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: 62 of 267 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.
Structure. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
33 crash reports5 fire reports19 injury reports
What owners actually said
267 reports
188,000 miles · Apr 25, 2005
SuspensionCrashInjury
THE LEFT FRONT CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS TO THE UPPER BALL JOINT. MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER.*AK ON 12/31/04 THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL DISLOCATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSE WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF LOWER LATERAL BALL JOINT WHICH IS NOTED IN SAF…
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THE LEFT FRONT CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALER MADE THE REPAIRS TO THE UPPER BALL JOINT. MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER.*AK ON 12/31/04 THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL DISLOCATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSE WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF LOWER LATERAL BALL JOINT WHICH IS NOTED IN SAFETY RECALL 00V421002. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES TO VEHICLE AND EXPENSES. *BF
NHTSA ODI #10109274
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
1998 CHRYSLER SEBRING EXPERIENCING A KNOCKING NOISE.*MR THE MECHANIC ACKNOWLEDGE THE SOUND PUT COULD NOT FIND WHERE IT WAS ORIGINATING FROM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10117694
78,000 miles · Mar 28, 2005
Power Train
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 98V183000 FOR THE SHIFT INTERLOCK. TOOK VEHICLETO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD UPON HER ARRIVAL, THAT RECALL REPAIRS FOR HAD BEEN PERFORMED IN FEBUARY 2005. CONSUMER HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT DATE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10115923
95,000 miles · Mar 27, 2005
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A 1998 CHRYSLER SEIBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO HORNS. DURING WARRANTY, ONE HORN FAILED AND THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY FAIL "A LOT". AFTER WARRANTY THE OTHER HORN FAILED. I PAID TO REPLACE IT. THE DEALER INDICATED THEY FAILED FREQUENTLY. AT 9X,XXX MILES THE FUSE …
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THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A 1998 CHRYSLER SEIBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO HORNS. DURING WARRANTY, ONE HORN FAILED AND THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY FAIL "A LOT". AFTER WARRANTY THE OTHER HORN FAILED. I PAID TO REPLACE IT. THE DEALER INDICATED THEY FAILED FREQUENTLY. AT 9X,XXX MILES THE FUSE IN THE HORN/POWER OUTLET BLEW. DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILURE OF THE HORN CIRCUIT IN THE STEERING COLUMN REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR-BAG ASSEMBLY -- COST WITH INSTALLATION IN EXCESS OF $800. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITHOUT HORN AWAITING PARTS FOR MORE THAN A WEEK. THE HORN IS A CRITICAL PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND MUST BE SIMPLE AND CHEAP TO REPAIR WHEN BROKEN. BY LINKING THE HORN CIRCUIT THROUGH THE AIRBAG, CHRYSLER HAS MADE IT NEITHER CHEAP NOR EASY. MANY PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO OPERATE THEIR VEHICLE WITHOUT A HORN SINCE THEY WON'T HAVE THE $800+ TO MAKE WHAT SHOULD BE A FEW DOLLAR REPAIR. SHAME ON CHRYSLER FOR MAKING THE HORN CIRCUIT THIS WAY. SHAME ON YOU FOR TOLERATING HORN FAILURES THAT COST $800 TO REPAIR DURING THE PRIME AND USEFUL LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10114840
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2005
StructureInjury
THE STRUCTURE INSIDE OF DOOR PANEL WARPED BETWEEN THE GLASS AND DOOR PANEL. DRIVER'S HANDS WERE CUT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. STATED VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10111264
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2005
Steering
RECALL CAMPAIGN 984: THE VEHICLE'S FLOOR MATS BECAME SNAGGED IN STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN AND LIMITED STEERING ABILITY. *BF THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10110852
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10109377
65,000 miles · Aug 26, 2004
TiresCrash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT FROM THE INSIDE. THIS RESULTED IN CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THEN, VEHICLE WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED ONTO A FIELD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC,WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10089819
95,000 miles · Aug 24, 2004
Power TrainCrashInjury
RECALL 98V183000 CONCERNING IGNITION KEY SHIFT INTERLOCK: AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS DONE ON AUGUST 27, 2004 VEHICLE CAME OUT OF PARK WHILE PARKED AT AN INCLINE. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THROUGH SOME TREE LINE AND LANDED IN A DITCH. 9 YEAR OLD GRAND CHILD , WHO WAS IN THE VEHICLE, SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, RIB AND BOTH ANKLES…
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RECALL 98V183000 CONCERNING IGNITION KEY SHIFT INTERLOCK: AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS DONE ON AUGUST 27, 2004 VEHICLE CAME OUT OF PARK WHILE PARKED AT AN INCLINE. VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THROUGH SOME TREE LINE AND LANDED IN A DITCH. 9 YEAR OLD GRAND CHILD , WHO WAS IN THE VEHICLE, SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, RIB AND BOTH ANKLES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AN AMBULANCE TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10089605
60,000 miles · Aug 20, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlInjury
THE DRIVER PLACED THE KEY INSIDE OF IGNITION THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT PARKED. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. THE DRIVER INJURED HIS SHOULDER. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER. *LA *NM
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 DASH PANEL PAD CAN SHIFT INTERFERRING WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE A PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL PAD SO IT CANNOT INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.
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
4
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.
PE00007 · Door Panel/garnish Separation
Opened Feb 2, 2000 · Closed Jul 18, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ALLEGED THAT THE PLASTIC GARNISH PANELS MOUNTED ON DOORS DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTINGS, SOMETIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION
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
1998 Chrysler Sebring Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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