Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System
Analysis
The 1999 Plymouth Breeze seems to have some issues with a musty odor coming from the AC system, which has led to the use of a cleaner/disinfectant to tackle the problem. While this solution might help with the smell, it raises questions about the overall reliability of the car’s AC system. If you’re considering a Breeze, it might be worth checking if this is a recurring issue or just a one-off fix.
Parts assessed: Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.
Systems with no reports
6 systems have no reported problems
- Body Components
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.
- Onboard & Powertrain Electronics
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.
- Strange Sounds & Leaks
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.
- Exterior Finish
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.
- Suspension & Steering
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).
- Transmission Repairs
No major problem has been reported
Parts assessed: Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.