1997 Chrysler Sebring

210 federal complaints (295 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 124 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 17 model years of the Chrysler Sebring →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
210
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
37
Power train
29
Suspension
28
Air bags
26
Seat belts
23
Body & structure
22
Engine & cooling
22
Electrical system
20
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 17 complaints01 years old: 21 complaints2 years old: 27 complaints3 years old: 19 complaints4 years old: 17 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 15 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 160 of 210 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 0 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 4 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 7 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 6 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 32 of 210 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

37 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKES PADS WERE REPORTED PITTED AND EXCESSIVELY WOREN OUT. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Power train

29 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"WHY WOULD THE TRANSMISSION START TO FAIL AT 58K MILES, NEVER BEFORE HAS THIS HAPPENED WITH ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Suspension

28 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHEN DRIVING AT 65MPH THERE WOULD BE A LOT OF NOISE. VEHICLE NOT CONTROLLABLE; WOULD DRIF, AN D PULL TO RIGHT ONLY. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02082
opened Nov 2002
closed Apr 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY 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...
EA99028
opened Sep 1999
closed Jul 2001SteeringSTEERING SHAFT BINDING - led to recall 01I012000
There is no summary currently available
PE99030
opened May 1999
closed Sep 1999SteeringSTEERING SHAFT BINDING
There is no summary currently available
EA98014
opened May 1998
closed Sep 1998Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK - led 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...
EA97025
opened Nov 1997
closed Nov 1998StructureCONVERTIBLE TOP COVER DISENGAGEMENT - led to recall 99I004000
ALLEGED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V186000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES, THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE CAN FRAY CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.Normally free
00V421002SuspensionVEHICLE 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.Normally free
98V183000Power TrainVEHICLE 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...Normally free
97V201000SuspensionVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.Normally free
97V081002SeatsTHE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2004003
2004-01-08
Other277,416On 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.
2002128
2002-07-10
Engine2,826On 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.
2001062
2001-03-09
Steering18,687On 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.
1998165
1998-08-26
Other61,866NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED SHIFTER RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION MAY BREAK...
1997205
1997-11-20
Suspension53,134On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint may separate due to loss of lubrication. This separation could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1997122
1997-06-19
Seats And Restraints81THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET WELD TO FAIL ON THESE VEHICLES. CORRECTION: A NEW PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
23027
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemReturn: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF.
23137
Aug 2016
EquipmentInspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
23104
Aug 2016
Exterior Lighting05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20244
Aug 2016
EquipmentCBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order.
Volume 2, Issue
Aug 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
22892
Aug 2016
EquipmentReturn: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA.
22867
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemInspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB.
22958
Aug 2016
Electrical System1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20616
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemP/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached.
Volume 2, Issue
Jun 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002519
Mar 2013
Structure82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
1802001
Aug 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingEXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE, HARD START AND START & STALL.*CLS
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
0804000
Dec 2000
SeatsINFORMATION ON NEW COMPONENTS AND A REPAIR PROCEDURE DEVELOPED TO REPLACE FAILED SEAT SLIDE MOTORS. *TT
2300800B
Nov 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
230800
Mar 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
180100
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT
084699
Dec 1999
Exterior LightingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT AND DOME LIGHT MAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
234099
Oct 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON VEHICLES EXPERIENCING DOOR CLADDING LOOSE OR FALLING OFF. *MJS
233599REVA
Oct 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
090799
Sep 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION REGARDING 2.5L V-6 HEAD GASKET APPLICATION. *TT
090899
Sep 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT
210599A
Sep 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
233599
Sep 1999
SeatsINFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
233199
Aug 1999
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING TWISTED SEAT BELTS. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
020799
Jun 1999
SuspensionCONDITIONS WITH LIGHT KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR SHOCK AREA. *TT
020299
Apr 1999
SuspensionVEHICLES EXHIBITING FRONT COIL SPRING CREAKING, POPPING, OR SQUEAKING. *TT
210699
Apr 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
210599
Mar 1999
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
210499
Feb 1999
Power TrainSERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT
190199
Jan 1999
SteeringPROCEDURES ON ALIGNING THE POWER STEERING BELT. *TT
081798
Dec 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC
050898
Dec 1998
Service BrakesEXHIBITTING A CONDITON WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES OR THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK
976498
Dec 1998
Unknown Or OtherCONDITION WITH ROLLING CODE GARAGE DOOR OPENER. *YC
090798
Dec 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC
235798
Nov 1998
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING HEADLINING SAGGING ABOVE REAR WINDOW DUE TO HOOK AND LOOP FASTENERSEPARATING FROM REAR WINDOW CURTAIN. *AK *YC
090598
Nov 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingA NEW MULTI-LAYER STEEL ( MLS ) HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES. *YC
250298
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC
234998
Oct 1998
StructureSOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT A WHISTLE ( WINDNOISE) COMING FROM THE " A " PILLAR AREA. *YC
232698
Oct 1998
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER DOOR GARNISH CLIPS DO NOT HOLD PROPERLY. *YC
183298
Sep 1998
StructureSUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC
081798 REV B
Sep 1998
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC
9841
Aug 1998
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A WHINE OR MOAN NOISE COMING FROAM THE FUEL TANK AREA. *YC
232698
Jul 1998
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER DOOR GARNISH CLIPS DO NOT HOLD PROPERLY. *AK

Showing 60 of 124 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chrysler Sebring →