1996 Chrysler Sebring: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring: 7 recalls, 343 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V123000 · 1996 · 22,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The power brake booster vacuum hose was improperly installed on the intake manifold vacuum nipple.
Why it matters: A disconnected vacuum hose causes an increase in engine idle speed and loss of power assist during brake application increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will fully install the intake manifold vacuum hose to the vacuum nipple on the intake manifold.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V015000 · 1997 · 39,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The electrical contacts in the power mirror switch can accumulate road salt due to water entering into the switch.
Why it matters: This can result in a high resistance short circuit and possibly cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power mirror switch with a newly designed switch.
Suspension Vehicle recall #97V201000 · 1997 · 599,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Why it matters: Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V183000 · 1998 · 685,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V066003 · 1999 · 165,857 vehicles
What's wrong: If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rubber boots, and if the boot is damaged, they will replace the lower lateral arm and ball joint on the affected vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #00V421002 · 2000 · 393,796 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #02V186000 · 2002 · 88,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l v6 engines, the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick.
Why it matters: This could potentially result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly. Owner notification began August 5, 2002.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Body & structure Recall #99I004000 · 1999 · 175,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the convertible top cover is not installed correctly, it can separate unexpectedly from the vehicle while driving.
Why it matters: If the cover separates while driving, it could distract the driver increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners will receive an improved convertible top cover instruction label and installation instructions.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E088000 · 2006 · 39,243 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between June 1 and September 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. These fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. Silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module.
Why it matters: Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E091000 · 2006 · 24,358 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain airtex fuel pump modules, p/nos. E7089m, e7094m, e7113m, and e7129m, manufactured between June 1 and September 24, 2006. These fuel pump modules were sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. Silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper valve restricting the flow of fuel to the fuel pump module.
Why it matters: Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E055000 · 2007 · 222 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain airtex fuel pump module assemblies, p/n e7081h, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The wall of the flared fitting of the fuel pump is not thick enough to prevent the mating threaded fittings from bottoming out before an adequate seal is achieved. This condition May result in leakage of fuel at the connection of the vehicle fuel line and the fuel pump module assembly.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: Airtex will notify owners and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007. Owners can contact airtex automotive at 800-880-3056.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (70): the most common themes are noise or vibration (15), steering problems (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (52): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (12), noise or vibration (12), leaks (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (47): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (17), noise or vibration (7), leaks (6).
- Body & structure (39): the most common themes are door / lock issues (7), leaks (7), rust / corrosion (3).
The 1996 Chrysler Sebring has 343 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 19 Sebring model years for complaints (2.3× the average Sebring year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (67 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 76,850 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (132 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (210 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, plus 5 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Chrysler Sebring problems?
Owners have filed 343 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (70), brakes (hydraulic) (52), transmission & drivetrain (47).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chrysler Sebring get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Chrysler Sebring repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.