FaultScore

FaultScore report

1999 Chrysler Sebring problems

Owners have filed 231 complaints about the 1999 Chrysler Sebring with NHTSA between 1999 and 2016. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 16 worst.

C

FaultScore 56/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chrysler Sebring.

How this is worked out

The numbers

231

Complaints

35

Crashes reported

8

Fires reported

19

Injuries reported

86,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

10%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 45 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 17 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Chrysler Sebring. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1999 compares with every other Chrysler Sebring

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1999 Chrysler Sebring

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 76,500 mi

Body & Structure 32 13.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,573 mi

Suspension 24 10.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,461 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 130,602 mi

Brakes 15 6.5%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,473 mi

7 crashes, 1 fires · median 92,322 mi

Wheels 13 5.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 59,500 mi

Airbags 12 5.2%

11 crashes, 1 fires · median 52,213 mi

Tires 11 4.8%

3 crashes, 2 fires · median 108,500 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 9 3.9%

Median failure at 56,635 miles

Steering 8 3.5%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 35,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 7 3.0%

Median failure at 107,000 miles

Seat Belts 6 2.6%

Median failure at 130,740 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 2.6%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 124,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 5 2.2%
Lights 2 0.9%
Equipment & Accessories 1 0.4%
Seats 1 0.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Exactly what failed

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.

Automatic Transmission 17 22.1%
Door 14 18.2%
RIM 11 14.3%
Frontal 8 10.4%
Lower Ball Joint 7 9.1%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 7 9.1%
Hinge AND Attachments 7 9.1%
Floor Shift 6 7.8%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 4.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 18.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 9 18.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 8 16.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 15 30.6%
150,000+ miles 6 12.2%

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.

May 1999 peak 13 Oct 2016

NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Chrysler Sebring

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.

PE02082 Opened 6 Nov 2002 Closed 23 Apr 2003 SEAT BELTS

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

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 Opened 2 Feb 2000 Closed 18 Jul 2000 STRUCTURE

DOOR PANEL/GARNISH SEPARATION

ALLEGED THAT THE PLASTIC GARNISH PANELS MOUNTED ON DOORS DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTINGS, SOMETIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION

Recalls on the 1999 Chrysler Sebring

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2001062 18,687 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the lower lateral arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication. There is a potential for moisture to leak past the protective boot which can cause the ball stud to corrode. This corrosion, acting much like contamination, can also lead to premature wear and separation of the ball joint. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible crash. Correction: Lower lateral arm ball joints will be inspected for wear and replaced as necessary with newly designed lower lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent the intrusion of moisture.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Winnsboro, TX Fire

STEERING

1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CAR WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAK. *TA THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE CONNECTIONS HAD BURNED AT THE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA complaint #10660611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winnsboro, TX Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CAR WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAK. *TA THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE CONNECTIONS HAD BURNED AT THE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA complaint #10660611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles DES Moines, WA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO AN EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #10631974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MO Crash 1 injured

WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 30 OR LESS MPH. I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY BABIES FROM SCHOOL AND THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF MY CAR . WE FELL TO THE GROUND VERY HARD STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE WHOLE ARM THAT HOLDS MY TIRE ON OR THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS CAME OFF AS WELL . THEIR WAS NO WARNING SIGNS THE TIRE AND ALL OF ITS PARTS CAME APART SOME HOW .

NHTSA complaint #10432734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MO Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 30 OR LESS MPH. I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY BABIES FROM SCHOOL AND THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF MY CAR . WE FELL TO THE GROUND VERY HARD STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE WHOLE ARM THAT HOLDS MY TIRE ON OR THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS CAME OFF AS WELL . THEIR WAS NO WARNING SIGNS THE TIRE AND ALL OF ITS PARTS CAME APART SOME HOW .

NHTSA complaint #10432734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Montpelier, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS,THE SPARKS PLUG WIRES FOR THE 3 REAR CYLINDERS ARE ROUTED IN A MANNER THAT PUTS THEM ON TOP OF THE FUEL RAIL,IN THE ODD OCCURRENCE THE SPARKS PLUG WIRES FAIL THEY CAN SEND A SHOCK OF ELECTRICITY AT THE FUEL RAIL CAUSING IT TO SHORT OUT THE IGNITION AND CAUSING A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10288603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 200,000 miles Watertown, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED EXTENSIVE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REQUESTED REIMURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10911139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Watertown, WI

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED EXTENSIVE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REQUESTED REIMURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10911139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW Philadelphia, OH

POWER TRAIN

TAKATA RECALL MY CONCERNS OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE,THE DASH LIGHT STAYS ON LONGER THAN SHOULD.

