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1999 Chrysler LHS Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1999 Chrysler LHS has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Chrome wheel flaking and tire air loss.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1999 Chrysler LHS.

Reported to NHTSA

Chrome wheel flaking and tire air loss

WHEELS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2002-04 → 2011-12

“THE CHROME RIMS AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WILL PEELED WHICH DID NOT PERMIT A SOLID SEAL. THIS CAUSED THE TIRES TO LEAK AIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10113462
“THE TIRES DID NOT HOLD PROPER AIR PRESSURE, CONSUMER HAD TUBES INSTALLED ON THE TIRES, HOWEVER THE AIR PRESSURE PROBLEMS CONTINUED, TIRE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PLATING FROM THE CHROME RIMS, FLAKED OFF, THE FLAKES HAD EATEN THROUGH THE TUBES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10011870
“TIRES WILL NOT MAINTAIN INFLATION APPARENTLY DUE TO RIM MATERIAL. MULTIPLE CLEANINGS AND RESEALINGS HAVE NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10037417

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood molding detaching at highway speed

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2002-04 → 2010-10

“HOOD MOLDING BROKE FREE FROM IT'S MOUNTING CLASPS AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND FLEW OFF. IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CAR BEHIND US THERE COULD OF BEEN AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10066197
“WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH PLASTIC MOLDING TRIM WHICH WAS MOUNTED ON THE HOOD FLEW OFF. AS A RESULT, THE MOLDING TRIM HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A CHIP ON DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10091868
“HOOD MOLDING (PART #4805701AA) FLEW INTO WINDSHIELD AND OVER CAR WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10023346

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front seat recliner and seat back failure

SEATS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2003-02 → 2011-07

“WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT WAS BROKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10413693
“UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE MOUNTING BALL SCREW HOUSING THAT CONNECTED THE RECLINER FUNCTION ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SEAT WAS FRACTURED AND THE SCREW WAS LOOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10168374
“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE SEAT BOLT WHICH WAS ON RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10018086

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight lens discoloration and fogging

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2004-06 → 2009-05

“HEADLIGHT LENS ARE DETERIORATING ON THE INSIDE & THE COMPLETE HEADLIGHT BOX ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED TO CORRECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10172999
“DUE TO EXTENSIVE USAGE, THE HEADLIGHTS LENS BECAME FOGGY. THIS DECREASED THE VISIBILITY FOR NIGHT TIME USAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10071818
“1999 CHRYSLER LHS HEADLIGHT LENSES TURN YELLOW DECREASING NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10270165

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering rack, tie rod and power steering failure

STEERING

24 NHTSA complaints · 2001-06 → 2009-09

“I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE STEERING FROZE AND I COULD NOT WITH ALL OF MY STRENGTH TURN THE WHEELS TO THE LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10243283
“WHILE MAKING A TURN VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RACK AND PINION FAILURE. THE FRONT WHEELS DIDN'T TURN WITH THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10029933
“WHILE DRIVING 5 TO 10 MPH AND TURNING TO THE LEFT, THE POWER STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10089446

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration from park, reverse or idle

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

22 NHTSA complaints · 1998-12 → 2006-02

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND DRIVER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK OFF, AND WENT INSIDE OF CONSUMER'S DINING ROOM AREA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #857712
“VEHICLE GOES FROM A NORMAL IDLE TO HALF THROTTLE. IT CAN GO AS HIGH AS 2400 RPM'S”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #892841
“UPON INSPECTION THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOUND THE PIN IN THE THROTTLE BODY CAME OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10151057

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in frontal collisions

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 1999-09 → 2014-11

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT IN WHICH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, FAILING TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THE CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #847754
“OWNER WAS MAKING A TURN AT 20 MPH AND HIT A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10101509
“UPON IMPACT, IT HIT THE VEHICLE IN THE FRONT AT 20 MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10101343

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1999 Chrysler LHS reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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