RoadVitals

1998 Chrysler Sebring

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
267
Latest Dec 1, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
38
23 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 267 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and suspension categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 112 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
07E055000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 26, 2007
222 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: 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.
AIRTEX PRODUCTSManufacturer number FP072007-1View on NHTSA.gov
06E091000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 2, 2006
24,358 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: 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.
AIRTEX PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE02082ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

Opened Nov 6, 2002
Closed Apr 23, 2003

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.

SEAT BELTS
PE00007ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

DOOR PANEL/GARNISH SEPARATION

Opened Feb 2, 2000
Closed Jul 18, 2000

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

STRUCTURE
EA99028ClosedEngineering Analysis

STEERING SHAFT BINDING

Opened Sep 10, 1999
Closed Jul 26, 2001

There is no summary currently available

STEERINGLed to recall 01I012000
PE99030ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING SHAFT BINDING

Opened May 3, 1999
Closed Sep 10, 1999

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 267
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 1, 2020

ON HIGHWAY 69 I PROCEEDED TO PASSING A SEMI NEAR CRAFT ROAD. AFTER PASSING THE SEMI I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF OF THE THROTTLE, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. FINALLY AT 102 MPH BOUNCING MY FOOT ON AND OFF THE PEDAL WITH NO CHANGE. WHEN GOING INTO THE CORNER I THEN BUMPED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE KEY OFF. I POPPED THE HOOD, GOT OUT AND COULD SEE NO ISSUE WITH THE CABLE, STILL IN IT'S FACTORY LOCATION. NO BINDS OR KINKS I THEN PUSHED DOWN ON THE THROTTLE LINKAGE ON THE THROTTLE BODY AND IT POPPED LOOSE. I GOT BACK IN AND HAVEN'T HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM SINCE.

NHTSA ID
11377278
Incident
Nov 29, 2020
Mileage
154,352 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 9, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED; HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

NHTSA ID
10780992
Incident
May 5, 2015
Mileage
128,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND AXLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER ARM CONTROL, LOWER BALL JOINT, TIE ROD, AND AXLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10735188
Incident
Jun 7, 2015
Mileage
140,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 24, 2015

I WAS GOING 55 MILES PER HOUR WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE MY CAR STARTED GOING FASTER AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN I HAD TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND GO INTO A FIELD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10701343
Incident
Mar 1, 2015
Mileage
117,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 12, 2014
Crash reported

AXEL AND BALL JOINT WENT OUT ON ME AFTER BUYING THIS CAR WITHIN 48 HOURS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10654294
Incident
Oct 18, 2014
Mileage
151 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 25, 2014

HISTORY OF FAILED ATTEMPTS OF DEALER [ WHITTEN BROTHERS, RICHMOND,VA ] TO DIAGNOSIS THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT. PROBLEM IS A HARSH NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT [UNDER ] THE CAR WHEN A ROAD POT HOLE OR IMPERFECTION [SUBSTANTIAL ] IS RUN OVER. THE NOISE IS PRONOUNCED , INDICATING SOME TYPE OF DEFECT MUST BE PRESENT. THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE AT WHITTEN BROS [5/2009] THE RECALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS WAS NOT ISSUED YET... RECALL ANNOUNCED BELOW ..I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL BY CERTIFIED MAIL. RECALLED ANNOUNCED 12/27/2010 BY NHTSA. NHTSA REFERENCE # 10E059000 NUMBER AFFECTED : 22,689 SUSPENSION : FRONT : CONTROL ARM : LOWER ARM FEDERAL-MOGUL : RECALLED REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES PARTS #. K7425 , 10945 , FA4510X...AND K7427 , 10946 , FA4611X NOTE : THESE PARTS CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THRU THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING. RESULTING IN THE DRIVER LOOSING STEERING CONTROL..CAR CAN CRASH .AT ANY SPEED. FEDERAL-MOGUL WAS TO NOTIFY ME AND REPLACE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. SAFETY RECALL BEGAN 1/ 28 / 2011 CALL FEDERAL-MOGUL TO VERIFY THIS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY..1-877-489-6659. SAFETY REQUIRES THIS SITUATION IS RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.

