Chrysler Crossfire roadster problems
The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive, two-seat sports car, marketed by Chrysler and manufactured by Karmann of Germany for the 2004 through 2008 model years.
Developed during the period when Chrysler and Mercedes Benz had merged, known as Daimler Chrysler, the two-seater uses the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform and shares 80% of its components with the first generation SLK. The second generation SLK was built on the R171 platform with model year 2005; the R170 platform was essentially handed down to Chrysler for the Crossfire. Having initially arrived in 2001 as a concept car styled by Eric Stoddard, the Chrysler was further refined by Andrew Dyson before production began in 2003 for 2004 model year sales.
Design
The name "Crossfire" refers to two character lines that run from front to rear along the body sides, prominently crossing below the mirrors on the door panels. Conceived during the period of Daimler Chrysler, the name also refers to the collaboration of the two companies.
The Chrysler Crossfire concept car was introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show and the production version was unveiled at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2004 model "is as faithful a translation from concept to production as any in recent memory." The concept car was designed "to evoke a strong, passionate, emotional response. We had to retain that. We want to polarize our audience—we want people to love it or hate it."
Conceived as a two-seat halo car for the Chrysler brand, the marketing objective was also to make use of available components using a two-seat roadster chassis. The production car shares about 39% of its parts with Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Chrysler dealers were required to invest in special equipment, tools, and parts to be able to market the new luxury model. The rear-wheel-drive Crossfire coupe styling objective was for a "unique, almost sculptural" design.
The Crossfire 's styling includes a wide stance with 19-inch rear wheels and 18-inch front wheels. Automotive journalists compared the Crossfire to American Motors' 1965–1967 AMC Marlin. Noted journalist, Paul Leinert said the "distinctive boat-tail rear end reminds more than one observer of the old Rambler Marlin." For example, Rob Rothwell wrote "... when I first espied the rear lines of the Chrysler Crossfire I was instantly transported back to 1965 and my favorite car of that year, the Rambler Marlin." Motor Trend also compared the "provocative boattail theme" of the 2004 Crossfire's sheetmetal to that of the AMC Marlin fastback. The Crossfire's tail is "formed as the edges of the roof converge into a kind of teardrop shape, leaving the rear fenders to flare out over the rear wheels."
Chrysler said the Crossfire took inspiration from the 1930s art deco period and buildings such as the Chrysler Building. Motor Trend cites vehicle influences from 1930s including Bugattis and the Talbot Lago. Chrysler wanted to once again offer a performance coupe reminiscent of the luxury reputation they enjoyed during the late 1950s to mid-1960s with the Chrysler 300 letter series coupes and convertibles.
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Chrysler Crossfire roadster model years
Common Chrysler Crossfire roadster problems
The Chrysler Crossfire, produced from 2004 to 2008, has been known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from minor inconveniences to more significant mechanical problems that can impact the car's performance and safety.
One of the most common problems is a broken cup holder. This issue is more of an annoyance than a major concern, but it can be frustrating for drivers who rely on their cup holders for daily use. The trough used in Crossfires built from 2004 onwards is a more durable and practical solution, and it can be fitted into the spot where the existing cupholder is.
Another common problem is the gear stick getting stuck in the park position and refusing to move. This issue is usually caused by the brake/gear interlock being slightly out of adjustment. While it is possible to take the assembly apart and tighten it up, this is a complicated job that requires special tools and knowledge.
The check engine light is also a common problem in the Chrysler Crossfire. This issue can be caused by a faulty EGR solenoid or a check valve that needs to be replaced. However, the Crossfire can sometimes struggle with false error codes that cause the check engine light to illuminate, which may require a PCM software update at a Chrysler dealership.
Heated seats that no longer get warm is another issue that has been reported by Crossfire owners. Chrysler has even released a special repair kit designed specifically to resolve this issue.
Alloy wheel corrosion is also a common problem in the Crossfire, which can lead to white powder marks, bubbles, or rust on the alloy wheels. If the problem is not too bad, it may be possible to fix it yourself by rubbing down the affected area, treating it, and then repainting the area. However, if the problem is more severe, it may be necessary to take the wheels to a specialist.
The catalytic converter is another component that commonly fails in the Crossfire, which can cause a rattling noise when starting the engine from cold and pressing the foot on the accelerator. This issue requires the replacement of the catalytic converter to fix.
Headlight condensation is also a problem in the Crossfire, which can cause the headlights to fill up with condensation inside the lens, particularly on colder mornings. This issue can be resolved by drilling small holes at the bottom of the lens to allow any excess water to run out or by purchasing replacement headlight units.
Starting problems can also occur in the Crossfire if the crankshaft position sensor fails, which can cause the engine management warning light to appear on the dashboard. This issue requires the replacement of the crankshaft position sensor to resolve.
Finally, the airbag may deploy for no reason in the Crossfire, which can cause serious injury due to metal fragments inside the airbag. This issue was the cause of a big recall, and it is essential to check the car's history to ensure that the work has been carried out on the vehicle.
