- The 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Chrysler Sebring Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 1998 Chrysler Sebring with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (71) and the wheels & tires (35). Those complaints describe 33 crashes, 5 fires, 23 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 1997 has 294 and the 1999 has 172.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sebring year, for its age
#29 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 267
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 33
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 23
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1998 Chrysler Sebring problems
Share of all 267 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Chrysler Sebring recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could interfere with the steering control of the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the steering column intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt and retaining pin. In addition, the front floor mats will be replaced.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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 prevent intrusion of moisture.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the cover separates while driving, it could distract the driver increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners will receive an improved convertible top cover instruction label and installation instructions.
- The 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 break the connecting pin in the shifter.
- The risk
- If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.
- The risk
- The throttle cable control would not return to idle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.
What owners say
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267 complaints about the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.
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 with the cable, still in it's factory location. No binds or kinks I then pushed down on the throttle linkage on the throttle body and it popped loose. I got back in and haven't had another problem since.
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 vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,000.
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 joint, tie rod, and axle failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The vin was not available.
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
Axel and ball joint went out on me after buying this car within 48 hours. *Tr
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 which would have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified. I am the original owner and should...
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have been notified of the recall by certified mail. Recalled announced 12/27/2010 by nhtsa. Nhtsa reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...And k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..Car can crash .At any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1-877-489-6659. Safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
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 have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified ,,i am the original owner and should have...
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been recalled... Recalled announced 12/27/2010 nhtsa reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...And k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing.. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..Car can crash .At any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1-877-489-6659 Safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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 have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified ,,i am the original owner and should have...
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been notified with a recall letter. Recalled announced 12/27/2010 nhtsa reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...And k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing.. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..Car can crash .At any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1-877-489-6659 Safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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.
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 the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
I purchased a 1998 chrysler sebring lxi the car has numerous problems, one is the control arm in the vehicle. This is a list of other evac problems - I was told that there was a recall on my vehicle for various problems - please advice - need help - called chrysler dealerships and first they said my vehicle was not affected - then they tell me they can charge me $149.00 To reset the computer catalyst(g)/nmhccatalyst(d) evaporative system(g)/ unsupportive(d) 02 sensor(g) exhaust gas sensor(d) 02 sensor heater...
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(g) pm filter (d) egr/vvt (g,d) po455 evaporative emission system leak detected (large leak) my headlamps are yellow and my rear window looks like there is some kind of mold sandwiched into the glass and defrost...Almost impossible to see out of at night. *Tr
When we acquired our 1998 chrysler sebring june 2010, both outside door handles were broken. We could only open the door through an open window. The dealer wanted $500 to install them. In april 2012, the passenger handle broke again. Now, june 2012, the driver handle broke again. The parts installed two years ago have both broken again. These parts are plastic and apparently do not last very long. Is there a recall? What do we do? *Tr
PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL IS MAKING LOUD NOISE. *TR
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger side door latches malfunctioned and could not be utilized to open the doors. The contact stated that the only way to open the doors was to leave the windows open and unlatch the doors from the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by a private mechanic but not repaired. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving approximately 5 mph, the contact noticed smoke escaping from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and then noticed fluid leaking from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the technicians stated that three of the freeze plugs needed to be replaced because they were extremely corroded. The mechanic stated that enough pressure had built up to cause all the liquids to release simultaneously. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 129,939.
1 Very little notice just heard some squeaking 2 the failure was the tire buckled causing us to lose control 3 still needing repair. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. The contact was driving 15-20 mph when the front driver side lower ball joint fractured from the vehicle causing the wheel to also separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front suspension was problematic but had not experienced any incidents that presented a safety risk. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not available. The current and failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Plz note 1998 chrysler sebrings door levers will break on you both mine did as well as others I notice on the internet. First it was one door handle tried to lift it and the other one brakes. So for mths I had to get into the passenger side door to open drivers side door. Then passenger side door lever wont open. I read some guy door even came of while he was driving. And to there is a distributor you will have that problem I notice with a 1998 chrysler sebring it will die on you. You will tow it and cost thousands...
