1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Problems
- Complaints
- 52filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,200miles, 33 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe front-end failures, including ball joints, a control arm, a tie rod and steering parts, and several of these reports involve vehicles above 100,000 miles. Floor shifter complaints often mention the floor shifter recall repair, and some describe problems that continued or began after it. Ignition fuse and lock problems, plus convertible top fabric and rear window failures, also appear repeatedly, with some fuse reports linked to damp or rainy weather.
- Suspension
Ball joint, control arm and steering failures
- 11 complaints (21%)
- median 102,950 mi at 9.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2013
Complaints describe ball joints cracking or separating, in some cases with a wheel or tire coming off the car. Other complaints describe a control arm collapsing, a tie rod breaking with loss of steering, or steering that locked up and parts that were replaced repeatedly. According to complaints, a shop sometimes recommended replacing ball joints or a rack and pinion, and some owners say the manufacturer denied problems with this model. Where mileage is listed, these complaints fall between about 58,000 and 120,000 miles, with several at or above 100,000.
What to check: Have a technician check the ball joints, control arm, tie rods and steering rack for play, cracks or leaks before buying, and ask for repair records for any front-end work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle suffered the exact failure of suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint failure of recall NHTSA campaign id number: 00v421002 NHTSA action number: rq00015. This basically causes a drive wheel to all but fall off, rendering the car immediately inoperable, regardless of how dangerous the circumstances. I was very lucky in that I was in a residential neighborhood traveling at a low speed, otherwise I could well be dead. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269649, filed 2009-05, 120,000 miles“I went to have the transmission looked at as it's under warranty. I bought this car with 75,000 miles on it 3 years ago. Shortly after that the transmission went out. When the mechanic put one in he found out that there was already a used one in there. Two months later that tranmission went out and it got replaced. Well this brings us to present day where I'm getting it checked out and have them check everything out. They tell me that the rear ball joints are out and it'll cost $1200 to fix it. I'm like that's not worth it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10538266, filed 2013-09, 120,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Floor shifter recall and unexpected shifter movement
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 96,836 mi at 10.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2017
Complaints describe the floor shifter recall, where the shift lever could move out of park with the key removed, and some say shifting problems started or continued after the recall repair. According to complaints, a dealer told an owner the problem had nothing to do with the recall repair. Other complaints describe the car lurching or moving forward when the shifter was moved while the driver's foot was on the brake. Most complaints here do not list mileage, and the mileage that is listed is about 73,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the floor shifter recall repair was completed and documented, and whether any shifting or park-position problem has returned since. During a test, confirm the shifter stays locked in park and the car does not move when the key is removed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer concerned about 1998 Chrysler sebring interlock shifter. The consumer stated he has been to the dealer 3 times to get the recall repairs performed, but he continued to experience problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10144297, filed 2005-11, 73,672 miles“My wife's 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was parked in a wal-mart parking lot on u.s. Route 130n, hamilton township, nj. She got into the car, started it up and moved the console shift lever toward d . She had parked facing the lane between the parking spaces so she could drive forward and not have to back out of the spot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075233, filed 2004-06 - Electrical system
Ignition fuse blowing or ignition lock failure
- 5 complaints (10%)
- median 55,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2007
Owners describe the ignition fuse blowing repeatedly, and in some cases the car was towed to the dealer after the starter and fuses were replaced. Other complaints describe the ignition locking up or the car not restarting after it was turned off briefly, and a key cylinder that was replaced several times. According to complaints, a dealer diagnosis pointed to a starter drawing excess current, and the manufacturer reportedly said it had not heard of the fuse problem. Where mileage is listed, these complaints fall between about 28,000 and 120,000 miles, and a complaint ties the fuse failures to damp or rainy weather.
What to check: Ask whether the starter circuit and ignition switch have been tested and whether any fuse has blown more than once. Have a technician check starter current draw and the ignition lock before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The ignition fuse on my car keeps blowing. I have had wiring replaced as well as the neutral control switch, but neither have helped the situation. The fuses seem to blow mostly in damp or rainy weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10023461, filed 2003-06, 53,000 miles“My car keeps blowing the ignition fuse. It will be fine for a while then it blows two in a row and on the third it will start. I have contacted Chrysler and they said they have never heard of it before. Though they do say if I want to pay their hourly wage they will trouble shoot it.”