In summary, the Chrysler Crossfire has several common problems that owners have reported, including a broken cup holder, a gear stick that won't move, a check engine light, heated seats that don't work, alloy wheel corrosion, catalytic converter failure, headlight condensation, starting problems, and airbag deployment. While some of these issues are minor inconveniences, others can impact the car's performance and safety, making it essential to address them promptly.
What problems does the Chrysler Crossfire have?
Top Chrysler Crossfire Problems
- Crossfire Heated Seats Stop Working. ...
- Interior Door Pull Handles are Available Separately. ...
- Transmission Electrical Connector May Leak Transmission Fluid. ...
- Vehicle May Not Shift Out of Park if Brake Switch is Out of Adjustment. ...
- AC Blower Inop Due to Failed Resistor.
Is the Crossfire engine reliable?
As Tom Barr, the National Corvette Restorers Society's team leader for fourth-generation Corvettes noted, most Cross-Fire-equipped car owners never had an issue with their fuel injection units other than the lack of power. They are hard to adjust and the weather became a factor in its performance.
Are Chrysler crossfires expensive to fix?
The average annual repair cost for a Chrysler is $608, which means it has above average ownership costs.
How long will a Chrysler Crossfire last?
The Chrysler Crossfire (convertible) has an average lifespan of 67,277 miles or about 10 years. The Crossfire's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chrysler Crossfire roadster years
We have researched Chrysler problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chrysler Crossfire roadster cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Chrysler Crossfire roadster model years:
- Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2006
- Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2007
- Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2008
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chrysler Crossfire roadster model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chrysler Crossfire roadster years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chrysler Crossfire roadster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chrysler Crossfire roadster , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Visibility problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chrysler Crossfire roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Crossfire roadster model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Crossfire roadster model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Crossfire roadster model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 596 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chrysler Crossfire roadster . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chrysler Crossfire roadster vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-09
- VIN: 1C3AN65LX5X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: June 6th 2024, I got into my 2095 Chrysler crossfire and started driving hearing a rattling sound I pulled over and looked in back of my car to see the back window separated away from the soft top and was openly hanging, I had to get home from where I was at so I took back roads all way home and pulled over everytime a car got behind me. Also in past month my car sometimes starts right up and other time it won’t come on. Hubby says it’s an electrical issue. My car died on me as I pulled onto a hiway luckily I was able to pull off to the side of the road. I’ve seen several electrical issues reported on a car forum for these cars, also window separation. I have pics if needed.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-17
- VIN: 1C3AN65L15X
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Back window glass of the soft top, became unglued and is leaking into the vehicle when it rains. Seems like a fault to me as the top itself is still in great condition.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-16
- VIN: 1C3AN65L65X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I had four (4) new tires installed on the Chrysler Crossfire listed above at Goodyear Auto Center , Memphis store number 2621 on 15 March 2022. They recommended at that time that a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) be replaced if the sensor light does not turn off. The light stayed on I returned on April 22, 2022 they replaced the rear passenger sensor. The light remained on returned to Goodyear on 10 November 2022, a technician checked the tire and said all tire sensors are working and could not rectify the problem. I was advised to visit the Auto Dealership. I visited Gossett Chrysler, 1901 Covington Pike Memphis, TN, on 25 November 2022 and they checked the tires and I was told that they do not have the equipment to reset the TPMS systems on the vehicle. As of today my TMPS light remains on and I have to check the tires or have someone manually verify the tires are inflated according to specifications. I would appreciate any help in resolving or recalling this mandated safety system problem before and accident occurs because of overinflated or underinflated tires. Thank You!
