VehicleVerdict

1997 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems

The 1997 Chrysler Sebring has 28 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

28

Suspension complaints

9%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Sebring suspension complaints by model year81 complaints1995: 48 complaints1996: 81 complaints1997: 28 complaints1998: 29 complaints1999: 24 complaints2000: 16 complaints2001: 32 complaints2002: 39 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 27 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 4 complaints2010: 4 complaints
Sebring suspension complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

00V421002SuspensionDecember 18, 2000 · 393,796 units

Defect

VEHICLE 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. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.

97V201000SuspensionNovember 13, 1997 · 599,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

What owners report

“BACK LATERAL WENT OUT, IT SNAPPED IN HALF. THE DEFECT MADE CONSUMER LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL AND RUN INTO A DITCH. DEALER REFERRED CONSUMER TO CALL HOTLINE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 1, 2000 · crash

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 1997 Chrysler Sebring have?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring suspension — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring suspension?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the suspension: 00V421002, 97V201000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.