1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible problems & reliability
68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
7 complaints report injuries (8 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 14 | 21% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 10 | 15% |
| Structure | 9 | 13% |
| Power Train | 8 | 12% |
| Suspension | 8 | 12% |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 10% |
| Steering | 7 | 10% |
| Equipment | 6 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 4% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 80,000 miles (middle 50% between 62,900 and 101,500 miles), based on 27 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I just spent 12.95 on getting a car history report because my title says the car is a reconstructed,totaled title,but receiving your report it says they can't even find title and low and behold it isn't a reconstructed car????I'm confused ...what the hell did I pay for..the family doesn't know anything about this,it's…”
Electrical System · filed Feb 9, 2015
“Brakes failed and immediately went to the floor when braking somewhat hard while hwy traffic was slowing quickly. If I hadn't pulled the emergency brake quickly, there is no telling what might have happened to my family and I. Brake lines rusted through. *ln”
Service Brakes · filed Sep 18, 2013
“I have a 96 chrysler sebring convertible jxi and the seatbelts "lock" in the retracted stage at various times. Both belts lock and unlock at the same time. I don't know how this happens and have been told that I need new seat belts but I can't believe that both belts went bad at the exact same time, and that the…”
Seat Belts · filed Nov 4, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
Engineering Analysis EA03011 · opened Jul 17, 2003 · closed Jan 30, 2004 · led to recall 04V021000
Technical service bulletins
38 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The 10 most recent:
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
0807317 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 11, 2017
Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part…
23027 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 23, 2016
05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying…
23104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2016
Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See…
23137 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 80,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.