1997 Chrysler Sebring Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 14%of 210 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 14% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is a recall listed on your website (NHTSA campaign id #98v183000) in regards to a key issue. My vehicle is a 1997 Chrysler Sebring - 87000 original miles, I am the original owner and Chrysler is refusing to honor this recall, saying that my car is out of warranty and that the recall did not apply to my specific VIN# - please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10013789, filed 2003-04, 87,577 miles“My transmission is starting to fail at 62,000 miles. Why? My water pump was recently replaced. Then my engine light went on and the plugs and wires had to be replaced and the mechanic told me the transmission is staring to go. I have noticed that the engine is racing but the car is having a difficult time keeping up with the engine. Sure sign.”
NHTSA complaint #10000602, filed 2002-12, 15 miles“1997 Chrysler Sebring lxi 6 cyl. Transmission failed at 69,000 miles had to be replaced $1,808.00. Engine failed 86,000 miles $2,500. Had to be replaced. Aluminum wheels easily damaged replaced all 4. I would never in life by another Chrysler. Would not even take a free one! Bought in 1997 as a demo. Problems since 1 week of ownership. I don't look their direction when passing dealerships. Had a toyota camry for 3 years prior to Sebring. No maintenance issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10098664, filed 2004-11, 69,000 miles“While driving my 1997 Chrysler Sebring the car felt as if fell out of car and turned completely off. This happened on a major highway in nothern new jersey and cost several hundred dollars to be towed back to philadelphia. The problem is believed to be with the transmission, but there were no wornign signs and the car only has a little over 76,000 miles on it. My life and the life of the passengers were very much in danger since we were stranded on the highway for several hours until a tow truck arrived.”
NHTSA complaint #10146060, filed 2005-12, 76,000 miles“Dealer mechanic says transmission must be replaced with less than 80,000 miles on the car. Also stated that this is a typical problem at this mileage to the tune of over $2,000. Have also been told we can expect that the water pump fail about this mileage. Can't believe there is major problems such as these without Chrysler being investigated.”
NHTSA complaint #10037453, filed 2003-09, 79,640 milesRelated recalls
- 98V183000Aug 6, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the…Covers: Chrysler Sebring 1996–1998, Cirrus 1995–1998, Dodge Stratus 1995–1998 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9 | 10% |
| 2009 | 8 | 19% |
| 2008 | 48 | 20% |
| 2007 | 40 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 11% |
| 2004 | 23 | 10% |
| 2003 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 28 | 13% |
| 2001 | 20 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 33 | 19% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 29 | 14% |
| 1996 | 47 | 14% |
| 1995 | 13 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring
32 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology