1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chrysler › Sebring Convertible › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Newest first.
Federal-mogul IS recalling certain replacement control arm assemblies, part numbers k7425, 10945, fa4510x, k7427, 10946, and fa4611x, sold for use on various passenger vehicles listed above. the ball joint on the control arm assembly can fail causing the ball stud to wear through the control arm housing resulting in noise and/or separation of the ball stud…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there IS a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. the safety recall began on january 28, 2011. owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
Qualis automotive IS recalling certain aftermarket ball joints sold for use on certain passenger vehicles. the socket may have been excessively hardened which could cause it to crack near the retaining ring groove allowing the ball stud to separate under impact load. the subject ball joints were sold as four part numbers, d10945, d10946, g10945, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball stud from the socket of the ball joint housing would allow the control arm to collapse and the wheel to fold in causing loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. the safety recall began on november 9, 2009. owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
On 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. an inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. owner notification began on june 14, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Owner complaints
52 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
1998 chrysler sebring. consumer writes in regards to transaxle floor shifter ignition/park interlock recall repair history. *smd the consumer wanted to know, if the vehicle was fixed properly, due to the fact the vehicle was recently purchased and the recall was issued in 2005. *Jb
- Power train · Suspension
I went to have the transmission looked at as it's under warranty. I bought this car with 75,000 miles on it 3 years ago. shortly after that the transmission went out. when the mechanic put one in he found out that there was already a used one in there. two months later that tranmission went out…
I went to have the transmission looked at as it's under warranty. I bought this car with 75,000 miles on it 3 years ago. shortly after that the transmission went out. when the mechanic put one in he found out that there was already a used one in there. two months later that tranmission went out and it got replaced. well this brings us to present day where I'm getting it checked out and have them check everything out. they tell me that the rear ball joints are out and it'll cost $1200 to fix it. I'm like that's not worth it. I then find out that this IS recalled. *js
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Suspension
I have this car from 2011, I went to the dealer on bakersfield ca, to program the alarm pager, they change the shift part because have a recall, after that day my car start to stop, check engine light goes off, I change the speed sensor on the transmission, the cramchack sensor, the distributor…
I have this car from 2011, I went to the dealer on bakersfield ca, to program the alarm pager, they change the shift part because have a recall, after that day my car start to stop, check engine light goes off, I change the speed sensor on the transmission, the cramchack sensor, the distributor, the map sensor, the egr valve, the fuel pump and fuel filter, all the relays, the car works for a little and start to stop suddenly, anywhere. Some times I go to the store to buy groceries, he start to shake from the suspension, and the car stop 2 or 3 times, on one trip. On august 15 I went to bakersfield to see my doctor because I'm permanently disable, and the car stop on the freeway at speed of 65 miles, I let the car for a wile resting and after that he start again, when I go out on union exit the car stop again, today I went to the market and I have to push the car all the way to my home. This class of cars gave trouble to every body who had one of this make. Need help to see if you can do something with the chrysler corporation. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed erroneously. The air bags were not replaced. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repair…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that while starting the ignition, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed erroneously. The air bags were not replaced. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repair shop for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 59,337.
- Suspension
I was driving home and turned down my street going only 5 mph and the left front wheel came off. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring convertible JX. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space, both front air bags deployed without warning. The failure caused head and neck injuries to the driver and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 169,000.
