IllustrationTHE VEHICLE'S RH TIE ROD WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND PITTED. AS A RESULT THE TIE ROD FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. *NM THE CONSUMER HAD BOTH TIE RODS REPLACED. *TC *JB
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
Steering complaints
13 reportsCONSUMER LOSS THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL.*JB
LOSS OF CONTROL/STEERING ON CAR. FIRST INCIDENT WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY APPROX. 45 MPH AND NEEDED TO BREAK SUDDENLY. CAR LOST CONTROL AND BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL. SECOND INSTANCE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65MPH WENT TO MERGE INTO RIGHT LANE AND NOTICED A VEHICLE THERE. JERKED THE CAR BACK INTO MY LA…
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LOSS OF CONTROL/STEERING ON CAR. FIRST INCIDENT WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY APPROX. 45 MPH AND NEEDED TO BREAK SUDDENLY. CAR LOST CONTROL AND BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL. SECOND INSTANCE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65MPH WENT TO MERGE INTO RIGHT LANE AND NOTICED A VEHICLE THERE. JERKED THE CAR BACK INTO MY LANE (NO BRAKES APPLIED AT THAT TIME) AND THE CAR LOST CONTROL AGAIN AND BEGAN FISHTAILING UNCONTROLLABLY. . COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL THIS TIME AND ENDED UP HITTING THE MIDDLE BARRIER OF THE EXPRESSWAY RESULTING IN ANOTHER CAR HITTING MINE. CRASH COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AM NOW WAITING FOR CHRYSLER INVESTIGATOR TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A RESULT OF A RECALL. BUT, WILL BRING TO INDEPENDANT MECHANIC FOR THEIR OPINION FIRST. JUST CURIOUS IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE.*AK
THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT AND THE CAR MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL NOR WILL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE FAILED PARTS OR DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. BEGNAL MOTORS HAS BEEN HOSTILE AND HAS CLAIMED THE VEHICLE RIDES AS IT SHOULD, THE STEERING SHAKING IS NORMAL, ETC.
AFTER DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR PREVIOUS SUSPENSION RECALLS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG ON VEHICLE IN 1999, CONSUMER WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN AND TURNING RIGHT. FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL KICKED OUT FROM VEHICLE ALSO, TIE ROD SEPARATED, AND PASSENGE…
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AFTER DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR PREVIOUS SUSPENSION RECALLS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG ON VEHICLE IN 1999, CONSUMER WAS STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN AND TURNING RIGHT. FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL KICKED OUT FROM VEHICLE ALSO, TIE ROD SEPARATED, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE BECAME DISLODGED FROM TRANSAXLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
FRONT SUSPENSION WOULD WEAROUT EXCESSIVELY. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, LOWER LEFT BALL JOINT/ OUTER TIE ROD END/ SWAY BAR LINK, AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED BY MECHANIC. IN ADDITION, HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING WATER AND OIL, AND THEY WERE REPLACED.*AK *SLC
LOWER COLUMN SHAFT DESIGN DOES NOT HAVE A COVER OVER OPENING IN FLOOR BOARD AND AS A RESULT THE CARPET GOT STUCK IN OPENING, LOCKING STEERING AND CONSUMER HIT A TREE. NLM
WHEN WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP, EITHER FRONT OR BACK WINDOW WILL GET CAUGHT BEHIND THE OTHER, NOT ALLOWING THE OCCUPANTS TO EXIT. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK WINDOWS LEAK, BRAKES MAKE NOISE AND SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE THEY CATCH, ELECTRIC MIRRORS INOPERATIVE, WATER STANDING IN THE DRIVERS REAR TAILLIGHT COVER, ALARM SYSTEM …
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WHEN WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP, EITHER FRONT OR BACK WINDOW WILL GET CAUGHT BEHIND THE OTHER, NOT ALLOWING THE OCCUPANTS TO EXIT. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK WINDOWS LEAK, BRAKES MAKE NOISE AND SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE THEY CATCH, ELECTRIC MIRRORS INOPERATIVE, WATER STANDING IN THE DRIVERS REAR TAILLIGHT COVER, ALARM SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. NLM
1. STRUCTURE/FRAME/BODY -- WATER GETS INTO THE CAR AND COLLECTS UNDER THE BACK SEAT CUSHION AND ON THE FLOOR. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND ATTEMPTS TO FIX HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE WATER GETS IN AT NUMEROUS LOCATIONS AND HAS BEEN OBSERVED RUNNING OVER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND SWITCHES. THERE IS ALSO A CONCERN AB…
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1. STRUCTURE/FRAME/BODY -- WATER GETS INTO THE CAR AND COLLECTS UNDER THE BACK SEAT CUSHION AND ON THE FLOOR. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND ATTEMPTS TO FIX HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE WATER GETS IN AT NUMEROUS LOCATIONS AND HAS BEEN OBSERVED RUNNING OVER ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND SWITCHES. THERE IS ALSO A CONCERN ABOUT EVENTUAL CORROSION AND RUST DAMAGE THAT COULD COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE SEATBELT BOLTS BECAUSE OF THE WATER. THIS PROBLEM WAS DETECTED ABOUT NINE MONTHS AGO -- BUT THERE IS NO DETERMINATION AS TO HOW LONG BEFORE THAT PERIOD IT HAD BEEN OCCURRING. 2. BRAKES/SHOES (PADS)/ROTORS -- THE FRONT BRAKE PADS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 6,000 - 12,000 MILES SINCE ABOUT 17,000 MILES ON THE CAR. IT CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 58,000 MILES ON IT. THE RECOMMENDED CHRYSLER MOPAR PADS SEPARATE AND FAIL. THEY HAVE LITERALLY FALLEN OFF OF THE METAL HOLDER THAT IS A PART OF THE BRAKE PAD, DAMAGING THE ROTORS AS WELL. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THE PAD IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF OR HAS BEEN SEPARATING. LUCKILY, THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE STOP AND, DUE TO THE METAL ON METAL SOUND WHEN I WAS BRAKING, PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND TELEPHONED FOR HELP. THIS IS NOT ONLY A RISK WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, BUT A POTENTIAL RISK BECAUSE I COULD BE STRANDED IN UNFAVORABLE LOCATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, WITHOUT ACCESS TO TELEPHONE FOR HELP. 3. RACK AND PINION STEERING -- THE GEAR ASSEMBLY, POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN JANUARY 1998. I NOTICED A PROBLEM BEFORE IT WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE.
RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED.
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.