VehicleVerdict

1998 Chrysler Sebring problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 357 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Sebring year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 19 Sebring years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (68), brakes (39), and tires & wheels (36), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

357

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

4

Investigations

41

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

28

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Sebring years?

Sebring NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted534 complaints1995: 229 complaints1996: 481 complaints1997: 295 complaints1998: 357 complaints1999: 231 complaints2000: 141 complaints2001: 322 complaints2002: 261 complaints2003: 53 complaints2004: 304 complaints2005: 107 complaints2006: 181 complaints2007: 534 complaints2008: 388 complaints2009: 64 complaints2010: 140 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints
Sebring NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sebring years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Chrysler Sebring problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure6819%
Brakes3911%
Tires & Wheels3610%
Suspension298%
Speed Control236%
Engine226%
Transmission216%
Airbags206%
Electrical System195%
Visibility & Wipers164%
Steering134%
Other134%
Seat Belts123%
Fuel System103%
Latches & Locks72%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Lighting31%
Seats21%

Does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

10 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

07E055000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2007 · 222 units

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.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

06E091000Fuel SystemNovember 2, 2006 · 24,358 units

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.

Consequence

FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

06E088000Fuel SystemOctober 23, 2006 · 39,243 units

Defect

CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE 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.

Consequence

FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

06E064000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 4,029 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

01I012000SteeringJuly 5, 2001 · 9,800 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998-1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI LIMITED CONVERTIBLES. THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN COULD SNAG AND/OR FRAY THE EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT.

Consequence

THIS COULD INTERFERE WITH THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT AND RETAINING PIN. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT FLOOR MATS WILL BE REPLACED.

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.

99I004000Body & StructureMay 6, 1999 · 175,000 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY, IT CAN SEPARATE UNEXPECTEDLY FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence

IF THE COVER SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL RECEIVE AN IMPROVED CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER INSTRUCTION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

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.

98V045002Speed ControlMarch 3, 1998 · 27,527 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DASH PANEL PAD CAN SHIFT INTERFERRING WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.

Consequence

THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE A PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL PAD SO IT CANNOT INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT 5400 MILES, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. SINCE THIS TIME, THE CAR WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. THE STEERING KNUCKLE, HUB & LOW CONTROL ARM WERE REPLACED BUT THE RIGHT CAMBER WAS STILL OUT. THE UPPER CONTROL ARM & UPPER STRUT BRACKET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 22, 1998 · crash

“DEFECTIVE THROTTLE LINKAGE CAUSED VEHICLE TO TAKE OFF UNEXPECTEDLY UP TO SPEEDS OF 50 MPH WHILE IN REVERSE, DRIVER SLAMMED ON BRAKES, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING A BUILDING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT FROM THE INSIDE. THIS RESULTED IN CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THEN, VEHICLE WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ROLLED ONTO A FIELD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC,WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 24, 2002 · crash

“INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V421002 MAKE CHRYSLER / MODEL SEBRING / YEAR 1998 [XXX] RECALL NUMBER 967 FRONT BALL JOINT FELL APART AND ALMOST KILLED BOTH OF US . WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED BY CHRYSLER THERE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 6, 2010 · crash

“WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL, ACCELERATOR PEDAL WEENT TO FLOOR. DRIVER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFT TO PARK TO STOP VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 2, 1999 · fire

1998 Chrysler Sebring — common questions

Is the 1998 Chrysler Sebring reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 357 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 19 Sebring years. It is one of the Sebring years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Sebring problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (68 complaints), brakes (39 complaints), tires & wheels (36 complaints).

Does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Chrysler Sebring. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Chrysler Sebring under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Sebring years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sebring years to avoid are 2007, 1996, 2008, 1998. The cleanest record among Sebring years belongs to 2013.

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.