- Suspension
I made a complete stop and turned onto another road and heard a loud metal on cement noise pulled over to side of road as good as possible and got out of car and seen ball joint cracked and tire off car. My car was completely on ground in front right of vehicle. Had no reason to believe the ball…
I made a complete stop and turned onto another road and heard a loud metal on cement noise pulled over to side of road as good as possible and got out of car and seen ball joint cracked and tire off car. My car was completely on ground in front right of vehicle. Had no reason to believe the ball joints needed to be fixed. Car drove smooth otherwise. If I would have known it would have been fixed but to just snap. Thank goodness I wasn't going faster or nothing was in my way and didn't crash! It was the scariest car "accident" I ever had. Never in my life have I had something like that happen to me in a car that had no signs of needing to be fixed. *tr
- Electrical system
My alarm keeps going off!!! A few months ago, my car alarm started going off randomly and will not stop. It started by honking repeatedly then a very long annoying honk. In order to make it stop, the only thing that I could do was disconnect the battery. I am now desperate to get this problem…
My alarm keeps going off!!! A few months ago, my car alarm started going off randomly and will not stop. It started by honking repeatedly then a very long annoying honk. In order to make it stop, the only thing that I could do was disconnect the battery. I am now desperate to get this problem fixed; I was at a gas station the other day, and it did it again. I ended up having to drive away with the alarm still sounding because I didn't have a way of disconnecting my battery to make it stop. This should really be a recall! I recently began researching on the internet and realized that hundreds of people are having the same problem. IS there anything that you can do for me regarding this issue? This website displays many peoples concerns about this issue. Http://www.carcomplaints.com/chrysler/sebring/2006/electrical/horn_goes_off_by_itself.shtml. *tr
- Seat belts
I have a 1998 chrysler sebring, I bought it at 45,000 miles and the seatbelts on the driver side will lock to where I cant buckle my seat belt and its the same on the passenger side it will also lock when it IS buckled. Like it would when im slamming on my brakes. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
1998 sebring conv. Left ball joint came apart causing front end damage. Chrysler denies problems with this model . I had to pay for repairs myself and still drive the car with the front end damage. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
My vehicle suffered the exact failure of suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint failure of recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v421002 nhtsa action number: rq00015. this basically causes a drive wheel to all but fall off, rendering the car immediately inoperable, regardless of how dangerous…
My vehicle suffered the exact failure of suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint failure of recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v421002 nhtsa action number: rq00015. this basically causes a drive wheel to all but fall off, rendering the car immediately inoperable, regardless of how dangerous the circumstances. I was very lucky in that I was in a residential neighborhood traveling at a low speed, otherwise I could well be dead. I have taken the car into south bay chrysler in torrance california, and despite the very clear nature of the recall, south bay chrysler in torrance, claims (as they have apparently done with hundreds of others) that my car IS not subject to that recall and pay for the repairs. per the clear language of the recall, and the exact nature of the failure coinciding perfectly with the reason for the recall, their denial IS disingenuous, cynical, disgusting, reprehensible, dishonest. in fact, it's the behavior of a company that has earned it's bankruptcy. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Lower ball joint assembly came apart from the housing resulting in the car falling on the ground. *tr
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring convertible. after the vehicle was off for ten minutes, it would not restart. the contact attempted to unlock the vehicle, but the entire ignition system was locked. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified. she IS still unable to operate the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 120,000.
- Power train › Axle assembly · Steering
After explaining to my mechanic that my front end was rubbing and grinding at a speed of 40 and above, and that it was worse while driving straight or bearing left, while bearing right the rubbing and grinding lessened a lot. My mechanic said that he replaced front brakes & balanced wheels. The…
After explaining to my mechanic that my front end was rubbing and grinding at a speed of 40 and above, and that it was worse while driving straight or bearing left, while bearing right the rubbing and grinding lessened a lot. My mechanic said that he replaced front brakes & balanced wheels. The same situation still existed. He stated that my front axle needed to be replaced, & he would replace it when he came back from vacation. I explained to the mechanic that it was getting worse and if my children and I would be safe driving the vehicle until he returned, he said it would be fine to drive. On june 30TH 2007 ,the children and I noticed it was getting worse. I drove the car home. I then decided to go for a ride with it, alone. I started driving on route 195 east in the high speed lane with my cruise control set at 65 mph. Shortly after crossing the ri/ma line the steering wheel became very loose and I heard a very loud bang. My car then started to lift off the ground. Lifting the right side & then the right. I tried to apply my brakes but with two tires off the ground they were not working. I tried steering the car in the opposite direction that was being lifted off the road. I had no steering at all. The car rocked side to side while heading into the next lane of travel and as it did the rocking turned the car over and over and over several times. After the first roll over I do not remember anything. I became unconscious. The state police who investigated the accident stated, the car was going in all directions across the highway while rolling over several times landing in the bush off the side of the highway. He stated that there were 6 witness and one of them had pulled me out of my car and carried me away from the vehicle a few feet (i was not conscious). I did become somewhat coherent,and heard a loud explosion and saw my car burst into flames. I then became unconscious again until the next morning in the hospital. *Jb
- Structure › Body
(1) rained (2) cars panels and interior retaining and filling up with water (3) cannot find leak, another owner of same model experiencing the same problem drilled holes in the rocker panel to release water - did not release or resolve. having to scoop out water and wet-vac daily. causing mildew, standing water, sound of water in the panels. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Consumer concerned about 1998 chrysler sebring interlock shifter. *ts the consumer stated he has been to the dealer 3 times to get the recall repairs performed, but he continued to experience problems. *jb
