1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 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 release at the same time. I have read online that this is a common occurrence in this year and model of the sebring. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2010
“This car is a nightmare when it rains. I traveled one and a half hours in a storm. The water on the back drivers side floor where I had clothes in a small pile..they were literally floating from so much water that was pouring in. At any time that I had to stop at a light the water would then come to the front in a huge wave of water. What the heck is that? *tr”Owner report · Structure · May 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Well when I bought the car the back window was fully out, also when im driving it seems as tho im going slower than what my speedomiter says. The alarm doesnt work at all. My breaks bont fully break on time so I have to stop earlyer than usual.also one day I was in the car and I put the car in drive and the car started to roll back slowly also the stering wheel locked.also when I put gas in it , it says its half empty fast when I only drive around the corner,but when I turn it off and let it sit for a while the meeter goes up.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2010
“Recall #750 front lower control arm ball joint alleged repaired 02-10-98. This is a new (10-08-09) recall. Due to my vehicle was at the dealer, it was asked if the numbers of the ball joints and control arms numbers could be checked to see if original chrysler or aftermarket quality parts were used. Though this is a serious safety issue, loss of steering, the service advisor advised I'd need to check the original repair order (02-10-98). The original owner is deceased. So I guess I should crawl under the car and look for wherever these parts are, let alone the numbers, or pay someone else to check them, or just hope chrysler had and used their own parts. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2009
“The odometer and rpm gauge work intermittently like in complaint 10061946. Though the fuses look good, the fog lights and high beam flash do not work now since the above has been occurred. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2009
“Vehicle is totally unmodified! While sitting at a light, I heard a pop (like a balloon popping) and smoke and flame burst from under the hood. Fire department observed fire began in the area of the fuel line and spread into the dashboard. Possible cause was electrical failure causing arc which compromised the rubber fuel hose. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008
“Wishing to install an infant car seat in back seat, discovered that no locks are present on the back seat seat belts allowing any passengers to be thrown from vehicle. This is especially dangerous in a convertible. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2008
“Car caught fire while parked in high school parking lot. Fire caused by electrical arcing from side view mirror motor on driver door. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2006
“Dt*: the consumer stated both tie rod ends fractured on two separate occasions. The first time, while backing out of the driveway, the front tires went in opposite directions and the vehicle would not move forward or backward. The tie rod end was replaced. The same failure occurred on the other side and the contact repaired the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined the sealed pivot joints were not lubricated and resulted in these failures. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Sebring Convertible years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Sebring Convertible by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The most complained-about area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.