IllustrationWHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE AFTER RECALL 00V421002 HAD BEEN PERFORMED TO CORRECT A DEFECT IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
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
Suspension complaints
70 reportsRECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V421002. CONTACTED DEALER AND TOOK VEHICLE IN. WAS KEPT FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. VEHICLE HAD AN EXTRA 480 MILES ON IN AND 1/4 FUEL TANK. HAD CHECKED MILEAGE AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK. MECHANIC REFUSED TO REPAIR AS ACCORDING TO RECALL. FAILED TO CLEAN AND PUT SPECIAL SEALANT ON BALL JOINTS FOR PREVENTION OF MOIST…
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RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V421002. CONTACTED DEALER AND TOOK VEHICLE IN. WAS KEPT FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. VEHICLE HAD AN EXTRA 480 MILES ON IN AND 1/4 FUEL TANK. HAD CHECKED MILEAGE AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK. MECHANIC REFUSED TO REPAIR AS ACCORDING TO RECALL. FAILED TO CLEAN AND PUT SPECIAL SEALANT ON BALL JOINTS FOR PREVENTION OF MOISTURE. BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MANUFACTURER. *AK
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
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR 99V-215 BECAUSE THE FRONT END WAS MAKING NOISE, THE CONSUMER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RECALL BECAUSE HE HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. NLM
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A SCRAPING SOUND FROM FRONT END, THEN A NOISE. FRONT AXLE HAD BROKEN. *AK PRIOR TO RECALL 97V-201 THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER NOT SURE HOW THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AXLE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT THIS COULD HAVE C…
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WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A SCRAPING SOUND FROM FRONT END, THEN A NOISE. FRONT AXLE HAD BROKEN. *AK PRIOR TO RECALL 97V-201 THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER NOT SURE HOW THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AXLE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *YH
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
RECALL 00 V 421 000 CNCERNING LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. HOWEVER, REPLACEMENT PART FAILED. BOOT WAS DAMAGED, AND JOINTS WERE DRY. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WHEEL BUCKLED UNDER DUE TO A BROKEN AXLE. DEALER SAID IT NEEDED A NEW AXLE AND CONTROL ARM. *AK
THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL 99V-066 OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NO PROBLEM EXISTED, 21 DAYS LATER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING…
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THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL 99V-066 OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NO PROBLEM EXISTED, 21 DAYS LATER VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE DEALER DID NOT PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE. NLM
WHILE RETURNING FROM LAS VEGAS, I THUMPING SOUND BEGAN IN THE RIGHT FRONT SECTION OF THE CAR. I LOOKED BUT COULD FIND NO IMMEDIATE PROBLEM. UPON RETURNING HOME, I MADE A CLOSER SEARCH FOR WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CLUNKING SOUND. AS I LOOKED ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, I COULD SEE THAT THE WELDING FOR THE SHOCK TOWER HAD BROKEN LOOSE…
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WHILE RETURNING FROM LAS VEGAS, I THUMPING SOUND BEGAN IN THE RIGHT FRONT SECTION OF THE CAR. I LOOKED BUT COULD FIND NO IMMEDIATE PROBLEM. UPON RETURNING HOME, I MADE A CLOSER SEARCH FOR WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CLUNKING SOUND. AS I LOOKED ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, I COULD SEE THAT THE WELDING FOR THE SHOCK TOWER HAD BROKEN LOOSE. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT (VAN WYK'S). THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. AFTER VAN WYK'S INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY INSISTED WE MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE THE WELDING TO BREAK. I POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE OR OTHER INDICATIONS THAT SOMETHING HAD BEEN HIT, BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I FELT I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO SEEK INDEPENDENT REPAIR. I THEN CONTACTED INDEPENDENT WHEEL AND FRAME INC. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY ELDON FUSSEL INDICATED THE WELDING OF THE SHOCK TOWER TO BE DEFECTIVE IN THAT MR. FUSSEL STATED THAT THE SHOULD SUSTAIN A MAJOR HEAD ON COLLISON BEFORE THOSE WELD POINTS SHOULD HAVE BROKE. MR. FUSSEL ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE CONTRADICTING VAN WYK'S THEORY THAT WE HAD HIT SOMETHING CAUSING THE WELDING TO BREAK. INDEPENDENT WHEEL AND FRAME PROCEEDED TO COMPLETE REPAIR WHICH RESULTED IN $385.00 OUT-OF-THE-POCKET EXPENSE TO MYSELF. MR. FUSSEL ALSO EXPRESSED HOW DANGEROUS THIS SITUATION (FAILURE OF THE SHOCK TOWER WELDING) COULD BE (POTENTIAL TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING). *AK
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.