Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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.
Letter sent to Chrysler with all details (file number 5441396)(copy available on request). I braked, car stopped momentarily, then started to slide as though on ice. Brake pedal did not go down all the way to the floor & I was still applying pressure as the car continued forward. First time just went thru stop sign. Second time (10 minutes later), I had the same problem and hit a car. Estimated damage given was only to their car. Did not estimate mine. Chrysler's independent advisor said nothing was wrong with the brakes. Don't know what they checked but they said they wouldn't do any more. Terrified to drive car again. Traded it in to another dealer for a different brand. They considered the estimated damage in the trade-in price. I hope nobody gets killed next time. …
On the engine I had the pulley on the timing belt come apart and just last month I had the head gasket start to leak from the back. Timing belt 28,000 head gasket 37,500. I have had to replace all 4 tires that where on the car. All by 29,000 miles--some earlier and then later. The brakes were replaces at the same time as the timing belt pulley. I knew they needed replacement and had an appointment to get them replaced when the timeing belt went out. It is a 1996 but I only have 37,500 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact crashed the vehicle into a ditch. There were no injuries. The independent mechanic repaired the brake chamber, both rear brake lines, and the adjuster; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Brakes failed 7 months after dealer installed new brake booster vacuum hose as result of a chyrsler recall. When brakes failed front bumper struck the rear bumper of a Jeep. While traveling at approx. 10 MPH, the Jeep only experienced minor damage. Within seconds of collision, the engine of my vehicle caught fire - resulting in a total loss of my vehicle. