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.
1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems
29 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 29
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 76,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission18
- Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3
- Manual transmission2
- Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines2
- Axle assembly: axle shaft1
- Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chrysler Sebring transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- 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 condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. A combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
- Risk
- If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
- 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.
Recall number 98V183000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Automatic transaxle ignition interlock
Alleged failure of the automatic transaxle ignition interlock system that either allows the ignition key to be removed when the transmission gear selector is not in the park position and the transmission gear selector to be shifted when the ignition key is removed or prevents theignition key from being removed when the transmission gear selector is in the park, or any other, position.
EA98014
What 1997 Chrysler Sebring owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle was parked inside of a garage , it jumped out of gear, and crashed into a parked car. Driver drove vehicle home and will contact the dealer the next day.
The transmission has been acting up since the car hit around 57,000 miles. I have had the transmission serviced, however, the engine keeps racing and the speed doesn't keep up. The car now has 87,000 miles on it and is slipping again.
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.
While driving at any speed and when shifting from first to second gear vehicle stalled. Consumer had a certified mechanic check the vehicle, and was told that transmission needed to be replaced.
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.
The vehicle failed to shift gears.
There is a recall listed on your website (the federal safety agency 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.
Chrysler 1997 lxi coupe, 11330 miles. Driving on highway transmission went and fillings from transmission got into radiator, had to replace both and chrysler dealer and zone office refused to help with cost, they told me car was out of warranty. Could accept if car was misused or had excessive mileage, car was garage kept and as you can see hardly ever used.
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.
Questions about the 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission
Does the 1997 Chrysler Sebring have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the transmission of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V183000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chrysler Sebring have bad transmission?
The Chrysler Sebring model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (48 complaints), 1996 (47 complaints) and 2007 (40 complaints).
Other 1997 Chrysler Sebring problems
Brakes 32Suspension 28Airbags 24Seat belts 23Engine 22Body 18Electrical 18Acceleration 16Visibility 14Wheels 14Steering 11Fuel system 6Tires 3Lights 2Seats 2Locks 1
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