ON APRIL 23, 2005, MY SON WAS TRAVELING TO WORK, ABOUT 12:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE 210 FREEWAY. AT SOME POINT, HIS LEFT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. HIS CAR LOST CONTROL AND SPUN COUNTERCLOCKWISE, ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND HEAD ON INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. HIS CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN IN THE SAME DIRRECTION…
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ON APRIL 23, 2005, MY SON WAS TRAVELING TO WORK, ABOUT 12:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE 210 FREEWAY. AT SOME POINT, HIS LEFT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. HIS CAR LOST CONTROL AND SPUN COUNTERCLOCKWISE, ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND HEAD ON INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. HIS CAR CONTINUED TO SPIN IN THE SAME DIRRECTION AND IMPACTED AGAIN AT THE RIGHT REAR QUARTERPANEL, AND THE RIGHT REAR BUMPER. MY SON GOT OUT OF THE CAR, AND THE CHP ARRIVED WITHIN TEN MINUTES TO HAVE HIS CAR TOWED. I CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AND TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN. THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR TO THE SALVAGE YARD. TWO WEEKS LATER I GOT A LETTER FROM CHRYSLER SAYING THAT THEIR RECALLED UPPER BALL JOINT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. I HAD A MECHANIC EXAMINE THE VEHICLE, HE HAD IT LIFTED UP WITH A FORKLIFT, AND SHOWED ME THE RACK AND PINION THAT WAS DANGLING DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HE SAID THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE UNDERCARRAIGE, THE BROKEN STEERING WAS WHAT CAUSED MY SON'S CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, AND CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN, INJURING HIM, AND THREATENING THE OTHER COMMUTERS.
NHTSA ODI #10121428
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2004
SteeringCrash
THE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION BROKE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT A SPEED OF 35 - 40 AND AS A RESULT, MY HUSBAND HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND WE VEERED ACROSS THE LANE OF THE ON-COMING TRAFFIC AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10058671
104,000 miles · Oct 30, 2003
Steering
1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 - 80 MPH, I FELT THIS REALLY HARD JERK IN MY CAR WHERE I HAD TO RAPIDLY GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH MY HANDS TO CONTROL THE CAR. THE JERK SLIGHTLY MADE MY CAR STEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE PERSON ON THE RIGHT OF ME HAD TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. L…
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1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 - 80 MPH, I FELT THIS REALLY HARD JERK IN MY CAR WHERE I HAD TO RAPIDLY GRAB THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH MY HANDS TO CONTROL THE CAR. THE JERK SLIGHTLY MADE MY CAR STEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE PERSON ON THE RIGHT OF ME HAD TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. LUCKILY NOTHING HAPPENED, BUT WHAT IF SOMETHING WOULD OF. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO REALLY PAY ATTENTION TO THESE THINGS AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS SAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO A PERSON'S SAFETY. I CONSIDER THIS BAD BUSINESS PRACTICE BECAUSE CHRYSLER DOES NOTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM TO THE ALREADY EXISTING CHRYSLER CAR BUYERS. GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE IS KEEPING THE CLIENT HAPPY, AND THIS GOAL IS NOT BEING MET BY THIS COMPANY. I'M 20 YEARS OF AGE AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK, I STILL OWE ON, AND IS MY ONLY WAY OF TRANSPORTATION. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10045144
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2002
Steering
CONSUMER STATES WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THERE IS A GRIDING SOUND THAT COMES FROM THE STEERING THE HARDER THE TURN THE LOUDER THE NOISE. DEALER CONTACTED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #8006516
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2000
Steering
REPORTED NOISES TO DEALERSHIP IN RIGHT TIRE AND STEERING WHEEL. THEY FIRST TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. TOOK IT BACK BECAUSE NOISE GOT WORSE. THEY FINALLY FOUND THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS BROKEN. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. ABOUT 1 1/2 WEEKS LATER WAS TURNING CORNER AT BUSY INTERSECTION. RIGHT WHEE…
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REPORTED NOISES TO DEALERSHIP IN RIGHT TIRE AND STEERING WHEEL. THEY FIRST TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. TOOK IT BACK BECAUSE NOISE GOT WORSE. THEY FINALLY FOUND THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS BROKEN. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. ABOUT 1 1/2 WEEKS LATER WAS TURNING CORNER AT BUSY INTERSECTION. RIGHT WHEEL TURNED INWARD AND LOCKED. SPUN AROUND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. LUCKLY NO ONE WAS HURT. ALTHOUGH THEY SAY THAT THIS TIME IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN. WE INVESTIGATED THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED AND FOUND THAT IT WAS STEERING RACK AGAIN. DEALER ADMITTED THAT THE PART INSTALLED WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721263
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2000
SteeringSuspensionTiresCrash
DRIVER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER. YH
NHTSA ODI #550981
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 1998
Steering
FLOOR MAT BECAME JAMMED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. WAS EXTREMELY DIFFCULT TO REMOVE FLOOR MAT, HAD IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY INSTEAD OF THE DRIVEWAY, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #701425
Mileage unknown · May 29, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingPower Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING GEARS TO STICK.
NHTSA ODI #536146
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 1998
SteeringSuspensionVisibility
FRONT END SUSPENSION RATTLES AND SQUEAKS.
NHTSA ODI #533888
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 1998
Electrical SystemSteering
THE VEHICLE HAD INTERMITTENT NOISE IN THE STEERING, AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER DUE TO A FAILED BATTERY.
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 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 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.
1997 Chrysler Sebring Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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