Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Drivers side window, electrical issues, ABS, drivers side window has been repaired by dealer 4 times. Still not fixed, leaks water, electrical issues with door locks and lights coming on and off, and lighter also previously repaired, still a problem, brakes and rotors must be changed once a year, leaks oil. Minor accident a few years ago due to suspected brake issues however, this happened a couple of years ago and too late to prove what I know.
When it rained, water leaked inside the vehicle. Dealer repaired drain hoses at rear. Burning wire smell with heater on. Lack of power. Radio inoperative. Erratic operation of the dash lights. Mirror lights stayed on when vehicle was shut off. Dealer inspected electrical connections to heater. Checked wiring under dash and found OK. Disconnected sterio power amp and reset body control module.
1996 Chrysler Sebring has problems with roof leaking, front passenger tire separating from the vehicle as well as problems with the transaxles floor shifter/park interlock which caused driver to hit nine cars and be ejected through the windshield. There was a recall regarding the park /neutral start switch being faulty. The consumer wants daimler Chrysler to compensate her for another vehicle.
2.4 head gasket. Exhaust manifold. Mileage illumination. Popping noise front suspension. Rattle rear suspension, poping when lft door glass window put up.low fuel lite . Car only has 46805 miles when you can read mileage
1. Structure/frame/body -- water gets into the car and collects under the back seat cushion and on the floor. It has been reported to the dealer and attempts to fix have been unsuccessful. The water gets in at numerous locations and has been observed running over electrical connections and switches. There is also a concern about eventual corrosion and rust damage that could compromise the integrity of the seatbelt bolts because of the water. This problem was detected about nine months ago -- but there is no determination as to how long before that period it had been occurring. 2. Brakes/shoes (pads)/rotors -- the front brake pads have had to be replaced every 6,000 - 12,000 miles since about 17,000 miles on the car. It currently has about 58,000 miles on it. The recommended Chrysler mopar pads separate and fail. …
Consumer has had several problems with vehicle. Brakes do not work, they grind and the pads keep wearing and have to be replaced, dealer stated the problem was with the calipers. Water is leaking into the vehicle due to sunroof being cut too short during recall 99i004, consumer feels there might have been previous problems with water leaking due to a rusted fuse. Speedometer does not work. There is a transmission leak. Air conditioner does not work. Engine light is illuminated. Windows still don't work properly. Mirrors do not work properly after recall 97V015. Vehicle gets poor gas mileage, dealer stated the spark plugs were burnt and fouled, spark plug wires were breaking down and arcing in tubes causing a build up in the throttle body.
Took car in to 3 different dealers to have them fix water leaks & air whistling and none could fix it. They said there was a flaw in the design of the top. They tried spraying foam on edge, adding an elastic strap (#8894 part), tried adjusting top - none of these exercises worked. Now yet another dealer in joplin too tells us there's nothing that can be done as it's a flaw in the design/construction. There is also a whistling in the A/C system or vents when A/C is on and driving 40+ miles an hour. Several times while driving in "d" the transmission doesn't shift out of low gear.
We compalined to our local service dealer, croton Dodge in croton ny of a water leak from the car wash, the dealer discovered that the arm supporting convertible roof had cracked completely all the way through. Dodge says that because it is a frame problem and because of the mileage they are not responsible. Since when does a vehicle owner have to protect himself from metal failure of a car frame? Isn't it reasonable to expect a car frame to last the life of a car? Croton Dodge has estimated this job to cost well in excess of $2500. Your assistancew is greatky appreciated.
Window problem has been ongoing since the date of purchase (lease), windows have been replaced but still leak. Passenger power door lock does not work, must be manually operated 50% of the time, dealer could not diagnose problem, top motor and hydraulic pumps went out after putting the top down for the first time in the summer. Car has been out of commission over twenty times during possession...it was a demo, not a true "used car" .
This car is a nightmare when it rains. I traveled one and a half hours in a storm. The water on the back drivers side floor where I had clothes in a small pile..they were literally floating from so much water that was pouring in. At any time that I had to stop at a light the water would then come to the front in a huge wave of water. What the heck is that?
NHTSA investigations
Convertible top cover disengagement
Odi has received three reports alleging disengagement of the convertible top cover from the subject vehicles while driving.
Convertible top cover disengagement
Alleged that the convertible top cover May disengage from the subject vehicles while driving.
Body complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the body & structure of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 11% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is body › roof and pillars (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Sebring body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.