Owners have filed 98 complaints
about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with NHTSA between 2000 and 2012.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 50
Against the median year of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Chrysler Sebring Convertible
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Retractor
623.1%
Interior/Under Dash
519.2%
Lower Ball Joint
415.4%
Body
311.5%
Front
27.7%
Accelerator Pedal
27.7%
Interior
27.7%
Cables
27.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
46.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
813.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1524.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1626.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1423.0%
150,000+ miles
34.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2000peak 10Jul 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03011Opened 17 Jul 2003Closed 30 Jan 2004POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHI...
Recalls on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
10E059000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E056000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
04V021000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Risk: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004003277,416 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter, the ignition-park interlock may become defeated and allow the shifter to be moved out of the Park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the Park position. This may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning. Correction: Dealer will inspect the function of the ignition-park interlock system. Vehicles found with functional interlock systems will have a load-limiting push rod installed into the floor shifter lever. Vehicles with a non-functional ignition-park interlock system will have the shifter assembly replaced.
Recall 20021282,826 units in Canada
Engine
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5L V6 engines, the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick. This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 172,000 milesGuntersville, ALCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE DRIVING A1997 CHRYS. SEBRING CONVERTIBLE ACROSS A BRIDGE OVER A LAKE, THE LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. I ALMOST DIDN'T STOP BEFORE GOING IN THE WATER. CAR BLOCKED THE HIGHWAY AND A PATROLMAN STAYED WITH ME UNTIL WRECKER ARRIVED . IT DID MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT FENDER, PLASTIC BUMPER BRAKES AND WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10343086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, A POLICE OFFICER INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE JUST AS IT BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10249764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, FL2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1997 SEBRING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10174330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesRutherfordton, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
1) THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE SECURELY (DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED PROPERLY, TOP CLOSED PROPERLY, IGNITION LOCKED AND NO KEYS IN THE CAR). 2) AFTER A RAIN, I HAPPENED TO WALK BY THE CAR AND HEARD IT MAKING LOUD STRANGE NOISES THAT SOUNDED LIKE SPEAKER AMPLIFIED ELECTRICAL ARCING. THE NOISE SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM EVERYWHERE IN THE VEHICLE (NO APPARENT POINT SOURCE). SUSPECTING SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM I BEGAN PULLING FUSES WITH NO EFFECT ON STOPPING THE NOISE. I BEGAN SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING AND DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY. THE NOISES STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE BURNING SMELL DISSAPATED. 3) THE DEALER ADVISES THAT THERE IS A DRAIN IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR THAT IS NOT WORKING AND CAUSES WATER TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS AN AMPLFIER UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE INFINITY SOUND SYSTEM THAT WATER HAD ENTERED INTO. DEALER ADVISES THAT THE FAILED PART MUST BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO GET A REPLACEMENT AND THAT FURTHER DAMAGE CANNOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL THE REPLACEMENT PART IS INSTALLED. THERE ARE TWO DESIGN DEFECTS IN THIS CAR, ONE OF WHICH IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE FIRST DEFECT IS THE REAR QUARTER PANEL DRAINS THAT CAN STOP WORKING AND FLOOD THE CAR RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE.THE OWNER IS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT OR HOW TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND DESIGN DEFECT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. AN AMPLIFIER UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS NO FUSE PROTECTION WHATSOEVER. IF I HAD NOT HAPPENED BY THE CAR WHEN I DID, AND HAD NOT DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY, THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO CATCH FIRE (I SMELLED BURNING!). THIS AMPLIFIER CAN MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY AND START AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY ELECTRICAL INTERUPT PROTECTION AVAILABLE. HAD I NOT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY WHEN I DID THIS CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF THIS LACK OF ANY SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10134100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 3-15-05 CONCERNING THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK SHE CALLED AT THE END OF MARCH OR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED. ON 5-7-05, BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT A POLE. AND THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE WAS $8,700. ON 5-12-05 CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK THE VEHICLE . THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE INSPECTION, BUT SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS AT THE INSPECTION CLAIMED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE DID NOT THINK THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE, STATING THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. NEITHER THE SEAT BELTS NOR THE AIR BAGS WORKED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10132650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 3-15-05 CONCERNING THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK SHE CALLED AT THE END OF MARCH OR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED. ON 5-7-05, BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT A POLE. AND THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE WAS $8,700. ON 5-12-05 CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK THE VEHICLE . THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE INSPECTION, BUT SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS AT THE INSPECTION CLAIMED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE DID NOT THINK THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE, STATING THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. NEITHER THE SEAT BELTS NOR THE AIR BAGS WORKED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10132650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesMarion, NC
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT "PULL OUT". AT FIRST IT ONLY HAPPENED SPORADICALLY AND FOR SHORT DURATION. PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE OFTEN UNTIL BELTS HAVE NOT WORKED AT ALL FOR PAST 2-3 WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #10465362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesElyria, OH
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE SOCKET WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E056000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT), BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER PROPOSED THAT THE CONTACT PAY 50 PERCENT OF THE COST OF THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #10432941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,300 milesLOS Angelos, CA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT REMAINED STUCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND HE WAS UNABLE TO USE THE SEATBELT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,320 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,300.
