IllustrationWATER IS LEAKING THROUGH WHERE THE CONVERTIBLE MEETS THE WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS DO NOT HAVE TIGHT FIT, CAUSING WATER TO LEAK ONTO CONTROLS ON PANELS. *AK *ML
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
What owners actually said
343 reports1. 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.
WHEN DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY ARE SOFT BUT THE BRAKES MAKE A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE FOURTEEN TIMES. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AND DECREASING POWER, THE VEHICLEE WILL STALL AND DIE OUT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 6 TIMES. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN 22 TIMES. VEHIC…
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WHEN DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY ARE SOFT BUT THE BRAKES MAKE A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE FOURTEEN TIMES. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AND DECREASING POWER, THE VEHICLEE WILL STALL AND DIE OUT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 6 TIMES. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN 22 TIMES. VEHICLE WILL BE BACK IN THE SHOP. *AK
HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL (97V201000). HAD CONTACTED DEALERSHIP FOR APPOINTMENT. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP & THEY REFUSED TO DO THE RECALL. *AK
HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL (#97V01500), MANUFACTURER'S RECALL (3717). CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER ARRIVING, DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. *AK
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.
WHEN TRYING TO PRESS ON THE HORN ABOUT 90% OF THE TIME IT DOES NOT BLOW, REPAIRED THREE TIMES IN ONE YEAR AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
BRAKES FAILED 7 MONTHS AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE AS RESULT OF A CHYRSLER RECALL. WHEN BRAKES FAILED FRONT BUMPER STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF A JEEP. WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 10 MPH, THE JEEP ONLY EXPERIENCED MINOR DAMAGE. WITHIN SECONDS OF COLLISION, THE ENGINE OF MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE - RESULTING …
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BRAKES FAILED 7 MONTHS AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE AS RESULT OF A CHYRSLER RECALL. WHEN BRAKES FAILED FRONT BUMPER STRUCK THE REAR BUMPER OF A JEEP. WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 10 MPH, THE JEEP ONLY EXPERIENCED MINOR DAMAGE. WITHIN SECONDS OF COLLISION, THE ENGINE OF MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE - RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF MY VEHICLE. BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECTS.
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
NHTSA RECALL 97V015000 MANUFACTURER RECALL 717; CAR WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT FIRE OUT. CUT ALL THE WIRES, TO MAKE SURE NO OTHER FIRE STARTED. SPECIALIST DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF FIRE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER CONTACTED TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM. *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.