Model year record

1997 Chrysler Sebring recalls & problems

The 1997 Chrysler Sebring has 10 safety recalls and 210 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (35 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints210filed by owners

Crashes · fires37 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths21 · 1reported in complaints

1997 Chrysler Sebring in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, gasolineJul 26, 2007

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 07E055000222 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, gasolineNov 2, 2006

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 06E09100024,358 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, gasolineOct 23, 2006

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 06E08800039,243 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0640004,029 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Vehicle speed controlJul 8, 2002

Vehicle speed control

Recall 02V18600088,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

SuspensionDec 18, 2000

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 00V421002393,796 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Power trainAug 6, 1998

Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 98V183000685,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

SuspensionNov 13, 1997

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 97V201000599,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

SeatsAug 8, 1997

Front assembly › Head restraint

Recall 97V0810021,083 vehicles

Problem: THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
Risk: THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1997 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sebring

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sebring

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sebring

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	35	5	1	2	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch	29	2	1	1	72,500 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front	28	4	0	1	140,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal	26	23	0	16	123,400 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Anchorage	23	2	0	2	90,000 mi
StructureBody › Roof and pillars; Body › Door	22	0	0	1	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	22	0	1	0	—
Electrical systemWiring; 12v/24v/48v battery	20	1	2	2	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	16	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCables; Linkages	16	3	0	0	—
WheelsRim; Hub	14	2	0	0	—
SteeringRack and pinion; Steering wheel/handle bar	13	3	0	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakesCrash1 injury
The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and neck injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was informed that the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was a total loss by the other driverâs insurance company. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed to collision repair centers. The contact stated that his vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The…
Oct 7, 2022
Air bags
FIRE IN RIGHT FRONT DASH AREA( PASSENGER SIDE) TO THE RIGHT OF THE AIR BAG. BROKE/MELTED FRONT WINDOW/WIPER BLADE, BURNED A 12" SQUARE HOLE IN THE DASH. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER SMELT SOMETHING BURNING--NO SIGNS OF SMOKE, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED OVER NIGHT. THE DAMAGE WAS NOTICED THE NEXT MORNING.
Dec 17, 2015 · 140,000 miles
Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON THE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RELEASE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. ....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 07/14/16.*JB
Oct 25, 2015 · 190,000 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BENT INWARDS TOWARDS THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
Dec 25, 2014 · 208,000 miles
Air bags
I PURCHASED THE 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING IN NOVEMBER OF 2014. I DID NOTICE THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS SLIGHTLY EJECTED. I HAVE GONE TO AUTOMOTIVE SHOPS AND EVEN A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, AND BOTH INFORM ME THAT THE AIRBAGS FOR THIS PARTICULAR CAR ARE NO LONGER MADE. I NEED HELP ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. *TR
Nov 15, 2014
Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR
Feb 27, 2013 · 152,000 miles
Air bagsCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO SPIN SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Feb 14, 2013 · 200,000 miles
Air bags › FrontalCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER BLACKED OUT DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION. IN DOING SO, HE UNKNOWINGLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. UPON IMPACT, THE REAR WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE FURTHER AND UPON DOING SO, FOUND IT UNUSUAL THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF FRONT-END DAMAGE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Aug 8, 2007 · 100,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEClosed
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.
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003
STEERING SHAFT BINDINGClosedLed to recall 01I012000
There is no summary currently available
EA99028 · opened Sep 10, 1999 · closed Jul 26, 2001
STEERING SHAFT BINDINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE99030 · opened May 3, 1999 · closed Sep 10, 1999
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCKClosedLed to recall 98V183000
ALLEGED FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM THAT EITHER ALLOWS THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR TO BE SHIFTED WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED OR PREVENTS THEIGNITION KEY FROM BEING REMOVED WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR IS IN THE PARK, OR ANY OTHER, POSITION.
EA98014 · opened May 29, 1998 · closed Sep 14, 1998
CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER DISENGAGEMENTClosedLed to recall 99I004000
ALLEGED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.
EA97025 · opened Nov 24, 1997 · closed Nov 17, 1998