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. When going into the corner I then bumped the transmission into neutral and turned the key off. I popped the hood, got out and could see no issue with the cable, still in it's factory location. No binds or kinks I then pushed down on the throttle linkage on the throttle body and it popped loose. I got back in and haven't had another problem since.
The worst 1998 Chrysler Sebring problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body65
- Brakes35
- Suspension26
- Acceleration23
- Wheels22
- Engine21
- Transmission21
- Airbags19
- Electrical16
- Visibility16
- Tires14
- Steering13
- Seat belts11
- Fuel system9
- Locks7
- Lights3
- Seats2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
Ball joint 16Door locks 15No deployment 12Grinding brakes 11Tire blowout 9Stalling 7Brake failure 5Sudden acceleration 5
Recalls 3
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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 added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v‑066.
- 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 joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.
Recall number 00V421002 · Recall details
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
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.
- Risk
- The throttle cable control would not return to idle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.
Recall number 98V045002 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
Defect investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
PE02082
Door panel/garnish separation
Alleged that the plastic garnish panels mounted on doors detach from their mountings, sometimes while the vehicle is in motion
PE00007
Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
EA99028
Steering shaft binding
There is no summary currently available
PE99030
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring 112
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the...
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard...
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to...
- Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision...
- Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead
- Return: Wiring Assy
- Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy
- 05182535AD
- CBXDP361AA
1998 Chrysler Sebring fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 27-29 | 22-23 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
What 1998 Chrysler Sebring owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle could be restarted; however, after several attempts the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the front driver side tire detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the lower ball joint and axle failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower arm control, lower ball joint, tie rod, and axle failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
I was going 55 miles per hour with cruise control set when I hit the brake my car started going faster and would not slow down I had to turn the key off and go into a field.
Axel and ball joint went out on me after buying this car within 48 hours.
History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers, richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front [under ] the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present. The last time I was there at whitten bros [5/2009] the recall which would have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified. I am the original owner and should have been notified of the recall by certified mail. Recalled announced 12/27/2010 by the federal safety agency. The federal safety agency reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...and k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..car can crash .at any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1‑877‑489‑6659. Safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified ,,I am the original owner and should have been recalled... Recalled announced 12/27/2010 the federal safety agency reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...and k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing.. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..car can crash .at any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1‑877‑489‑6659 safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
History of failed attempts of dealer [ whitten brothers,richmond,va ] to diagnosis this problem and correct it. Problem is a harsh noise coming from the front[under ]the car when a road pot hole or imperfection [substantial ] is run over. The noise is pronounced , indicating some type of defect must be present.. The last time I was there at whitten bros the recall which would have corrected this was not issued yet... Recall announced below ..I was never notified ,,I am the original owner and should have been notified with a recall letter. Recalled announced 12/27/2010 the federal safety agency reference # 10e059000 number affected : 22,689 suspension : front : control arm : lower arm federal-mogul : recalled replacement control arm assemblies parts #. K7425 , 10945 , fa4510x...and k7427 , 10946 , fa4611x note : these parts can fail causing the ball stud to wear thru the control arm housing resulting in noise and or separation of the ball stud from the control arm housing.. Resulting in the driver loosing steering control..car can crash .at any speed. Federal-mogul was to notify me and replace affected parts free of charge. Safety recall began 1/ 28 / 2011 call federal-mogul to verify this situation immediately..1‑877‑489‑6659 safety requires this situation is rectified as soon as possible.. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while attempting to decrease in speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,002.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler sebring. While parked, the contact noticed water leaking onto the front driver side floor board. Additionally, the distributor failed twice. The contact noticed a whining sound coming from the engine and an increase in the vehicle temperature. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Compare the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
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Questions about the 1998 Chrysler Sebring
Is the 1998 Chrysler Sebring reliable?
Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, 2.2 times a typical Sebring model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
Body and structure, with 65 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is brakes (35).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring have?
3 recalls, covering suspension, power train and vehicle speed control.
What year does the Chrysler Sebring have the most body problems?
The Chrysler Sebring model years with the most body complaints are 1998 (65 complaints), 1996 (39 complaints) and 1999 (31 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chrysler Sebring get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring range from 20 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27-29 highway.
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