MYRModel Year Report

1998 Chrysler Sebring

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Chrysler Sebring
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
267
Recalls
10

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Structure

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 132 complaints 1995 1996: 343 complaints 1997: 210 complaints 1998: 267 complaints 1998 267 1999: 172 complaints 2000: 93 complaints 2001: 242 complaints 2001 2002: 210 complaints 2003: 42 complaints 2004: 220 complaints 2004 2005: 75 complaints 2006: 120 complaints 2007: 337 complaints 2007 2008: 238 complaints 2009: 43 complaints 2010: 86 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 0 complaints 2013
1995: 132 complaints 1995 1996: 343 complaints 1997: 210 complaints 1998: 267 complaints 1998 267 1999: 172 complaints 2000: 93 complaints 2001: 242 complaints 2001 2002: 210 complaints 2003: 42 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2005: 75 complaints 2005 2006: 120 complaints 2007: 337 complaints 2007 2008: 238 complaints 2009: 43 complaints 2009 2010: 86 complaints 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 0 complaints 2013
1995: 132 complaints 1995 1996: 343 complaints 1996 1997: 210 complaints 1997 1998: 267 complaints 1998 267 1999: 172 complaints 1999 2000: 93 complaints 2000 2001: 242 complaints 2001 2002: 210 complaints 2002 2003: 42 complaints 2003 2004: 220 complaints 2004 2005: 75 complaints 2005 2006: 120 complaints 2006 2007: 337 complaints 2007 2008: 238 complaints 2008 2009: 43 complaints 2009 2010: 86 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013

1998: 267 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1995132
1996343
1997210
1998267
1999172
200093
2001242
2002210
200342
2004220
200575
2006120
2007337
2008238
200943
201086
20113
20120
20130

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

25% · 68 reports

Most commonly citing door and frame and members.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-24

Service brakes

15% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Suspension

11% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased a 1998 Chrysler Sebring lxi the car has numerous problems, one is the control arm in the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-28

Vehicle speed control

9% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cables.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-12-01

Wheels

8% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing rim.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-12

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 267 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1998-04-08Vehicle speed control98V045002 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.

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

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1998-10-26Power train98V183000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-05-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-09-10 Steering shaft binding
  5. I
    1999-09-10Engineering analysisClosed 2001-07-26 Steering shaft binding
  6. I
    2000-02-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-07-18 Door panel/garnish separation
  7. R
    2001-05-21Suspension00V421002 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2001-08-08Steering01I012000 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…

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the steering column intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt and retaining pin. In addition, the front floor mats will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
  10. R
    2006-10-06Fuel system, gasoline06E088000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E091000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2007-11-19Fuel system, gasoline07E055000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    Date not on fileStructure99I004000 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.

    Remedy: Owners will receive an improved convertible top cover instruction label and installation instructions.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Chrysler Sebring — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 68 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 39 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99I004000 · Structure
  • Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 98V045002 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V183000 · Power train
  • Recall 00V421002 · Suspension
  • Recall 01I012000 · Steering
  • Recall 06E088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E091000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E055000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Chrysler Sebring reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chrysler Sebring is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.