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to repair. As far as the doors im calling chrysler if any recalls on both doors..And most likely pay hundreds to get it fix by some1. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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 [[redacted]] recall number 967 front ball joint fell apart and almost killed both of us . We were never notified by chrysler there was a recall on this vehicle or we would have had it looked at immediately . *Tr
It attempts to turn over but just cannot catch, as well as utilizes fuel extremely fast. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving 10 mph in the turn lane, the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle crossing in the wrong lane. The passenger side, front fender, and alignment were severely damaged on the contact's vehicle. In addition, the trunk would not open, the doors were not installed correctly, and oil was leaking from holes in the engine. The vehicle has been inspected by five body shops and the dealer. There were no injuries, but a police report was filed. The...
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contact has pictures of the damage. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/07/09 *bf the consumer stated the repair facility did a poor job of fixing the vehicle after an accident. Updated 05/08/09.*Jb
Upon attempting to start the car, I had to put the car in neutral or jiggle the gear in park in order to start the car. I replaced the starter thinking that was why the car would not start. I was informed by several auto part stores that I would have to replace the neutral safety switch, had that replaced and the car still would not start. I had my car towed to ganley dodge to have them put the transmission back into my car, which cost me $70 plus $180 diagnostic. The ganley dodge gave me a quote of $3500 for a...
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new transmission. That was not in my budget, I then had my car towed by transmission world to their shop, I explained to them the problems I was having with my car, prior to this I didn't have any problems with the transmission. It took transmission world a week before they could get the transmission out of the car, to have the transmission taken out and taken apart to find out what was wrong it cost me $2,037.00 For a 3 year warranty on a new transmission. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While exiting the highway at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated and shut off. The contact had to wait ten minutes for the vehicle to restart. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for a diagnostic, but it did not provide a reading. The dealer was also unable to diagnose the cause of the failure; however, they performed a tune up on the vehicle. The failure still persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic. A fuel injection service was performed, but...
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this did not correct the failure. The contact stopped driving the vehicle. She referenced nhtsa campaign id numbers 06e088000, 06e091000, and 07e055000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), in which she never received any recall notices. However, the contact received a safety recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 00v421002 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) and took her vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected, but no repair was ever made. The current mileage was 66,000 and failure mileage was 32,922.
I bought a used car from a licensed inspection station and used car dealer 28 days after I bought the car I found out the frame was rotted and it should have never passed inspection the place I bought the car inspected it when I told the dealer about it he refused to refund my money or return my calls I don't believe that a used car dealer like this should be in business and would like something done this could have caused injuries to my family. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. The front driver side wheel nearly detached from the vehicle while driving 45 mph. The contact heard a horrible grinding noise underneath the vehicle and then the steering wheel jerked. She depressed the brake pedal and managed to stop the vehicle. She then noticed that the wheels were mostly out of place. She called the dealer and they notified her of a recall for the same failure that her vehicle was experiencing. The dealer stated that the vehicle had been...
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previously repaired and could not be repaired again. The contact stated that the vehicle had never before been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,000. Updated 01/03/08. *Lj recall# 00v421002 the dealer informed the consumer there was a recall on the lower ball joints, however it had already been fixed on the vehicle. Updated 12/31/07. *Jb
Chrysler Sebring: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 234 | 5 | D |
| 2001 | 269 | 12 | D |
| 2000 | 93 | 6 | B |
| 1999 | 172 | 9 | C |
| 1998 | 267 | 10 | D |
| 1997 | 294 | 11 | D |
| 1996 | 433 | 12 | F |
| 1995 | 132 | 5 | C |
1998 Chrysler Sebring vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Chrysler Sebring | 267 | 10 | D | |
| 1998 Chrysler Town & Country | 303 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Chrysler Concorde | 175 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Chrysler Cirrus | 76 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible | 52 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Chrysler LHS | 3 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Chrysler New Yorker | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
Does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring: exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel pump (July 2007); fuel pump (November 2006); fuel pump (October 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (71), wheels & tires (35), brakes (34).
How many complaints has the 1998 Chrysler Sebring had?
267 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 12, 1998 and the latest on December 1, 2020. Of these, 33 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 23 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1998 Chrysler Sebring a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Chrysler Sebring year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chrysler Sebring years have the most complaints?
1996 (433), 2008 (352), 2007 (339). See every Chrysler Sebring year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Chrysler Sebring has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data