One problem related to power steering hose, piping, and connections has been reported for the 1998 Plymouth Breeze. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have noticed that a white smoke has been coming from under the hood, noticeably when the car is turned off, or when I am stopped. I have looked under the hood, and it seems to be coming from behind the engine, on the drivers side. I did replace the valve cover casket, and I thought that was the issue, and cleaned the engine. However, it is still occurring. . . I notice saturation on the two lines running behind the engines, but not sure if it a crack in the cylinder head. However, I am not loosing oil nor antifreeze. Also, they are not mixing in the engine. It is just happening there. I did find on forums and on NHTSA that there was a recall for the 1999-2000 model year for the stratus/breeze/cirrus with a 2. 4 ltr engine, and that it is most likely the high pressure return line for the power steering. I have not yet checked the fluid level in the p/s. I have heard that other cars have caught fire, and that p/s fluid is highly flammable. . . I called daimlerchrysler and they said that with my VIN its not covered under said recall, and the 2 recalls on the car have already been addressed. 1998 Plymouth Breeze, base sdn 2. 4l 4cyl engine VIN: [xxx] owner(self): [xxx] please note what I've found: NHTSA campaign id number: 06v001000 NHTSA action number: pe05036 summary: on certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2. 4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose may prematurely heat age and develop a leak. . Read more...