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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

Structure complaints

18 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureUnknown Or Other

I HAVE CALLED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION ABOUT THE DRAINING HOLES OF MY SEBRING AND THEY HAVE SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I'VE ASKED A COUPLE OF PEOPLE AND THEY SAID THAT THE HOLES ARE TOO SMALL. MY CAR WILL GET DESTROYED AT THIS RATE. WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AT THE DEALER THEY THOUGHT …

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I HAVE CALLED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION ABOUT THE DRAINING HOLES OF MY SEBRING AND THEY HAVE SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I'VE ASKED A COUPLE OF PEOPLE AND THEY SAID THAT THE HOLES ARE TOO SMALL. MY CAR WILL GET DESTROYED AT THIS RATE. WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AT THE DEALER THEY THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP OR THE SEALS OF THE WINDOWS. NOW I KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT THEY SAY THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE.

NHTSA ODI #10069490

69,500 miles · Sep 17, 2003
Structure

VEHICLE INTERIOR FLOODS DURING MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL.*MR IN LIGHT OF THE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS, THE COST OF REPAIRS THE CONSUMER HAS INCURRED ON WHAT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN FLAW ON PARTS THAT HAVE NO MECHANICAL WEAR, IS UNBEARABLE. THE CONSUMER IS NOW REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FROM CHRYSLER AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN RESOLVING …

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VEHICLE INTERIOR FLOODS DURING MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL.*MR IN LIGHT OF THE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS, THE COST OF REPAIRS THE CONSUMER HAS INCURRED ON WHAT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN FLAW ON PARTS THAT HAVE NO MECHANICAL WEAR, IS UNBEARABLE. THE CONSUMER IS NOW REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FROM CHRYSLER AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN RESOLVING MATTER SAFELY AND PROMPTLY. *CB

NHTSA ODI #10040220

97,250 miles · May 5, 2003
Structure

OUTSIDE DRIVER DOOR HANDLE FAILURE ON 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10017018

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2002
Structure

STITCHING ON CONVERTABLE TOP IS COMING APART. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED TOP MIGHT BLOW OFF ON HIGHWAY AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8012136

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2002
Power TrainStructure

EVER SINCE CONSUMER HAS HAD VEHICLE SHE HAS HAD PROBLEMS, VEHICLE LEANS TO LEFT. ALSO, WHEN SHE PUTS IT INTO GEAR IT MAKES A CLUTCHING NOISE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8003994

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2001
Structure

PASSENGER'S SIDE MOLDING IS HANGING OFF SIDE OF DOOR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. MOLDING IS PLASTIC, AND THERE IS A DEFECT IN PLASTIC . DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #881181

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2001
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN ICY CONDITIONS, CONSUMER RAN INTO A CEMENT BOTTOM OF A LIGHT POLE IN A PARKING LOT, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND THE AIRBAGS EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT, ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #785249

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2001
Structure

THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE AND HAD A BODY SHOP PUSH IT BACK IN PLACE, A FEW MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ALL 1997 SEBRINGS BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE PANEL BECAUSE THE…

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THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE AND HAD A BODY SHOP PUSH IT BACK IN PLACE, A FEW MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ALL 1997 SEBRINGS BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE PANEL BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. NLM

NHTSA ODI #559366

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

RECALL 97V201000; LOWER BALL JOINT WITH CONTROL ON BOTH SIDES, DEALER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. ROTORS, BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS NEEDED REPLACED. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN OIL LEAK. LOCKS DO NOT WORK. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #877077

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2000
Power TrainStructure

WHEEL BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING WHEELS TO FALL OFF. CONVERTIBLE TOP BLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, AFTER THE TOP RAILS OF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE NOISE PROBLEM FROM THE WIND.*AK.ET.

NHTSA ODI #857562

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.