1999 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

92 federal complaints (136 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 51 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 14 model years of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
92
Recall campaigns
1
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.

Power train
23
Seat belts
21
Body & structure
18
Engine & cooling
13
Electrical system
13
Suspension
10
Fuel system
9
Steering
6
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: 1 complaints01 years old: 0 complaints2 years old: 3 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 9 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 7 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 7 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 90 of 92 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 3 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 11 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 12 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 8 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 8 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 59 of 92 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.

Power train

23 complaint records2 crash reports
"VEHICLE'S INTERLOCK CABLE BROKE CAUSING ROLL BACK TO OCCUR. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, ON A SLIGHT SLOPE. *SCC *JB..."- 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 →

Seat belts

21 complaint records2 crash reports
"INVOLVED IN HEAD-ON COLLISION SEAT BELT OR SEAT DID NOT HOLD AND NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY SERIOUS INJURIES OCCURRED TO DRIVER OF VEHICLE. *LA..."- 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 seat belts parts in the directory →

Body & structure

18 complaint records
"TRUNK LID WILL NOT STAY UP. WILL SLAM CLOSED IF NOT PROPPED OPEN. IN THE PAST THERE HAVE BEEN A MULTITUDE OF THESE SAME COMPLAINTS, INCLUDING ONES I HAVE FILED, BUT NO THEY ARE NO LONGER ON THE LIST. *TR..."- 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 body & structure 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
EA03011
opened Jul 2003
closed Jan 2004Power TrainAUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 04V021000
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...
RQ03005
opened Apr 2003
closed Jul 2003Power TrainAUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
THREE OF THE MANFACTURER COMPLAINTS AND TWO OF THE MANUFACTURER CRASHES REPORTED ABOVE WERE DUPLICATES OF ODI REPORTS.THE MAJORITY OF CRASHES OCCURRED AFTER OPERATORS PARKED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING PARK GEAR POSITION; A NON-FUNCTIONAL IGNITION-PARK...

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
04V021000Power TrainON 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.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.
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.

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
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
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
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Show 46 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
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.
9003623
Nov 2016
EquipmentWiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or...
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,...
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0801003
Apr 2003
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0800102
Jan 2002
VisibilityON SOME VEHICLES THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER IS INOPERATIVE AND DEFOGGER GRID TERMINAL(S) IS SEPARATED FROM THE REAR WINDOW HEATING GRID AND/OR MAY BE BROKEN. *TT
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
0800901
May 2001
VisibilityA CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER INOPERATIVE AND DEFOGGER GRID TERMINAL(S) MAY SEPARATE FROM THE REAR WINDOW HEATING GRID OR BE BROKEN. *TT
2600501
May 2001
Unknown Or OtherTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS BOTH UPDATED SELF-ADHESIVE SERVICE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL PAGES AND UPDATE PAGES. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
2601200
Dec 2000
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON SERVICE PUBLICATION UPDATES. *JB
2601000
Oct 2000
Fuel SystemINFORMATION REGARDING UPDATES TO THE FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURES. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
090600
Mar 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT PERTAINS TO CHANGES TO THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER COMPONENTS. *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
230200
Feb 2000
Latches/Locks/LinkagesDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
190299REVA
Oct 1999
SteeringVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OR RATTLE IN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING COLUMN. *MJS
211599
Oct 1999
Power TrainSUBJECT ON TRANSAXLE SEEPAGE MIS-DIAGNOSIS- CASE POROSITY. *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
232099A
Aug 1999
StructureDAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
081499
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH VEHICLE START AND STALL OR VEHICLE NO-START. *TT
9920
Apr 1999
Power TrainINFORMATION ON FAST FEEDBACK FLEET - INSTALLATION OF 2000 MODEL YEAR 41TE TRANSAXLES. *TT
231099
Apr 1999
StructureINFORMATION ON CONVERTIBLE TOP ADJUSTMENT. *TT
210699
Apr 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
812
Apr 1999
StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION REGARDING COVERTIBLE TOP COVER INSTRUCTION LABEL. *TT
9913
Mar 1999
Power TrainVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FAULTS RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS). *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. 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.
  2. Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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 Convertible →