1996 Chrysler Sebring

Above average

Owners filed 343 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension › front › control arm › lower ball joint. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
77,700 milesMedian miles at failure

34 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint34
300
Air Bags › Frontal22
19112
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars17
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline15
210
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch12
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission12
000
Vehicle Speed Control10
201
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components10
110
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine10
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip9
202

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump07E055000
Filed Jul 26, 2007222 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.

Risk. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E091000
Filed Nov 2, 200624,358 vehiclesAirtex Products

Defect. CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E088000
Filed Oct 23, 200639,243 vehiclesTi Group Automotive Systems, Llc

Defect. CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

Vehicle Speed Control02V186000
Filed Jul 8, 200288,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAN FRAY CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint00V421002
Filed Dec 18, 2000393,796 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars99I004000
Filed May 6, 1999175,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY, IT CAN SEPARATE UNEXPECTEDLY FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.

Risk. IF THE COVER SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL RECEIVE AN IMPROVED CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER INSTRUCTION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint99V066003
Filed Apr 5, 1999165,857 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch98V183000
Filed Aug 6, 1998685,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint97V201000
Filed Nov 13, 1997599,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Risk. 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.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 28, 2022MN

I was driving my car & listening to music. All of a sudden my passenger side dash speaker started smoking, then was shooting fire. I had a Bubbler drink & splashed it across the dash onto the speaker. It was scary, as I thought my engine might blow up. I took it to the shop, but they were so busy, it sat for a week, & I finally said forget it(I would have been too costly) & I needed my vehicle to get to work. Many things failed after that; gas gauge; speedometer needle; right turn signal; & radio.Other things but just can’t remember at the moment.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 20, 2022MN

I was driving on the highway; all of a sudden my right dash speaker started on fire. I had a Bubbler in my vehicle, so I used that to put it out. Since then, my radio no longer works, nor does mileage show & gas gauge fluctuates, & cannot tell when it is actually empty.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 201999,500 milesCA

AIR BAG COMES ON AND THE ALL DIALS ON THE DASHBOARD GO BLANK.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 201949,000 milesCA

AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING THEN THE GAGES ON THE DASHBOARD STOP WORKING. SOMETIMES JUST THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT GOES AND THE DIALS STILL WORK. WHEN THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OFF USUALLY THE DIALS COME BACK WITHIN 10 MINITES OR 5 MILES.

Engine
Filed Nov 7, 2015168,000 milesCA

I TOOK MY CAR TO GET DIAGNOSTIC FOR SMOG. THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO SMOG SMART EXPLAIN THEY HAVE DISMATELED MY CAR CLAIMING ENGINE, COOLANT, AND TIMING BELT. THEY HAVE REMOVED PARTS AND CLAIM THEY CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND ITS COMPANY STATES ITS REPAIRS IS NOT WORTH THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE CLAIM, THE COOLANT CLAIM AND TIMING BELT THEY HAVE MADE AGAINST THE MANUFACTURE. THE ENGINE CHECKED FINE BEFORE DROPPING THE CAR OFF. THE CAR WOULD STOP DUE TO HEATING THE FUEL RUNNING SINCE THE CAR HAD BEEN A NON OP FOR 3 YEARS ANDREASON FOR SMOG. THE CAR WAS DELIBERATLEY DISMANTELED CAN I GET ITS INFORMATION OF THE CLAIM THE SMOG MART 7070STOCKTON SACRAMENTO CA 95820 IS MAKING SO I CAN SETTLE WITH THE SHERIFFS IN THERE DISTRUCTION OF MY PROEPRTY WITHOUT INVOICE SIGNATURE TO REMOVE ANY PARTYS ON MY CAR EXCEPT ORDERED TO RUN DIAGNOSITCIS.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201530,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 8, 2014DE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE BRAKE CHAMBER, BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES, AND THE ADJUSTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2013175,000 milesIL

TRANS CABLE BROKE CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AT ALL. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 22, 2010200,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. SHE FINALLY GOT IT STOPPED BY PUTTING IT IN PARK, USING THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Sep 16, 2009OH

1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. WHILE THE DRIVER PULLED OFF TO THE RIGHT BERM, THE WHEEL CROSSED THE MEDIAN AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. *KB ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE LUG NUTS SHEARED OFF. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0734-90.

Air BagsCrashFire1 injured
Filed Jan 22, 2009140,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CONTACT WAS TRAPPED IN HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS RELEASED DEBRIS THAT BEGAN BURNING HER FACE. THERE WAS ALSO A LARGE CLOUD OF SMOKE AS IF CHEMICALS WERE BEING RELEASED FROM THE AIR BAGS. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND A PHYSICIAN STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED SECOND DEGREE BURNS. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER CONCLUDED THAT THAT AIR BAGS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED WITH ANY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 21, 2008167,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE THEN IMMEDIATELY STALLED. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR AND THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE FAILED AN EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO SMOG. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE PCM. ON FEBRUARY 21, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAD A SECOND EMISSIONS TEST AND FAILED AGAIN DUE TO SMOG. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 204,083.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Apr 1, 2007118,000 milesSC