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-04
- VIN: 1c3ln65l07x
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car has 47,800 miles on it and is a convertible. Its a known problem among crossfire owners and it hasn't been resolved. The problem is the rear window is coming undone and just falls out. The dealerships won't fix it and auto repair shops want thousands of dollars. It's not only a quality issue but a HUGE safety issue as well. If that window was to fall while someone is driving the car it could injure them while they are driving or possibly fall onto the road and causing countless problems and injuries to the other motorists driving behind the car. Its not an issue of the owner of the car being negligent or miss using the vehicle, its a quality and safety issue.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-07
- VIN: 1c3an65l55x
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the rear windshield detached from the windshield molding and fell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the extended warranty had expired. The contact related the failure to TSB 23-035-11REVA. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-22
- VIN: 1C3LN65L37X
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Hello, I have installed Ground Control adjustable camber arms on my vehicle to permit camber adjustment to within factory recommendations. These same model camber arms are failing on a number of vehicles which are identical to mine (Chrysler Crossfire). My vehicle has not yet failed. A photo is attached. They pose an extreme safety hazard, as they can cause complete loss of vehicle control. There have been no injuries yet, but it is only a matter of time. Thank you for considering my report.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-21
- VIN: 1C3LN65L78X
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Back window separated from soft top on both side and part of the bottom
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2021-01-12
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTOFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER HAYES CHRYSLER JEEP LOCATED AT 3115 FRONTAGE RD, GAINESVILLE, GA 30504 WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES, THE ENGINE SHUTOFF A SECOND TIME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-31
- Date Complaint: 2020-12-11
- VIN: 1C3AN65L35X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY2005 CROSSFIRE ROADSTER CONVERTIBLE JUST STOPPED RUNNING TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD! THE FIRST TIME I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WHEN THE CAR DIED. I HAD NO POWER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. AS THE LIGHT HAD NOW TURNED GREEN EVERY CAR IN EVERY LANE STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD. OF COURSE THE PERSON BEHIND ME STARTED BEEPING AND SCREAMING! I GOT OUT OF THE CAR (VERY DANGEROUS) AND STARTED TO PUSH THE CAR OVER SEVERAL LANES TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. TWO MEN JUMPED OUT AND HELPED ME PUSH IT TO A SIDE ROAD OFF THE MAIN ROAD. CARS WERE NOW FLYING PAST US GOING AT LEAST 45 TO 50 MPH. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 3 DAYS THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE RELAY CONTROL MODULE WHICH HAD AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR 9 MONTHS WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT THIS SECOND TIME I WAS GOING 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED. I NEARLY GOT HAMMERED TRYING TO ALLOW MY SLOWING VEHICLE'S MOMENTUM TO TAKE ME ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING. IT WAS FRIGHTENING AND VERY DANGEROUS!!! MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP BUT AFTER TWO DAYS I WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO ANALYZE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY MY INSURANCE COMPANY WAS KIND ENOUGH TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED A SECOND TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP I USED ON THE FIRST INCIDENT. THEY HAVE NOW HAD MY CAR FOR OVER A WEEK WITH VERY LITTLE COMMUNICATION. THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T GET THE CAR STARTED (DUH) AND THEY CAN'T EVEN GET THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT INTO A BAY TO WORK ON IT. (HUNH?). THEY CLAIM THEY NEED A COMPUTER PART FROM MERCEDES TO ANALYZE THE PROBLEM. (WHAT?) NOW THEY TELL ME THEY GOT THE CAR INTO THE BAY AND ARE CHARGING THE BATTERY. (REALLY THAT IS ALL THEY'VE DONE IN 7 DAYS?) I AM MORE THAN FRUSTRATED WITH THEM...I WAS TOLD BY THE NON-SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THEY HAVE MANY CARS IN THEIR SHOP FOR MONTHS!
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2020-11-28
- VIN: 1C3AN65L95X
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BACK WINDOW FELL OUT WHILE IN MOTION ON STREET.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-11
- VIN: 1C3AN65L65X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS STATIONARY AND KEY WAS INSERTED INTO IGNITION BUT COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION IN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR. IT DOES NOT MOVE (KEY) TO INITIATE THE FUNCTION TO START THE CAR. ALSO, NO MOTION OF THE KEY MOVEMENT WAS AVAILABLE PROVIDE ANY STEPS OF THE IGNITION. THE MOVEMENT OF THE IGNITION TUMBLERS BECOME FROZE IN A JAMMED POSITION DISABLING THE KEY FROM TURNING. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THIS IS NOT A NEW COMMENT ABOUT THIS YEAR 2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE IGNITION (NO TURN) IN STARTING THE VEHICLE. SAFETY CONCERNS, PREVENTION OF STARTING A CAR CREATE AN EMERGENCY'S FOR MOVEMENT OTHER THAN DRIVING THE CAR. *JS
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-01
- VIN: 1C3AN65L76X
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR GLASS WINDOW FALLS OUT OF THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS IS CHRONIC WITH MOST CROSSFIRE ROADSTERS. EASILY INVESTIGATED AND VERIFIED. IT CAN HAPPEN WHILE MOVING OR STANDING STILL.
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-24
- VIN: 1C3AN65L45X
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: REAR CONVERTIBLE WINDOW FELL OUT SITTING IN DRIVEWAY ON A HOT DAY 85 DEGREES F. I HAD TO GLUE IT BACK IN TEMPORALLY TO KEEP OUTSIDE ELEMENTS OUT. *TR
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-23
- VIN: 1C3LN65L37X
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP REAR WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE TOP. CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE. NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO WARRANTY. NO RECALL. IN MOTION WHEN SEPARATED ON RURAL ROAD. *TR
Chrysler Crossfire roadster 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-24
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-19
- VIN: 1C3AN65L75X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: THE SKREEM MODULE HAS FAILED WHICH CONTROLS THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM, KEY & IGNITION. THE PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE THROUGH CHRYSLER OR AFTERMARKET. THE CAR CANNOT RUN WITHOUT THIS MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. LUCKILY IT WAS CLOSE TO HOME WHEN IT FAILED. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO MAKE THIS PART AVAILABLE SINCE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES THAT CANNOT BE DRIVEN ONCE IT FAILS. *TR
Are you having problems with your Chrysler Crossfire roadster?
