VehicleVerdict

1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems

The 1997 Chrysler Sebring has 29 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

29

Transmission complaints

10%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

98V183000TransmissionAugust 6, 1998 · 685,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

What owners report

MY CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL FAILURES IN ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF THE CAR. IT HAS HAD 4 ELECTRICAL FAILURES, 3 BRAKE FAILURES, 4 MECHANICAL, AND 7 OTHER PROBLEMS. BASICALLY THE CAR HAS BEEN A COMPLETE LOSS. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING CHRYSLER FOR 3 YEARS AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP AT ALL. I FEEL AT 60,000 MY CAR IS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 1997 Chrysler Sebring have?

NHTSA has 29 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 98V183000.

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.