- Structure › Body › Hood
Dt: the contact stated while driving at 60 mph the hood separated from the vehicle and fell off. There were no injuries reported with the incident. Chrysler has been contacted. They offered no free remedy. He had no prior problems with the hood.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
1998 chrysler sebring rear view mirror has delaminated.*mr dealership not willing to replace. *tt
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Dt: without warning the accelerator cable unraveled and the car kept accelerating. The caller had to put the car in neutral, then turn off the car, and pull off the road. Car was towed to dealer, who was evaluating the problem today. Manufacturer said to call nhtsa. *ak
- Steering › Column
Owner says that the floor mats bind up, causing the mats to tangle up with the intermediate steering shaft coupler, which could cause the vehicle to lose steering control. Currently the manufacturer recalled the 1998-99 sebring jxi convertible limited edition. The owner has a JX convertible which was not being recalled for this problem. *ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Vehicle experienced problems with the rear seat belt. The seat belt will not lock nor will it retract. *Ak...neither rear belt locks when given ahand pull.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer complained about an ignition problem. in the last 4 years consumer replaced the key cylinder 4 times. Consumer contacted the manufacturer on seven different times, and was told that his customer care complaint file was closed. They will not help consumer. *ak
- Equipment · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
The original equipment automatic dimming rear view mirror became foggy and leaked a solvent that dissolved the plastic on the console mounted shift cover, the mirror was replaced and now after 2 years in service the replacement mirror IS fogging. Chrysler corporation customerservice responds that…
The original equipment automatic dimming rear view mirror became foggy and leaked a solvent that dissolved the plastic on the console mounted shift cover, the mirror was replaced and now after 2 years in service the replacement mirror IS fogging. Chrysler corporation customerservice responds that it IS out of warranty and that they have no obligation to replace it. I view this item as a safety concern. He only item available for this vehicle costs $300.00 for the part and installation. S a safety item the rear view mirror should be functional throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Recall 04v021000/floor shift ignition park interlock. consumer stated vehicle experienced shifting problem since recall repairs were done. Dealer was notified, and they informed consumer that the problem had nothing to do with the recall repairs done. *ak
- Wheels › Rim
All four rims are causing the tires to lose air pressure. Consumer had to replace air in right front tire every morning, left front tire once a week, and both rear tires every 3-4 weeks. Dealer was notified. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Auto trans ignition-park interlock
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 mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports…
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 mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever IS shorter).there are no complaints of prowler interlock failure in odi?s database, and dc has received no reports either.the prowler IS excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system IS required under fmvss 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there IS no overt indication to an operator that the system IS defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04v021, dc will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator?s ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with my 2000, dc incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (btsi) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of btsi involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (rma) of the shift button.the rma shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229256KEY, 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.
- 10220489Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1021645482212076, 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, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging 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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10130081Return: 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. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.
- 1013008005182535AD - 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. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10130079Inspect 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. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10129047Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129046Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129045CBXDP361AA 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. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 16 September, 2016.
- 101290441NT30XDVAC - 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. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129043Inspect 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. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129042Return: 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. Replacement part number is 55372082AF w hich is in stock and available. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129041P/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. Replacement part can be obtained by ordering the same part number (CBSZR068AA) Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 02 September, 2016.
- 10121832Wiper 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 WBF00021A$ 05102881A$ = WBRW0011A$
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 629129On 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.
- 621938This technical service bulletin contains both updated self-adhesive service and / or diagnostic manual pages and update pages.
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject 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.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 620058A 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.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 612149Vehicles may experience clunking or rattle in steering wheel/steering column. *Mjs
- 610007Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selection vehicles.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
- 608371Daimler chrysler IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selected vehicles.
- 607916Technical service bulletin regarding multi-layer steel (mls) head gasket installation procedures.
Every Chrysler Sebring Convertible model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.