← New search

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
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 1999
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE IN USE THE CALIPERS FAILED TO OPEN. VEHICLE WOULD STOP UNTIL NOISE INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. WOULD TAKE TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC REPLACED BRAKES. THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES SO FAR. LAST TIME BRAKES JUST GAVE WAY & NEEDED TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. ON 5TH SET OF BRAKE…

Read full complaint

WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE IN USE THE CALIPERS FAILED TO OPEN. VEHICLE WOULD STOP UNTIL NOISE INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. WOULD TAKE TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC REPLACED BRAKES. THE BRAKE PROBLEM HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES SO FAR. LAST TIME BRAKES JUST GAVE WAY & NEEDED TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. ON 5TH SET OF BRAKES. ALSO, REMOTE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK/ BOTH FRONT WINDOWS GLASS DISTORTED/REPLACED SPARK PLUGS/REPLACED TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SYSTEM/REPLACED NOISY FRONT END/REPLACED STARTER, AND REALIGNED DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE.

NHTSA ODI #852142

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 1999
StructureInjury

THE LATCH HOOK ON THE INSIDE OF THE LID OF THE CONSOLE IS VERY SHARP & DANGEROUS. DRIVER INADVERTENTLY CUT RIGHT ARM WHILE SHIFTING GEARS OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #848277

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1999
Structure

TRUNK AND TRUNK LID ASSEMBLY WITH WATERPROOF SEALS HAVE FAILED REPEATEDLY. SEALS, 3RD TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY, SIDE WEATHERSTRIP, DECK LID WEATHER STRIP, TOP WEATHER STRIP HAVE BEEN REPLACED REPEATEDLY. NEW CARPET IN TRUNK, NEW TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED REPEATEDLY. TRUNK CONTINUES TO LEAK. DRAIN HOLES HAVE BEEN CLE…

Read full complaint

TRUNK AND TRUNK LID ASSEMBLY WITH WATERPROOF SEALS HAVE FAILED REPEATEDLY. SEALS, 3RD TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY, SIDE WEATHERSTRIP, DECK LID WEATHER STRIP, TOP WEATHER STRIP HAVE BEEN REPLACED REPEATEDLY. NEW CARPET IN TRUNK, NEW TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED REPEATEDLY. TRUNK CONTINUES TO LEAK. DRAIN HOLES HAVE BEEN CLEARED REPEATEDLY. PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FIXED BY DEALERSHIP. ANOTHER APPT. IS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MONTH. WATER IS STANDING IN TRUNK EVEN WHEN THERE HAS BEEN NO RAIN FOR DAYS/WEEKS.

NHTSA ODI #714240

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility

FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS A GLAZE OVER CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY, UNABLE TO CLEAN OFF. MJS

NHTSA ODI #608123

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 1999
EquipmentFuel System, GasolineStructure

MIRRORS & PLASTIC PARTS OF TRUNK ARE FADED - A GRAY COLOR. THE SUN ROOF VISOR KEEPS COMING OFF TRACK. THERE IS A NOISE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE BACK SEAT. SOUNDS LIKE A HIGH PITCHED WHINE. CD PLAYER STOPPED ACCEPTING CDS. THERE IS A WHISTLING NOISE & LEAK FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW (UP FROM THE MIRR…

Read full complaint

MIRRORS & PLASTIC PARTS OF TRUNK ARE FADED - A GRAY COLOR. THE SUN ROOF VISOR KEEPS COMING OFF TRACK. THERE IS A NOISE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE BACK SEAT. SOUNDS LIKE A HIGH PITCHED WHINE. CD PLAYER STOPPED ACCEPTING CDS. THERE IS A WHISTLING NOISE & LEAK FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW (UP FROM THE MIRROR). *AK

NHTSA ODI #702568

Mileage unknown · May 29, 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingPower Train

TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING GEARS TO STICK.

NHTSA ODI #536146

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 1997
Structure

A SHEET METAL SCREW THROUGH FIRE WALL OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT PENETRATED IGNITION WIRING, CAUSING A SHORT THROUGH THE COMPUTER/ELECTRICAL FAILURES.

NHTSA ODI #526159

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 1997
Electrical SystemExterior LightingInterior Lighting

VEHICLE STATIONARY, CONVERTIBLE TOP WENT DOWN TWICE; ON 3RD TIME, WENT DOWN OKAY, BUT GOING UP, IT KEPT GOING. TURNED TOP MOTOR OFF BUT IT KEPT RUNNING. WIRING HARNES BURNED. TAIL & DASH LIGHTS FLASHED QUICKLY & TRUNK LID POPPED OPEN.

NHTSA ODI #815823

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.