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 reports
28,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicTires
ON THE ENGINE I HAD THE PULLEY ON THE TIMING BELT COME APART AND JUST LAST MONTH I HAD THE HEAD GASKET START TO LEAK FROM THE BACK. TIMING BELT 28,000 HEAD GASKET 37,500. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES THAT WHERE ON THE CAR. ALL BY 29,000 MILES--SOME EARLIER AND THEN LATER. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACES AT THE SAME TIME AS T…
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ON THE ENGINE I HAD THE PULLEY ON THE TIMING BELT COME APART AND JUST LAST MONTH I HAD THE HEAD GASKET START TO LEAK FROM THE BACK. TIMING BELT 28,000 HEAD GASKET 37,500. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES THAT WHERE ON THE CAR. ALL BY 29,000 MILES--SOME EARLIER AND THEN LATER. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACES AT THE SAME TIME AS THE TIMING BELT PULLEY. I KNEW THEY NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THEM REPLACED WHEN THE TIMEING BELT WENT OUT. IT IS A 1996 BUT I ONLY HAVE 37,500 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10069961
46,805 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureSuspension
2.4 HEAD GASKET. EXHAUST MANIFOLD. MILEAGE ILLUMINATION. POPPING NOISE FRONT SUSPENSION. RATTLE REAR SUSPENSION, POPING WHEN LFT DOOR GLASS WINDOW PUT UP.LOW FUEL LITE . CAR ONLY HAS 46805 MILES WHEN YOU CAN READ MILEAGE
NHTSA ODI #10068722
90,000 miles · Nov 5, 2003
Tires
AFTER BUYING A NEW TIRE AND PLACING IT IN THE TRUNK THE TIRE TREAD EXPLODED. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED THE REAR WINDOW TO SHATTER, AND BLEW A HOLE IN THE REAR SEAT. DEALERSHIP HAD BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. FUTURE, SIZE 20565R15.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10046404
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2003
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP AND THE ODOMETER/ TACHOMETER WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER BUMP AND THEY CAME BACK ON. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #8002420
29,000 miles · Jul 31, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. IT GOES THRO TONS OF OIL, I KEEP HAVING TO ADD OIL TO THE CAR, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN BREAKING ON IT. NOW IT PERIODICALLY STALLS OUT NON STOP. THERE IS ONLY 85K MILES ON THE CAR AND IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE PUT IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS CAR FOR REPAIRS. IT…
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PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. IT GOES THRO TONS OF OIL, I KEEP HAVING TO ADD OIL TO THE CAR, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN BREAKING ON IT. NOW IT PERIODICALLY STALLS OUT NON STOP. THERE IS ONLY 85K MILES ON THE CAR AND IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE PUT IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS CAR FOR REPAIRS. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BY CHRYSLER AND I TOOK IT IN FOR THE OIL ISSUE AND THEY SAID THEY SAW NO PROBLEM, THAT WARRANTY RAN OUT AND MY EXTENDED ONE KICKED IN AND THEY SAID IT HAD OIL LEAKS AND KEPT 'FIXING' THEM. ONCE THAT WARRANTY RAN OUT THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY TO 'THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING THE OIL, THAT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY'. MEANWHILE I AM LEFT WITH A HORRID CAR THAT WONT RUN. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10030498
100,000 miles · Jun 30, 2003
Suspension
DEALERSHIP IS NOT PERFORMING RECALL OOV421002 FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10026243
109,008 miles · Jun 26, 2003
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHT COVER BECAME VERY CLOUDY, WHICH REDUCED THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHT, AND RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY.*AK *TT *JB
NHTSA ODI #10021839
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2003
Seat Belts
CONSUMER STATED BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP, AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PULL THEM OUT OF THE HOUSING. *TS *TT *JB
NHTSA ODI #10003963
98,000 miles · Jun 21, 2003
SuspensionCrash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE FRONT END. THE BALL JOINT FELL TOTALLY OUT OF THE CONTROL ARM CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNDER CARRIAGE AND PANELS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023517
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2003
Suspension
VEHICLE HAS HAD TEN WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENTS SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE. *MR *NM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
5
PE02082 · 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.
1996 Chrysler Sebring Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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