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.
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 — 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
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
24.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
918.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
918.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
816.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1530.6%
150,000+ miles
612.2%
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 1999peak 13Oct 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.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT 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.
PE00007Opened 2 Feb 2000Closed 18 Jul 2000STRUCTURE
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 200106218,687 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Winnsboro, TXFire
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, TXFire
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 milesDES Moines, WACrash
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, MOCrash1 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, MOCrash1 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 milesMontpelier, OHFire
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 milesWatertown, 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 milesWatertown, 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, TXFire
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, TXFire
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 milesDES Moines, WACrash
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 milesPhiladelphia, 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 milesRock 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 milesIndiannapolis, 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 milesRedding, 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, MOCrash1 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, MOCrash1 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 milesCarrollton, 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 milesWaukesha, 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 milesBurlington, 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 milesMontpelier, OHFire
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 milesOakwood, 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 milesOakwood, 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 milesChicago, 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 milesChicago, 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 milesEdgerton, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SEPARATED.
NHTSA complaint #10237770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,640 milesFalls 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 milesEdgewood, FLCrash1 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.