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1997 Chrysler Sebring

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 132.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 34 of 210 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.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports4 fire reports16 injury reports

What owners actually said

210 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2022
Service BrakesCrashInjury

The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and neck injur…

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The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and neck injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was informed that the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was a total loss by the other driver’s insurance company. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed to collision repair centers. The contact stated that his vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage of both vehicles were unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11490262

140,000 miles · Dec 19, 2015
Air Bags

FIRE IN RIGHT FRONT DASH AREA( PASSENGER SIDE) TO THE RIGHT OF THE AIR BAG. BROKE/MELTED FRONT WINDOW/WIPER BLADE, BURNED A 12" SQUARE HOLE IN THE DASH. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER SMELT SOMETHING BURNING--NO SIGNS OF SMOKE, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED OVER NIGHT. THE DAMAGE WAS NOTICED THE NEXT MORNING.

NHTSA ODI #10811276

190,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON THE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RELEASE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SOLENOID …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON THE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RELEASE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 07/14/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10786408

208,000 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BENT INWARDS TOWARDS THE ENGINE. THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BENT INWARDS TOWARDS THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.

NHTSA ODI #10691175

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2015
Air Bags

I PURCHASED THE 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING IN NOVEMBER OF 2014. I DID NOTICE THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS SLIGHTLY EJECTED. I HAVE GONE TO AUTOMOTIVE SHOPS AND EVEN A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, AND BOTH INFORM ME THAT THE AIRBAGS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR ARE NO LONGER MADE. I NEED HELP ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF …

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I PURCHASED THE 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING IN NOVEMBER OF 2014. I DID NOTICE THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS SLIGHTLY EJECTED. I HAVE GONE TO AUTOMOTIVE SHOPS AND EVEN A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, AND BOTH INFORM ME THAT THE AIRBAGS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR ARE NO LONGER MADE. I NEED HELP ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683688

152,000 miles · Mar 13, 2013
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000. THE VIN …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502659

200,000 miles · Feb 14, 2013
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO SPIN SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #10498178

100,000 miles · Mar 12, 2010
Air BagsCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER BLACKED OUT DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION. IN DOING SO, HE UNKNOWINGLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. UPON IMPACT, THE REAR WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT DUE TO THE SEVERI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER BLACKED OUT DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION. IN DOING SO, HE UNKNOWINGLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. UPON IMPACT, THE REAR WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE FURTHER AND UPON DOING SO, FOUND IT UNUSUAL THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF FRONT-END DAMAGE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10319218

152,000 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Seat Belts

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MALFUNCTION DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED. THE SHOULDER AND LAP BELT CAN NOT BE WORN BY THE OCCUPANTS IN THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE MANU…

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TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MALFUNCTION DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED. THE SHOULDER AND LAP BELT CAN NOT BE WORN BY THE OCCUPANTS IN THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS AND THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. BOTH THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 152,200.

NHTSA ODI #10266532

120,000 miles · Dec 10, 2008
Seat Belts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE OCCUPANTS ARE INSUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT TIMING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $150. THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE OCCUPANTS ARE INSUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT TIMING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $150. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

NHTSA ODI #10251325

Official recalls

5

02V186000 · 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.

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.

97V081002 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Aug 8, 1997

THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.

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.

EA99028 · Steering Shaft Binding

Opened Sep 10, 1999 · Closed Jul 26, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE99030 · Steering Shaft Binding

Opened May 3, 1999 · Closed Sep 10, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

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.