NHTSA complaint #10425315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE, THAT THE SEATBELT ARE GENERALLY USELESS. BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT BELTS LOCK AND WILL NOT RETRACK, THEREFORE YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO USE THEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ESPECIALLY IN A CONVERTIBLE. I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE SEATBELTS ARE REQUIRES, BUT WHEN THEY ARE LOCKED I CAN NOT USE THEM. I HAVE NOT FOUND WHERE THE SEATBELTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A LIFETIME GUARANTEE ON SEATBELTS SINCE THEY ARE A SAFETY DEVICE? I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS NOW AND IT IS AN ONGOING SITUATION WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING YESTERDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10409017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesDecatur, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY IN MY 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND A GRINDING SOUND. WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK, IT TURNS OUT THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY BROKE IN HALF BY THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY. I THEN CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED AND WHEN THE TOW COMPANY CAME THEY INFORMED ME THIS WAS THE 4TH CHRYSLER CONVERTIBLE IN TWO MONTHS THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO TOW WITH THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT BREAKING. I THEN DECIDED TO CHECK FOR RECALLS AND IT TURNS OUT THERE ARE 2 RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE BUT WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP THEY INFORM ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY CAR. HOW CAN THAT BE WHEN YOU LIST THE FOLLOWING RECALLS 04V021000, 09E056000 AND 10E059000 ON YOUR WEBSITE. I AM JUST VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENED OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS, LIKE TWO OF THE OTHER ACCIDENTS THAT HAPPENED THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SHARED WITH ME. TWO OF THE OTHER VEHICLES HE TOWED, THE DRIVERS WERE INJURED WHEN THE BALL JOINT BROKE AND THEY CRASHED.
NHTSA complaint #10380819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatsworth, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1997 SEBRING CONVERTIBLE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN DURING RUSH HOUR. AFTER STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT AT A MAJOR HIGHWAY INTERSECTION, MY CAR DIED MIDWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. MY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING IS THE CAUSE FOR MY FUEL PUMP TO CUT OFF AS A SAFETY MEASURE FOR THE CARS PROTECTION BUT ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE. AFTER SEEING THE DEALER AND LOOKING AT ONLINE FORUMS, I HAVE FOUND THIS IS COMMON FOR THE 2.7L ENGINE IN MY CAR AND MANY OTHER AUTOS MADE BY DAMLIER CHRYSLER. IF THE 18 WHEELER WOULD HAVE NOT CHANGED LANES I WOULD HAVE DIED. I AM WAITING TO REPLACE THE WIRING BECAUSE THIS IS SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10358919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesGuntersville, ALCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE DRIVING A1997 CHRYS. SEBRING CONVERTIBLE ACROSS A BRIDGE OVER A LAKE, THE LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. I ALMOST DIDN'T STOP BEFORE GOING IN THE WATER. CAR BLOCKED THE HIGHWAY AND A PATROLMAN STAYED WITH ME UNTIL WRECKER ARRIVED . IT DID MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT FENDER, PLASTIC BUMPER BRAKES AND WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10343086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesJoliet, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER AND GEAR LIGHTING INDICATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A LOOSE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CAUSED THE ODOMETER AND GEAR LIGHT INDICATOR TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE ODOMETER WORKED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10330340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGreat Bend, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. COMPUTER WILL NO LONGER "GO TO SLEEP" AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. THE CAR MUST NOW BE JUMP STARTED WITH A PORTABLE BOOSER PACK THAT I CARRY IN THE CAR. DEALER CLAIMS THE COMPUTER MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1,000 PLUS TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10289446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, A POLICE OFFICER INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE JUST AS IT BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10249764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesPlantsville, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PURCHASED 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. IN 1998 THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE TACHOMETER, AND ODOMETER FADE IN AND OUT, OUT MOSTLY. CANT SEE MILEAGE, SO CANT SELL CAR. DEALER SAYS COST IS ABOUT $600 TO FIX. AND IS COMMON PROBLEM. IF ITS SO COMMON, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!
