1998 Chrysler Sebring recalls & problems

8 recalls 267 complaints 4 investigations

8recalls
267owner complaints
33crashes reported
5fires reported
28 / 1injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring and 267 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is structure (68 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (38). NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

1998 Chrysler Sebring recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009

Problem: 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.

Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

16,270 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 07E055000 · Jul 26, 2007

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

222 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 06E091000 · Nov 2, 2006

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

24,358 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 06E088000 · Oct 23, 2006

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

39,243 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 06E064000 · Jul 17, 2006

Problem: 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.

Risk: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

4,029 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Suspension · NHTSA 00V421002 · Dec 18, 2000

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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…

393,796 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Power Train · NHTSA 98V183000 · Aug 6, 1998

Problem: 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…

Risk: If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.

Fix: 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.

685,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA 98V045002 · Mar 3, 1998

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.

Risk: The throttle cable control would not return to idle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.

27,527 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

1998 Chrysler Sebring problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure 68
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 38
300
Suspension 29
607
Vehicle Speed Control 23
614
Wheels 22
100
Power Train 21
201
Air Bags 20
16010
Engine and Engine Cooling 20
141
Electrical System 19
201
Visibility 16
000
Tires 14
100
Steering 13
110
Seat Belts 12
102
Unknown or Other 12
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages 7
001
Fuel System, Gasoline 6
010
Equipment 5
000
Fuel System, Other 3
000
Seats 2
000
Exterior Lighting 2
000
Engine 2
000
Interior Lighting 1
000
Service Brakes, Air 1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 1, 2020 · 154,352 miles · TX

On highway 69 I proceeded to passing a semi near craft road. After passing the semi I release my foot off of the throttle, but the car continued to accelerate. Finally at 102 MPH bouncing my foot on and off the pedal with no change. When going into the corner I then bumped the transmission into neutral and turned the key off. I popped the hood, got out and could see no issue…

Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 9, 2015 · 128,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle could be restarted; however, after several attempts the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…

Suspension · Jul 20, 2015 · 140,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the front driver side tire detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the lower ball joint and axle failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower arm control, lower ball…

Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 24, 2015 · 117,000 miles · MN

I was going 55 miles per hour with cruise control set when I hit the brake my car started going faster and would not slow down I had to turn the key off and go into a field. *tr

Wheels · Nov 12, 2014 · 151 miles · OH · crash

Axel and ball joint went out on me after buying this car within 48 hours. *tr

Suspension · Aug 25, 2014 · 44,000 miles · VA

History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would…

Suspension · Aug 25, 2014 · 44,000 miles · VA

History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would…

Suspension · Aug 25, 2014 · 44,000 miles · VA

History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers, richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front [under ] the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present. The last time I was there at whitten bros [5/2009] the recall…

Suspension · Aug 24, 2014 · 44,000 miles · VA

History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would…

Suspension · Aug 24, 2014 · 44,000 miles · VA

History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would…

Engine · Aug 4, 2014 · 129,002 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while attempting to decrease in speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,002.

Engine · Nov 6, 2012 · 132,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While parked, the contact noticed water leaking onto the front driver side floor board. Additionally, the distributor failed twice. The contact noticed a whining sound coming from the engine and an increase in the vehicle temperature. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that…

Other Chrysler Sebring years

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls covering the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, the most recent one (09E012000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?

Based on 267 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are structure (68), service brakes, hydraulic (38), suspension (29).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?

Owners reported 33 crashes, 5 fires, 28 injuries and 1 death in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?

NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently PE02082: Safety belt cinching latch plate.