NHTSA complaint #10898094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW Philadelphia, OH

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL MY CONCERNS OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE,THE DASH LIGHT STAYS ON LONGER THAN SHOULD.

NHTSA complaint #10898094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW Philadelphia, OH

STEERING

TAKATA RECALL MY CONCERNS OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE,THE DASH LIGHT STAYS ON LONGER THAN SHOULD.

NHTSA complaint #10898094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winnsboro, TX Fire

STEERING

1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CAR WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAK. *TA THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE CONNECTIONS HAD BURNED AT THE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA complaint #10660611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winnsboro, TX Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CAR WAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAK. *TA THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE CONNECTIONS HAD BURNED AT THE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA complaint #10660611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles DES Moines, WA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO AN EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #10631974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

NHTSA complaint #10585571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,000 miles Rock Island, IL

SEAT BELTS

PURCHASED A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE FOR MY DAUGHTER. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE KNOTTED NEAR THE SEAT BACK REST. WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, SON AND DAUGHTER UN-KNOTTED THE SEAT BELTS WHICH RETRACTED ALL THE WAY IN. BOTH SEAT BELTS ARE NOW LOCKED AND CANNOT BE RETRACTED. TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT. DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, NOT COMFORTABLE ALLOWING MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE THE CAR. THROUGH MY RESEARCH ONLINE THIS SEEM TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR AND SERIOUS CONSIDERATION NEED TO BE GIVEN TO ISSUING A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10461925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Indiannapolis, IN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING AND MAKING TURNS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE RECEIVING FUEL DURING THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

NHTSA complaint #10437254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,480 miles Redding, CA

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT DETACH FROM THE HOOK AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,480 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,500 UPDATED 11/14/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE SEAT. UPDATED 11/21/11

NHTSA complaint #10434087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MO Crash 1 injured

WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 30 OR LESS MPH. I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY BABIES FROM SCHOOL AND THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF MY CAR . WE FELL TO THE GROUND VERY HARD STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE WHOLE ARM THAT HOLDS MY TIRE ON OR THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS CAME OFF AS WELL . THEIR WAS NO WARNING SIGNS THE TIRE AND ALL OF ITS PARTS CAME APART SOME HOW .

NHTSA complaint #10432734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MO Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 30 OR LESS MPH. I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY BABIES FROM SCHOOL AND THE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF OF MY CAR . WE FELL TO THE GROUND VERY HARD STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE WHOLE ARM THAT HOLDS MY TIRE ON OR THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS CAME OFF AS WELL . THEIR WAS NO WARNING SIGNS THE TIRE AND ALL OF ITS PARTS CAME APART SOME HOW .

NHTSA complaint #10432734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Carrollton, TX

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO FALL ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS AT AN ANGLE AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. THE TOW TRUCK WAS NOTIFIED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED HER THAT ALL OF THE BALL JOINTS SEPARATED AND THE STABILIZER FELL ON THE WHEEL AND WAS SHAVING THE WHEEL MATERIALS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE BALL JOINT WAS SEPARATED AND IT DAMAGED THE AXLE AND THE WHEEL. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10E059000; SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM BUT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #10414976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles Waukesha, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED UNTIL HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA complaint #10363661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,695 miles Burlington, IA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. SHE RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V421002 RECALL NOTICE, SUSPENSION FRONT CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT WHICH STATED "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." UPON ARRIVAL TO THE DEALER, THEY STATED THAT HER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT AFFECTED AND WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE THEY WOULD APPLY THE PROPER SEALANT TO THE VEHICLE. THE SEALANT NEEDED WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO SEPARATE DEALERS FOR A SECOND OPINION AND SHE WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THERE WAS TOO MUCH MOVEMENT IN THE LEFT BALL JOINT AND THE RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS FROZEN. CHEVROLET DID NOT AGREE WITH THE DEALER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND TO DATE, THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE SEALANT NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91, 695.