NHTSA complaint #10238568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,877 milesKirksville, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DISPLAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER EXPLAINS THAT IT IS COMMON WITH THIS CAR MODEL. DIFFICULT TO TRACK SERVICE ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO WILL BE DIFFICULT TO SELL WITH OUT FIX WHICH WILL BE OVER $500 FOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND COULD INVOLVE INDIVIDUAL GAUGES WHICH WILL COST AROUND $380. CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL AND PAY FOR THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10237263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peabody, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
SEBRING CONVERTIBLE INTERIOR FLOODS EVERY TIME IT RAINS THE CARPET BECOMES COMPLETELY SOAKED AND TAKES DAYS TO DRY OUT IN THE MEAN TIME CAUSING A CONCERN ABOUT ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS UNDER THE SEATS.
NHTSA complaint #10233040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesClearfield, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PROBLEM WITH DASH CLUSTER SPEEDO AND TACH QUIT WORKING DEALER SAID THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME ON THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10231908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
SEAT BELTS
OCCASIONALLY, THE SEATBELT ON ON MY 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING LOCKS UP. WHEN IT DOES, IT CANNOT BE EXTENDED/PULLED OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. WHEN IT HAPPENS, BOTH SEATBELTS FREEZE, LEADING TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. SOMETIMES, AFTER WAITING A HALF HOUR OR SO, THE PROBLEM CORRECTS ITSELF. IN THE MEANTIME, UNLESS I HAVE TIME TO WAIT, I MUST DRIVE WITHOUT THE SAFETY OF MY SEATBELT, WHICH NOT ONLY PUTS MY LIFE AT RISK, BUT MAKES ME A LAWBREAKER AND POTENTIALLY LIABLE FOR A TICKET. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL CHRYLER DEALERS, NONE OF WHOM ADMITS TO HAVING HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND ALL OF WHOM WANT TO RUN EXPENSIVE TESTS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IT IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION, AND WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP IN AN HELP US PLEASE!
NHTSA complaint #10225000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesLodi, CA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. HE NOTICED A CONSTANT LEAK ON THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOLD. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #10198739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBAY Side, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. ON JULY 9, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE AXLE TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTROL ARM AND AXLE WERE REPLACED ON JULY 11, 2007 FOR $1,080. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 00V421002 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10196051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, FL2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1997 SEBRING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10174330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODOMETER FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS A KNOWN, COMMON PROBLEM, BUT CHRYSLER HAS NOT RECALLED. IT CAUSES PROBLEMS WHENEVER YOU NEED TO PURCHASE ANYTHING FOR YOUR VEHICLE (TIRES, OIL CHANGE, PARTS ETC). PLEASE RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10155236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSuccasunna, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE FUEL PIPE WAS CORRODED AND DRIPPED GASOLINE, AND WAS LESS THAT ONE FOOT FROM THE MUFFLER. WHEN THE CONTACT WENT TO PURCHASE THE PART FOR CAR THE SALESMAN SAID HE WAS ABOUT THE 15 PERSON TO BUY THE PART. THE CONSUMER CALLED CHRYSLER, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. HE WAS GOING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE CONTACT DAUGHTER'S CAR, AND HE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S SAFETY AND THOSE OF OTHERS.
