1998 Chrysler Sebring Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 8%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, 8% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Upon attempting to start the car, I had to put the car in neutral or jiggle the gear in park in order to start the car. I replaced the starter thinking that was why the car would not start. I was informed by several auto part stores that I would have to replace the neutral safety switch, had that replaced and the car still would not start. I had my car towed to ganley dodge to have them put the transmission back into my car, which cost me $70 plus $180 diagnostic. The ganley dodge gave me a quote of $3500 for a new transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239681, filed 2008-08, 149,000 miles“I purchased this car on nov 2, 2003. When I purchased it, there was a rattling noise when you go over bumps, and also when the car goes up to 70 you could here a grinding like noise in (what I thought was the engine). They told me to go ahead and take the car and they scheduled me for service the following friday. When I brought the car in, they said they didn't work on chryslers and sent the car to tuffy. When it was time to pick up the car, the guy tore up the bill of service and said you're all set, so I really don't know what was done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071108, filed 2004-01, 66,944 miles“I am the owner of a 1998 Chrysler Sebring, and recently have had problems with the transmission (automatic) not shifting correctly. We took the vehicle in to have it checked out and the shop said that this is a common problem with this vehicle. They said that when the ect module inside the transmission goes bad, it causes the whole transmission to burn out. We took the vehicle to the local Chrysler dealer to get a second opinion and they too confirmed that the transmission had gone bad, due to the module going out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000331, filed 2002-12, 112,325 miles“Recall 98v183000 concerning ignition key shift interlock: after having recall repairs done on august 27, 2004 vehicle came out of park while parked at an incline. Vehicle rolled down through some tree line and landed in a ditch. 9 year old grand child , who was in the vehicle, sustained injuries to the neck, rib and both ankles, and was transported by an ambulance to a local hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #10089605, filed 2004-08, 95,000 miles“Consumer received recall 98v183000 for the shift interlock. Took vehicleto dealer, and was told upon her arrival, that recall repairs for had been performed in febuary 2005. Consumer had not taken vehicle to dealer prior to the incident date.”
NHTSA complaint #10115923, filed 2005-03, 78,000 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 1998 Chrysler Sebring
65 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsTires
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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