NHTSA ID
10627938
Incident
May 14, 2009
Mileage
44,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 25, 2014

HISTORY OF FAILED ATTEMPTS OF DEALER [ WHITTEN BROTHERS,RICHMOND,VA ] TO DIAGNOSIS THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT. PROBLEM IS A HARSH NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT[UNDER ]THE CAR WHEN A ROAD POT HOLE OR IMPERFECTION [SUBSTANTIAL ] IS RUN OVER. THE NOISE IS PRONOUNCED , INDICATING SOME TYPE OF DEFECT MUST BE PRESENT.. THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE AT WHITTEN BROS THE RECALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS WAS NOT ISSUED YET... RECALL ANNOUNCED BELOW ..I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ,,I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED... RECALLED ANNOUNCED 12/27/2010 NHTSA REFERENCE # 10E059000 NUMBER AFFECTED : 22,689 SUSPENSION : FRONT : CONTROL ARM : LOWER ARM FEDERAL-MOGUL : RECALLED REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES PARTS #. K7425 , 10945 , FA4510X...AND K7427 , 10946 , FA4611X NOTE : THESE PARTS CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THRU THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING.. RESULTING IN THE DRIVER LOOSING STEERING CONTROL..CAR CAN CRASH .AT ANY SPEED. FEDERAL-MOGUL WAS TO NOTIFY ME AND REPLACE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. SAFETY RECALL BEGAN 1/ 28 / 2011 CALL FEDERAL-MOGUL TO VERIFY THIS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY..1-877-489-6659 SAFETY REQUIRES THIS SITUATION IS RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10627936
Incident
May 14, 2009
Mileage
44,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2014

HISTORY OF FAILED ATTEMPTS OF DEALER [ WHITTEN BROTHERS,RICHMOND,VA ] TO DIAGNOSIS THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT. PROBLEM IS A HARSH NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT[UNDER ]THE CAR WHEN A ROAD POT HOLE OR IMPERFECTION [SUBSTANTIAL ] IS RUN OVER. THE NOISE IS PRONOUNCED , INDICATING SOME TYPE OF DEFECT MUST BE PRESENT.. THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE AT WHITTEN BROS THE RECALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS WAS NOT ISSUED YET... RECALL ANNOUNCED BELOW ..I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ,,I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED WITH A RECALL LETTER. RECALLED ANNOUNCED 12/27/2010 NHTSA REFERENCE # 10E059000 NUMBER AFFECTED : 22,689 SUSPENSION : FRONT : CONTROL ARM : LOWER ARM FEDERAL-MOGUL : RECALLED REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES PARTS #. K7425 , 10945 , FA4510X...AND K7427 , 10946 , FA4611X NOTE : THESE PARTS CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THRU THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING.. RESULTING IN THE DRIVER LOOSING STEERING CONTROL..CAR CAN CRASH .AT ANY SPEED. FEDERAL-MOGUL WAS TO NOTIFY ME AND REPLACE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. SAFETY RECALL BEGAN 1/ 28 / 2011 CALL FEDERAL-MOGUL TO VERIFY THIS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY..1-877-489-6659 SAFETY REQUIRES THIS SITUATION IS RECTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10627927
Incident
May 14, 2010
Mileage
44,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, 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. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging 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.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chrysler Sebring by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013010—
2012010—
2011310—
2010863053.4
2009432049.5
20082384157.9
20073377158.2
20061202046.8
2005756053.9
20042207055.2
2003425155.9
20022105157.0
200124212160.1
2000936159.6
19991729262.9
1998Viewing26710464.5
199721011566.1
199634312565.5
19951325564.5

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.