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 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 · Nov 2, 2000
Suspension
1997 SEBRING'S RECALLED FOR THIS REASON. WHEN I CONTACTED CHRYSLER THEY SAID THIS PARTICULAR CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL. WHY, THEN, DID THIS HAPPEN TO MY CAR. I REPORTED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THE SECOND TIME, NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THERE WAS 3…
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1997 SEBRING'S RECALLED FOR THIS REASON. WHEN I CONTACTED CHRYSLER THEY SAID THIS PARTICULAR CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL. WHY, THEN, DID THIS HAPPEN TO MY CAR. I REPORTED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THE SECOND TIME, NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THERE WAS 3,500 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE DEALER TOLD CHRYSLER IT WAS CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT. I NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR. *AKPERHAPS, BEFORE I OWNED IT?
NHTSA ODI #735610
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WE HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND PADS SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. THE BRAKES ONLY LAST 3-4 MONTHS THEN THEY GO OUT AND CRUMBLE IN THE HAND OF THE MECHANICS. THERE IS A DEFINATE PROBLEM HERE AND WE WOULD LIKE SOME ASSISTANTS IN THE CORRECTION OF IT. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT THE GIVEN ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #734787
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED , LEADING TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE (ENGINE SIEZURE). THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL REQUIRED SCHEDUALED MAINT AND DEALER STATES THAT EVERY THING ALWAYS CHECKED OUT. ON 04/01/98 THE CORE PLUGS WERE CHECKED PER REC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #732727
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE OXGEN SENSOR WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #871621
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING CORROSION ON THE FRONT ROTORS. DEALER NOTIFIED, BUT REPAIRS WERE MADE AT A INDEPENDENT SHOP. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #865592
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2000
Power Train
TACHOMETER AND ODOMETER INTERMITTENLY WORK - DEFECT IN CIRCUIT BOARD, THEY ONLY WORK 10% OF TIME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #725486
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKES PADS WERE REPORTED PITTED AND EXCESSIVELY WOREN OUT. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #865325
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2000
Seat Belts
RATCHET MECHANISM WITHIN THE PASSENGER SIDE NEW DESIGNED SEATBELT HAS FAILED, CAUSING SEATBELT TO BE INOPERATIVE. SEATBELT COMES FROM THE ACTUAL SEAT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #865275
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2000
Seats
CHRYSLER CORPORATION FAILED TO CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR EQUIPMENT. I PAID FOR THE NEW PARTS AND LABOR TO INSTALL THE PARTS. WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL(NHTSA CAMPAIGN #97V081002 VIA INTERNET), I CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WAS ONLY RECA…
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CHRYSLER CORPORATION FAILED TO CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR EQUIPMENT. I PAID FOR THE NEW PARTS AND LABOR TO INSTALL THE PARTS. WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL(NHTSA CAMPAIGN #97V081002 VIA INTERNET), I CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WAS ONLY RECALLS ON THE CONVERTIBLE SEBRINGS. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE ON GETTING REFUNDED MY MONEY ON PARTS AND LABOR THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OF NO CHARGE. I STILL HAVE THE DEALER'S INVOICE/RECEIPT OF THE PARTS AND LABOR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #725048
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES FAILED AT 14000 MI DEALER SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THE FIX NOT ME. *AK
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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