1997 Chrysler Sebring problems & reliability
210 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. 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.
17 complaints report injuries (21 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1997 Chrysler Sebring vehicles were involved in 4 fatal crashes with 4 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 30 | 14% |
| Power Train | 29 | 14% |
| Suspension | 28 | 13% |
| Air Bags | 24 | 11% |
| Seat Belts | 23 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 22 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 18 | 9% |
| Structure | 18 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 16 | 8% |
| Visibility | 14 | 7% |
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 90,000 miles (middle 50% between 72,125 and 140,000 miles), based on 32 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and…”
Service Brakes · filed Oct 21, 2022
“Fire in right front dash area( passenger side) to the right of the air bag. Broke/melted front window/wiper blade, burned a 12" square hole in the dash. While driving the vehicle the driver smelt something burning--no signs of smoke, the vehicle was driven and parked over night. The damage was noticed the next morning.”
Air Bags · filed Dec 19, 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler sebring. While attempting to put on the seat belt, the seat belt did not release and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. ....updated 07/05/16 *bf the consumer stated the…”
Seat Belts · filed Oct 27, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Preliminary Evaluation PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003
- STEERING SHAFT BINDING
Engineering Analysis EA99028 · opened Sep 10, 1999 · closed Jul 26, 2001 · led to recall 01I012000
- STEERING SHAFT BINDING
Preliminary Evaluation PE99030 · opened May 3, 1999 · closed Sep 10, 1999
- AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK
Engineering Analysis EA98014 · opened May 29, 1998 · closed Sep 14, 1998 · led to recall 98V183000
- CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER DISENGAGEMENT
Engineering Analysis EA97025 · opened Nov 24, 1997 · closed Nov 17, 1998 · led to recall 99I004000
Technical service bulletins
130 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring. 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 Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · 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
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 1997 Chrysler Sebring has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — 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 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
- · 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 90,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.