NHTSA complaint #10138362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,522 milesRoswell, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
KNOWN ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH CHRYSLERS 2.4L - 4 CYLINDER ENGINES - DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS. WE PURCHASED A NEW 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING JX W/ 2.4L DOHC 4 CYLINDER ENGINE IN MARCH OF 1998. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AND MAINTAINED BY NALLEY CHRYSLER IN ROSWELL. VEHICLE HAS A LITTLE OVER 19,000 ACTUAL MILES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE OR USE. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR LEAKING COOLANT/OIL MIXTURE COMPLAINED OF LEAKS TO SERVICE REPS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, NOTHING FOUND. AT LAST RECALL - SHIFTER LINKAGE, ASKED SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAKS WAS INFORMED THAT 2.4L ENGINE WILL NEED A NEW HEAD GASKET. INTERNET SEARCHES SHOW MANY OCCURRENCES OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS 2.4L ENGINE AS HEADS ARE MADE OF DIFFERENT MATERIAL THAN BLOCK AND THEY COOL AND HEAT AT DIFFERING RATES CAUSING EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT AND FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET. CHRYSLER HAS SILENTLY WARRANTED MANY OF THESE ENGINES BECAUSE OF HEAD GASKET FAILURES AND KNOWN PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS. WOULD REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT OR REPAIR. CHRYSLER REP HAD DENIED REPAIR. CLASS ACTION STATUS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR THESE KNOWN ENGINE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10138181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesRutherfordton, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
1) THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE SECURELY (DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED PROPERLY, TOP CLOSED PROPERLY, IGNITION LOCKED AND NO KEYS IN THE CAR). 2) AFTER A RAIN, I HAPPENED TO WALK BY THE CAR AND HEARD IT MAKING LOUD STRANGE NOISES THAT SOUNDED LIKE SPEAKER AMPLIFIED ELECTRICAL ARCING. THE NOISE SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM EVERYWHERE IN THE VEHICLE (NO APPARENT POINT SOURCE). SUSPECTING SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM I BEGAN PULLING FUSES WITH NO EFFECT ON STOPPING THE NOISE. I BEGAN SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING AND DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY. THE NOISES STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND THE BURNING SMELL DISSAPATED. 3) THE DEALER ADVISES THAT THERE IS A DRAIN IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR THAT IS NOT WORKING AND CAUSES WATER TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS AN AMPLFIER UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE INFINITY SOUND SYSTEM THAT WATER HAD ENTERED INTO. DEALER ADVISES THAT THE FAILED PART MUST BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO GET A REPLACEMENT AND THAT FURTHER DAMAGE CANNOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL THE REPLACEMENT PART IS INSTALLED. THERE ARE TWO DESIGN DEFECTS IN THIS CAR, ONE OF WHICH IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. THE FIRST DEFECT IS THE REAR QUARTER PANEL DRAINS THAT CAN STOP WORKING AND FLOOD THE CAR RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE.THE OWNER IS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT OR HOW TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND DESIGN DEFECT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. AN AMPLIFIER UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS NO FUSE PROTECTION WHATSOEVER. IF I HAD NOT HAPPENED BY THE CAR WHEN I DID, AND HAD NOT DISCONNECTED THE CAR BATTERY, THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO CATCH FIRE (I SMELLED BURNING!). THIS AMPLIFIER CAN MALFUNCTION ELECTRICALLY AND START AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY ELECTRICAL INTERUPT PROTECTION AVAILABLE. HAD I NOT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY WHEN I DID THIS CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF THIS LACK OF ANY SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10134100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 3-15-05 CONCERNING THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK SHE CALLED AT THE END OF MARCH OR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED. ON 5-7-05, BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT A POLE. AND THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE WAS $8,700. ON 5-12-05 CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK THE VEHICLE . THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE INSPECTION, BUT SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS AT THE INSPECTION CLAIMED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE DID NOT THINK THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE, STATING THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. NEITHER THE SEAT BELTS NOR THE AIR BAGS WORKED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10132650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 3-15-05 CONCERNING THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK SHE CALLED AT THE END OF MARCH OR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED. ON 5-7-05, BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT A POLE. AND THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE WAS $8,700. ON 5-12-05 CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK THE VEHICLE . THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE INSPECTION, BUT SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS AT THE INSPECTION CLAIMED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE DID NOT THINK THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE, STATING THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. NEITHER THE SEAT BELTS NOR THE AIR BAGS WORKED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10132650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 3-15-05 CONCERNING THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK SHE CALLED AT THE END OF MARCH OR THE BEGINNING OF APRIL AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED. ON 5-7-05, BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT A POLE. AND THE ESTIMATED DAMAGE WAS $8,700. ON 5-12-05 CHRYSLER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO CHECK THE VEHICLE . THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE INSPECTION, BUT SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS AT THE INSPECTION CLAIMED THAT THE INVESTIGATOR TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. HE DID NOT THINK THE TRANS AXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CRASH. THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE, STATING THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. NEITHER THE SEAT BELTS NOR THE AIR BAGS WORKED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10132650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.