NHTSA complaint #10008414, filed 2003-03 - Body and structure
Convertible top fabric and rear window failure
- 6 complaints (12%)
- median 46,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2004
Owners describe the convertible top fabric fraying or the stitching coming apart, with the glue along the rear glass window also breaking down. Some say the rear window was coming out or at risk of falling, and an owner describes stapling the fabric together every few months to keep the window from falling. A complaint says the manufacturer would not cover the top, and calls to the manufacturer went unresolved. Where mileage is listed, these complaints fall between about 25,000 and 68,000 miles, and some describe the fabric and glue breaking down gradually over time.
What to check: Inspect the convertible top seams and the rear window seal for fraying, loose stitching or separated glue, and ask whether the top or rear window has been repaired. Test that the rear window stays secure while the top is raised and lowered.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Convertible roof fabric stitching was coming apart, causing the rear window to fall. As a result, the consumer stapled the fabric together every three months in order to keep the window from falling out.”
NHTSA complaint #10079346, filed 2004-06, 68,000 miles“1998 Chrysler sebring convetiible top is fraying around all the edges. Around the back window the top has come away from the bottom and the sides of the window.”
NHTSA complaint #10068411, filed 2004-05
Buying note. When considering this model year, ask for records of any front-end suspension or steering work and confirm that the floor shifter recall repair was completed. Have the ignition circuit and starter checked, and inspect the convertible top and rear window before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 47 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,200 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 23 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension9 17%
- Steering8 15%
- Body and structure7 13%
- Electrical system6 12%
- Brakes5 9.6%
- Seat belts3 5.8%
- Air bags2 3.9%
- Other or unknown2 3.9%
Also reported: Engine (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “I have this car from 2011, I went to the dealer on bakersfield ca, to program the alarm pager, they change the shift part because have a recall, after that day my car start to stop, check engine light goes off, I change the speed sensor on the transmission, the cramchack sensor, the distributor, the map sensor, the EGR valve, the fuel pump and fuel filter, all the relays, the car works for a little and start to stop suddenly, anywhere. Some times I go to the store to buy groceries, he start to shake from the suspension, and the car stop 2 or 3 times, on one trip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535989, filed 2013-08, 222,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “After explaining to my mechanic that my front end was rubbing and grinding at a speed of 40 and above, and that it was worse while driving straight or bearing left, while bearing right the rubbing and grinding lessened a lot. My mechanic said that he replaced front brakes & balanced wheels. The same situation still existed. He stated that my front axle needed to be replaced, & he would replace it when he came back from vacation. I explained to the mechanic that it was getting worse and if my children and I would be safe driving the vehicle until he returned, he said it would be fine to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10201876, filed 2007-09, 133,480 milesSteering: “Owner says that the floor mats bind up, causing the mats to tangle up with the intermediate steering shaft coupler, which could cause the vehicle to lose steering control. Currently the manufacturer recalled the 1998-99 sebring jxi convertible limited edition. The owner has a jx convertible which was not being recalled for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10109508, filed 2005-02, 88,900 milesBody and structure: “After having two hydraulic pistons for the convertible top replaced by the dealer=courtesy Chrysler,jeep of casselberry,florida=and paying $518 ,I proceeded to lower the top to check it out,I heard a snap or cracking noise and the top lowered into position on the passenger side while staying about six inches above proper seating. This happened in front of the repair mgr's office . The mgr and repair man claimed it was not their responsibility and they would fix it by buying another roof siderail and install it for another $1200.”
NHTSA complaint #10021139, filed 2003-06, 57,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chrysler Sebring Convertible 1996–1999, Dodge Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999 +6 more
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…
Recall details for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 23 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. 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.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. 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.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. 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.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10121832Nov 16, 2016Equipment. Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$…
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Electrical system. 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…
Other model years of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 39 | 55,173 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 62 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 24 | 48,115 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 121 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 120 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 78 | 81,163 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 92 | 75,112 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 52 | 73,200 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 77 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 68 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler Sebring Convertible model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible?
Owners of this model year most often describe front-end failures, including ball joints, a control arm, a tie rod and steering parts, and several of these reports involve vehicles above 100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Ball joint, control arm and steering failures; Floor shifter recall and unexpected shifter movement; Ignition fuse blowing or ignition lock failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible have?
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 9 complaints (17% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 9.
Has the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,200 miles and the middle half falls between 53,000 and 120,000 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.