IllustrationDIGITAL MILEAGE & GEAR SHIFT SCREEN + RPM GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY GOES OFF; BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND AT START UP.
1996 Chrysler Sebring
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sebring years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring are substantially higher than the model-year median of 132.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sebring years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 34 of 343 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports10 fire reports24 injury reports
Power Train complaints
47 reportsWHEN VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO GEAR IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE, AND WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. ALSO AND OIL IS LEAKING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
PULLED ONTO EXPRESSWAY @ 45MPH. CAR SEIZED AS IF HIT SOMETHING; DEAD STOP; ENGINE DIED. TRANSMISSION FLUID POURING OUT. DIFFERENTIAL EXPLODED; TOTAL TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. REPAIR SHOP SAID NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN IN 30 YEARS.
TOOK CAR IN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM FIX WATER LEAKS & AIR WHISTLING AND NONE COULD FIX IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE TOP. THEY TRIED SPRAYING FOAM ON EDGE, ADDING AN ELASTIC STRAP (#8894 PART), TRIED ADJUSTING TOP - NONE OF THESE EXERCISES WORKED. NOW YET ANOTHER DEALER IN JOPLIN TOO TELLS US…
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TOOK CAR IN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM FIX WATER LEAKS & AIR WHISTLING AND NONE COULD FIX IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE TOP. THEY TRIED SPRAYING FOAM ON EDGE, ADDING AN ELASTIC STRAP (#8894 PART), TRIED ADJUSTING TOP - NONE OF THESE EXERCISES WORKED. NOW YET ANOTHER DEALER IN JOPLIN TOO TELLS US THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AS IT'S A FLAW IN THE DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION. THERE IS ALSO A WHISTLING IN THE A/C SYSTEM OR VENTS WHEN A/C IS ON AND DRIVING 40+ MILES AN HOUR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN "D" THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. *AK
WHEN PARKING VEHICLE AND TRYING TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE KEY WON'T COME OUT UNTIL THE TRANMISSION GOES INTO PARK, THEN VEHICLE WILL JUMP INTO DRIVE AND WILL MOVE. THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
IN AUGUST OF 1998 I BEGAN TO DETECT A CREAKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL (EVEN AT A FULL STOP). I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT HAD LOST IT'S LUBRICATION. THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED THAT SINCE THERE WASN'T A GREASE FITTING ON THE …
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IN AUGUST OF 1998 I BEGAN TO DETECT A CREAKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL (EVEN AT A FULL STOP). I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT HAD LOST IT'S LUBRICATION. THE SERVICE MANAGER INDICATED THAT SINCE THERE WASN'T A GREASE FITTING ON THE BALL JOINT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE DONE THAT DAY AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, AND HE REPLIED YES. THE NEXT DAY , WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET (5 - 10 MPH) THE CAR COLLAPSED ONTO THE RIGHT TIRE. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE I SAW THE THE TIRE ALMOST FLAT ON THE GROUND, THE DRIVESHAFT WAS OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION, THE CV JOINT WAS PULLED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THE BALL JOINT WAS CUT IN HALF. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE FENDER OF THE CAR. SALERNO CHRYSLER INSPECTED THE LEFT BALL JOINT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND A LITTLE OVER TWO MONTHS LATER THE LEFT SIDE BEGAN TO MAKE THE SAME NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE NOISE. THE CAR WAS MAKING NOISE THE NEXT DAY, AND I DECIDED TO BRING THE CAR SOMEWHERE ELSE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO ANOTHER CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND THEY FOUND THE THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FAILING DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. I HAVE THAT PART IN MY POSSESION AND WOULD GLADLY SEND IT TO YOU. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE SPENT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY ON REPAIRS DUE TO THESE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURES AND THEY SEEM TO BE MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEMS, NOT MY DRIVING HABITS. THEE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR OTHER CHRYSLER CARS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE SEBRING. I THINK THAT SOMEONE SHOULD THINK ABOUT RECALLING THE SEBRING ALSO. I ENCOURAGE YOUR OFFICE TO CONTACT ME AT ANY TIME. THANKS, RICHARD SETTINO. *AK
GEAR SHIFT JUMPED OUT OF PARK CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL AND BACK INTO POLE.
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE GEAR SHIFT IN "PARK". DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK WHEN THE VEHICLE "JUMPED OUT OF GEAR", HIT AND PINNED THE DRIVER, ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE DRAGGING THE DRIVER AND STRUCK A TREE.
EA98014, WHILE THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE CAN BE MOVED FROM DIFFERENT POSITIONS, SUCH AS REVERSE/NEUTRAL, ETC., WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLLAWAY, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
GEARSHIFT LOCK FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL UNCONTROLLABLY.
Official recalls
702V186000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Jul 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAN FRAY CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
00V421002 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Dec 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
99V066003 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Apr 5, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
98V183000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
Aug 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
97V201000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Nov 13, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.
97V015000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
Feb 10, 1997
THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH CAN ACCUMULATE ROAD SALT DUE TO WATER ENTERING INTO THE SWITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
96V123000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Jul 2, 1996
THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM NIPPLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DISCONNECTED VACUUM HOSE CAUSES AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FULLY INSTALL THE INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM HOSE TO THE VACUUM NIPPLE ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
RQ00015 · Lower Contrtol Arm Ball Joint
Opened Aug 2, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (3)
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA98014 · Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
Opened May 29, 1998 · Closed Sep 14, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
ALLEGED FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM THAT EITHER ALLOWS THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR TO BE SHIFTED WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED OR PREVENTS THEIGNITION KEY FROM BEING REMOVED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE PARK, OR ANY OTHER, POSITION.
EA97025 · Convertible Top Cover Disengagement
Opened Nov 24, 1997 · Closed Nov 17, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ALLEGED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.
PE97029 · Convertible Top Cover Disengagement
Opened Jun 17, 1997 · Closed Nov 24, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS ALLEGING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.