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1997 Chrysler SebringProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 210 owner complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

45
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.2× the Sebring median · #4 of 16 years by complaints
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21058 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem30Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Chrysler Sebring has problems

210 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic306
Power train293
Suspension284
Air bags2421
Seat belts232
Engine and engine cooling221
Structure181
Electrical system183
Vehicle speed control163
13 other systems587

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1997 Chrysler Sebring recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 02V-186 · Jul 8, 2002 · 88,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 00V-421 · Dec 18, 2000 · 393,796 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 98V-183 · Aug 6, 1998 · 685,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 97V-201 · Nov 13, 1997 · 599,000 vehicles

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chrysler.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Sebring year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sebring median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Chrysler Sebring safety ratings

1997 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, and the recalls they led to.

  1. CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER DISENGAGEMENTEA97025 · closed Nov 17, 1998
    Led to recall 99I004000
  2. AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCKEA98014 · closed Sep 14, 1998
    Led to recall 98V-183
  3. STEERING SHAFT BINDINGEA99028 · closed Jul 26, 2001
    Led to recall 01I012000
  4. SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082 · closed Apr 23, 2003
    No recall
  5. STEERING SHAFT BINDINGPE99030 · closed Sep 10, 1999
    No recall
In owners' words

What Sebring owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE BRAKES WERE NOT OPERATING AND WERE MAKING NOISE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED. CONSUMER PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AFTER REPAIRS, AND WHILE PULLING OUT THE BRAKES FAILED ONCE AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS AGAIN, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. *AK
Complaint 10115014 · Mar 11, 2005
I HAVE CALLED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION ABOUT THE DRAINING HOLES OF MY SEBRING AND THEY HAVE SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I'VE ASKED A COUPLE OF PEOPLE AND THEY SAID THAT THE HOLES ARE TOO SMALL. MY CAR WILL GET DESTROYED AT THIS RATE. WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE…
Complaint 10069490 · Jan 15, 2004
BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING, METAL TO METAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HE REPLACED FRONT PADS. SIX MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER,AND THEY REPLACED REBUILT CALIPER, ROTORS, AND PADS. SIX MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Complaint 8015504 · Aug 5, 2002

Own a 1997 Sebring?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.