NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
52 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 17, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
LETTER SENT TO CHRYSLER WITH ALL DETAILS (FILE NUMBER 5441396)(COPY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST). I BRAKED, CAR STOPPED MOMENTARILY, THEN STARTED TO SLIDE AS THOUGH ON ICE. BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR & I WAS STILL APPLYING PRESSURE AS THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD. FIRST TIME JUST WENT THRU STOP SIGN. SECOND TIME …
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LETTER SENT TO CHRYSLER WITH ALL DETAILS (FILE NUMBER 5441396)(COPY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST). I BRAKED, CAR STOPPED MOMENTARILY, THEN STARTED TO SLIDE AS THOUGH ON ICE. BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR & I WAS STILL APPLYING PRESSURE AS THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD. FIRST TIME JUST WENT THRU STOP SIGN. SECOND TIME (10 MINUTES LATER), I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HIT A CAR. ESTIMATED DAMAGE GIVEN WAS ONLY TO THEIR CAR. DID NOT ESTIMATE MINE. CHRYSLER'S INDEPENDENT ADVISOR SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY CHECKED BUT THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO ANY MORE. TERRIFIED TO DRIVE CAR AGAIN. TRADED IT IN TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR A DIFFERENT BRAND. THEY CONSIDERED THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE IN THE TRADE-IN PRICE. I HOPE NOBODY GETS KILLED NEXT TIME. CONSIDERING THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE 96 SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD LOOK HARDER FOR THE CAUSE OF THIS DOUBLE BRAKE FAILURE. MAYBE THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM AND JUST DID NOT WANT TO ADMIT THAT THERE WAS ONE.
NHTSA ODI #706597
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
RUSTED BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED AND BRAKE PADS DUE TO BRAKE NOISE/REDUCTION OF BRAKE RESPONSIVENESS. BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER CONSUMERS VIN NOT INCLUDED. (98V-005)
NHTSA ODI #544694
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO REPAIR SHOP FIVE TIMES FOR BRAKE SERVICE, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #835916
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ROTORS WARP SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #544446
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT ROTORS REQUIRE RESURFACING EVERY 3000 TO 5000 MILES. CAR WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 24,000 MILES. FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AND AGAIN 4000 MILE LATER. LOCAL DEALER (NOT ONE LISTED ABOVE) WAS QUESTIONED ON CAUSE AND IF ANY RECALLS WERE IN EFFECT. DEALER HAD NO CAUSE AND SUGGESTED THE ROTORS B…
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FRONT ROTORS REQUIRE RESURFACING EVERY 3000 TO 5000 MILES. CAR WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 24,000 MILES. FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AND AGAIN 4000 MILE LATER. LOCAL DEALER (NOT ONE LISTED ABOVE) WAS QUESTIONED ON CAUSE AND IF ANY RECALLS WERE IN EFFECT. DEALER HAD NO CAUSE AND SUGGESTED THE ROTORS BE REPLACED. ROTORS WERE REPLACED WITH AFTER MARKET COMPONENTS AT APPROXIMATLY 39,000 MILES. THE ROTORS NOW REQUIRE RESURFACING TO ELIMINATE PULSATING BRAKES. I'M FRUSTRATED WITH THE COST AND TIME I HAVE TO INVEST. I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY NOT HAVE THEIR BRAKES REPAIRED AND BE LEFT WITH INEFFECTIVE BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI #703156
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
VEHICLE COLLISION DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #543796
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
WHILE DRIVING APPLIED BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, VEHICLE WENT INTO A SPIN, HIT A STONE WALL. POLICE REPORT STATED VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES. FLUIDS CHECKED OKAY. DEALER CONTACTED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INCIDENT. *AK ML
NHTSA ODI #834485
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicStructure
VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. DEALER TOLD THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAS A LEAK. ALSO, THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS ARE BEING CHANGED EVERY FIVE MONTHS, THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNS THE BRAKES WOULD SUDDENLY BEGIN TO GRIND. IN ADDITION, THE CONVERTABLE TOP HAS BEEN FLYING OFF, AND NOW LEAKS AIR AND WATER IF IT RAINS.…
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VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. DEALER TOLD THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET HAS A LEAK. ALSO, THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS ARE BEING CHANGED EVERY FIVE MONTHS, THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNS THE BRAKES WOULD SUDDENLY BEGIN TO GRIND. IN ADDITION, THE CONVERTABLE TOP HAS BEEN FLYING OFF, AND NOW LEAKS AIR AND WATER IF IT RAINS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #833224
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH 97, THE DEALER PROMISED TO FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEM (WARPED ROTOR-MADE THE CAR COME TO A PULSATING STOP). THEY GROUND THE ROTORS DOWN BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THEN IN MAY 97, THE ROTORS WARPED AGAIN AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS. THEN IN JAN 98, THE ROTORS WARPED AGAIN, BUT THE DEALER SAI…
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BEFORE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH 97, THE DEALER PROMISED TO FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEM (WARPED ROTOR-MADE THE CAR COME TO A PULSATING STOP). THEY GROUND THE ROTORS DOWN BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THEN IN MAY 97, THE ROTORS WARPED AGAIN AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS. THEN IN JAN 98, THE ROTORS WARPED AGAIN, BUT THE DEALER SAID "HE COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM". BUT OF COURSE THERE WAS A PROBLEM BECAUSE IT KEPT GETTING WORSE AND WORSE SO I TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS AGAIN IN MAY 98. THEN IN NOV 98, THE ROTORS BECAME WARPED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME BOTH THE DEALER AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER (I FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER FILE# 5313863) REFUSED TO FIX THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. IN THE PAST THEY ONLY FIXED THE SYMPTOMS, NOT THE CAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, OTHERWISE, THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT KEEP RECURRING. I HAVE SENT BOTH THE DEALER AND MANFACTURER A COMPLAINT LETTER BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 1 1/2 WEEKS.
NHTSA ODI #701484
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING BRAKE ROTORS TO WARP/MORE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPERS. DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES 7 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #831433
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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