IllustrationWHILE DRIVING, THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, PULLING OUT AXLE, AND DAMAGING FENDER. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK.*MJ
1996 Chrysler Sebring
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sebring years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring are substantially higher than the model-year median of 132.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sebring years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 343 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.
- Suspension. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports10 fire reports24 injury reports
Suspension complaints
70 reportsCONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF ITS SOCKET, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO TURN SIDE WAYS, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY REPRESENATIVE FROM THE CORPORATE RECALL 800# THAT CONSUMER WAS ENTITLED TO A REFUND, CONSUMER IS NOW REQUESTING PAYMENT IN FULL.*JB
WHILE DRIVING LOWER CONTROL ARM/ BALL JOINT SEPARATED CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH RESUTLED IN THE VEHICLE HIITTING A EMBANKMENT. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 97V201000 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
WHILE DRIVING, THERE WOULD BE A "CLUNKING" NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, SWAY BAR END LINKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE NOTE: PARTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *AK
AT ANY SPEED THERE'S A LOUD HOLLOW SOUND. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACING. *AK *JB
THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT AND THE CAR MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL NOR WILL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE FAILED PARTS OR DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. BEGNAL MOTORS HAS BEEN HOSTILE AND HAS CLAIMED THE VEHICLE RIDES AS IT SHOULD, THE STEERING SHAKING IS NORMAL, ETC.
THE BALL JOINT AND LOWER LATERAL ARMS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 99V-066, THE CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). NLM
I HAD THE VEHICLE IN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO 7/9/01 FOR REGULAR SERVICE AND A RECALL ON THE BOOTS, THE RIGHT BEING WORSE THAN THE LEFT SIDE. I ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE REAR END SWAYING WHEN I DRIVE OVER A ROUGH ROAD. THERE WAS NO EVEN FLOW. IT TURNED OUT THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WITHIN 2 DAYS OF RECEIVING THE VEH…
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I HAD THE VEHICLE IN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO 7/9/01 FOR REGULAR SERVICE AND A RECALL ON THE BOOTS, THE RIGHT BEING WORSE THAN THE LEFT SIDE. I ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE REAR END SWAYING WHEN I DRIVE OVER A ROUGH ROAD. THERE WAS NO EVEN FLOW. IT TURNED OUT THE INNER TIE ROD ENDS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WITHIN 2 DAYS OF RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK THERE WAS STILL A SWAY IN THE REAR END BUT NOT AS BAD. I PARKED THE CAR FOR 6 DAYS BECAUSE I USED MY FATHER'S NEW VEHICLE. WHEN I USED THE CAR AGAIN ESPECIALLY ON 7/9/01 I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A LOUD METAL THUMPING SOUND. I HEARD THE SOUND AGAIN WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY RESIDENCE AND NOTICED THE STRUT NOT ONLY CAME UNDONE BUT ALSO BROKE THE BODY FRAME UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WELL. VEHICLE WAS FLAT BEDDED BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY THOUGHT WORK COULD BE DONE. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAD TO GO TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM BODY SHOP TO SEE HOW THIS JOB WILL BE DONE AS WELL AS WHAT EXPENSE IT WILL BE TO ME. I SAW ON NHTSA'S WEB SITE UNDER COMPLAINTS THAT THERE WERE 5 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NOISE AS WELL AS THE STRUT ACTUALLY BREAKING OFF. I CALLED TO COMPLAIN TO CRASH, A DATA BASE SITE FOR VEHICLE PROBLEMS WHO ADVISED ME THEY HAD JUST TAKEN THE SAME REPORT ON THE SAME SIDE ON A DODGE NEON. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS STRUT BROKE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP HOW THIS HAPPENED, THEY ADVISED ME NORMAL WEAR & TEAR. NOW I AM IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS FOR 12 YEARS AND HAVE OWNED 2 OTHER VEHICLES IN MY LIFE, THIS IS NOT A "NORMAL" WEAR AND TEAR. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS TO HAPPEN. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT ALL THE RECALLS THAT CHRYSLER HAS HAD ON THE SEBRINGS IN PARTICULAR, ARE MAINLY THE FRONT SUSPENSION. MAYBE THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHITH MANUFACTURING. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH COULD FEEL BUMPING IN FRONT WHILE MAKING A LEFT. THEN, VEHICLE WILL GO TO RIGHT.*AK
THE VEHICLE BALL JOINT AND LATERAL CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED AND THE CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSMENT OF REPAIR COST. *YH
Official recalls
702V186000 · 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.
99V066003 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Apr 5, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
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.
97V015000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
Feb 10, 1997
THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH CAN ACCUMULATE ROAD SALT DUE TO WATER ENTERING INTO THE SWITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
96V123000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
Jul 2, 1996
THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM NIPPLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DISCONNECTED VACUUM HOSE CAUSES AN INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST DURING BRAKE APPLICATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FULLY INSTALL THE INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM HOSE TO THE VACUUM NIPPLE ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
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
5PE02082 · 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.
RQ00015 · Lower Contrtol Arm Ball Joint
Opened Aug 2, 2000 · Closed Apr 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (3)
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
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.
PE97029 · Convertible Top Cover Disengagement
Opened Jun 17, 1997 · Closed Nov 24, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS ALLEGING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.