MY 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE DASH STEREO SPEAKERS MID 10/05 .. SCREECHING NOISES CAME FROM MY SPEAKERS AND THEN SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THEM. I TURNED OFF THE STEREO AND SOON AFTER WENT TO MY MECHANIC. WHEN THEY TURNED MY STEREO ON SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASH SPEAKERS AGAIN. I ASKED THEM TO PULL THE FUSE SO THAT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. ON 2/16/06 I CALLED CHRYSLER. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THEM DATED 2/21/06 STATING THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE TIME OR MILEAGE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. ON RECALL SIGHTS I HAVE FOUND WHERE THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN SLIGHTLY NEWER MODELS. THIS COULD HAVE ENDED IN INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO MYSELF AND MY TWO NIECES THAT I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL THAT MORNING. I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED BY CHRYSLER. THERE ARE ALSO OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND I'VE ALSO HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND TIMING BELT. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Jan 18, 200790,000 milesWI

LOWER LATERAL ARM BROKE ON OUR 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING. DEALER AND CHRYSLER HAVE REFUSED TO FIX THE CAR UNDER RECALL. THIS IS THE 3RD MAJOR FAILURE AND INCONVENIENCE OF THIS PART. THE LAST FAILURE WAS 8 MOTHS AGO. THERE IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE HERE AS WELL AS A MECHANICAL DEFECT. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 17, 200618,396 milesMI

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT PERIODICALLY COMES ON FOR APPROX 30 SECONDS AND THEN GOES OFF. ON 10/12/06 I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT CAME ON AND OFF AND THEN REMAINED ON. I IMMEDIATELY TELEPHONED THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP (LIVONIA CHRYSLER JEEP, MICHIGAN) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. THE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE TECHNICIAN HOOKED UP A HAND HELD DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND A "PASSENGER SQUIB OPEN" CODE CAME UP. I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. I SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL STATING THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF AND THERE WERE FOUR STORED INACTIVE CODES. HOWEVER, SINCE THERE WERE NO ACTIVE CODES, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. I INQUIRED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND WOULD MY AIRBAGS WORK IF IN AN ACCIDENT OR COULD THE AIRBAG DEPLOY FOR NO REASON. THE REPRESENTATIVE COULD NOT ADVISE ME. I STRESSED MY CONCERN BUT WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND TO BRING IT BACK IN. WELL, THAT IS WHAT I DID THIS LAST TIME. I MUST ADMIT THAT THE REPRESENTATIVE WAS VERY NICE AND TRIED TO HELP, BUT HONESTLY DID NOT HAVE THE ANSWERS. ON 10/16/06 I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE. NO LIGHT WAS ON. ON 10/17/06 I TELEPHONE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH MY SAFETY, AS WELL AS MY FAMILY'S, AND AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND WITH NO ANSWERS. I RELY ON THE EXPERTS AT DEALERSHIP AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN ACKNOWLEDGE THERE ARE TROUBLE CODES AND NOT BE ABLE TO ADVISE IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE. PLEASE HELP! I SHOU

Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 2006107,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE FLIPPED SIDEWAYS, THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT SHEERED OFF THE OIL FILTER AND KNOCKED IT FROM THE MANIFOLD. THIS OCCURRED ON AN ICY ROAD DURING NORMAL BRAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Jul 13, 200570,000 milesWI

DT: JUNE 30 2005 THE LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 35 MPH. THERE WAS A NOISE, SPARKS WERE FLYING, AND THE CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND BOUNCED OFF A CURVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY INSPECTED IN MAY AND NO PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED. THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF IT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THERE WAS A CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT. THE CONSUMER DIDN'T HAVE THE RECALL NUMBER. THE VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING REPAIR WORK DONE. CHRYSLER IS WILLING TO PAY THE REPAIRS. THE BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED TWICE. *JB

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball JointCrash
Filed Jun 24, 200576,000 milesPA

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 00V421002; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED A LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 55 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB BALL JOINT SNAPPED AND RESULTED IN THE WHEEL TURNING SIDEWAYS. AS A RESULT THE DRIVEER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO REST THE TIRE WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED AND UNDER CARRIAGE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. *SB *NM

Structure › Body › Roof and PillarsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 18, 2005CT

1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING HAS PROBLEMS WITH ROOF LEAKING, FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSAXLES FLOOR SHIFTER/PARK INTERLOCK WHICH CAUSED DRIVER TO HIT NINE CARS AND BE EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE PARK /NEUTRAL START SWITCH BEING FAULTY. THE CONSUMER WANTS DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO COMPENSATE HER FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. *BF *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball JointCrash
Filed Dec 29, 2004IL

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN 1999. NHTSA'S RECALL # 99V066003. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED, THEY DID NOT SERVICE THE VEHICLE, THEY ONLY INSPECTED IT. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS WHERE FINE. RECENTLY, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT WHERE HE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE FRONT LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE CAUSING HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. HE AGAIN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GET SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD ONLY COVER THE BALL JOINTS AND NOT THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. *JB

20 of 343 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20130100Routine
20120100Routine
20113100Routine
201086350Routine
200943210Routine
2008238460Above average
20073377210High concern
2006120200Routine
200575630Routine
20042207121Fatalities reported
200342501Fatalities reported
2002210542Fatalities reported
20012421252Fatalities reported
200093630Routine
1999172960Routine
19982671051Fatalities reported
19972101141Fatalities reported
1996 — this page34312100Above average
1995132541Fatalities reported

Compare every Sebring year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.