NHTSA complaint #10303040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Montpelier, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS,THE SPARKS PLUG WIRES FOR THE 3 REAR CYLINDERS ARE ROUTED IN A MANNER THAT PUTS THEM ON TOP OF THE FUEL RAIL,IN THE ODD OCCURRENCE THE SPARKS PLUG WIRES FAIL THEY CAN SEND A SHOCK OF ELECTRICITY AT THE FUEL RAIL CAUSING IT TO SHORT OUT THE IGNITION AND CAUSING A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10288603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Oakwood, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR HAD BEEN CUTTING OUT WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF. TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON A 4-LANE VERY BUSY DIVIDED HIGHWAY ABOUT 55 MPH, CAR SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THEN WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO TURN AND CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC THROUGH MEDIAN TURN-OFF, CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. CAR WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY A FRIEND CAME BY AND PUSHED CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY TO A SAFE AREA. I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MINUTES AND CAR RESTARTED. I GOT THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I WILL BE HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. I HAVE LOOKED UP INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE AND HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN 1996-1999 SEBRINGS. MOST OWNERS HAVE PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. SOME OWNERS NEVER COULD GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. FROM THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE GATHERED, IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR OR THE EGC SENSOR. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ITEM AS THE VEHICLE DIES WHILE DRIVING. IT IS JUST BY LUCK THAT THE CAR RESTARTED WHILE DRIVING AND DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART IN THE MEDIAN. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. THE CAR HAS A LITTLE OVER 107,000 MILES AND I EXPECT THINGS TO GO WRONG WITH IT MECHANICALLY, BUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS A NORMAL MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, NOR DO I WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY REPAIRING THINGS THAT DO NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT PLUGS,FUEL PUMPS, SENSORS, ETC. HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED UNTIL PROBLEM IS CORRECTED. I FEEL CHRYSLER NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10247397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Oakwood, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CAR HAD BEEN CUTTING OUT WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF. TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON A 4-LANE VERY BUSY DIVIDED HIGHWAY ABOUT 55 MPH, CAR SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THEN WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO TURN AND CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC THROUGH MEDIAN TURN-OFF, CAR DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. CAR WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY A FRIEND CAME BY AND PUSHED CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY TO A SAFE AREA. I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MINUTES AND CAR RESTARTED. I GOT THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I WILL BE HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. I HAVE LOOKED UP INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE AND HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN 1996-1999 SEBRINGS. MOST OWNERS HAVE PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. SOME OWNERS NEVER COULD GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. FROM THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE GATHERED, IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR OR THE EGC SENSOR. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ITEM AS THE VEHICLE DIES WHILE DRIVING. IT IS JUST BY LUCK THAT THE CAR RESTARTED WHILE DRIVING AND DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART IN THE MEDIAN. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. THE CAR HAS A LITTLE OVER 107,000 MILES AND I EXPECT THINGS TO GO WRONG WITH IT MECHANICALLY, BUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS A NORMAL MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, NOR DO I WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY REPAIRING THINGS THAT DO NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ THAT PLUGS,FUEL PUMPS, SENSORS, ETC. HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED UNTIL PROBLEM IS CORRECTED. I FEEL CHRYSLER NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10247397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,000 miles Chicago, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT

I PURCHASE THIS USED 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI 2 YEARS AGO AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT ONLY NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO GET AN ALIGNMENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER LATERAL CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY AND VERY HARD TO GET FIXED BECAUSE OF MY WORK SCHEDULE. I CONTACTED A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE IN 2001. I LOOKED MY VIN UP ON THE CHRYSLER WEBSITE AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS NO RECALL AFFECTING MY VEHICLE. FIRESTONE WOULD HAVE CHARGED ME OVER $1000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE. I AM ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHICH HANGS SLIGHTLY WHEN OPENED AND MUST BE LIFTED TO CLOSE. MY SIDE PANELS ON BOTH DOORS KEEP GETTING DISLODGED BUT HAVE NOT FELL OFF YET. I AM TRULY AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIND SOMEONE TO FIX AT A COST I CAN AFFORD.

NHTSA complaint #10241127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,000 miles Chicago, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

I PURCHASE THIS USED 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI 2 YEARS AGO AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT ONLY NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO GET AN ALIGNMENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER LATERAL CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY AND VERY HARD TO GET FIXED BECAUSE OF MY WORK SCHEDULE. I CONTACTED A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE IN 2001. I LOOKED MY VIN UP ON THE CHRYSLER WEBSITE AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS NO RECALL AFFECTING MY VEHICLE. FIRESTONE WOULD HAVE CHARGED ME OVER $1000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE. I AM ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHICH HANGS SLIGHTLY WHEN OPENED AND MUST BE LIFTED TO CLOSE. MY SIDE PANELS ON BOTH DOORS KEEP GETTING DISLODGED BUT HAVE NOT FELL OFF YET. I AM TRULY AFRAID FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIND SOMEONE TO FIX AT A COST I CAN AFFORD.

NHTSA complaint #10241127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,228 miles Edgerton, OH

SUSPENSION:FRONT

LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SEPARATED.

NHTSA complaint #10237770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,640 miles Falls Church, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS TURN WHEN INSERTING IT INTO THE IGNITION. THIS FREQUENTLY PREVENTS HER FROM OPERATING THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER BOTH TIMES AT THE COST OF $400 EACH. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,640 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #10237027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,213 miles Edgewood, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS IN A COLLISION WITH A STOPPED VEHICLE WHERE I REAR ENDED THEM. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 43 MPH AND HIT THEM HEAD ON YET MY AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10220247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.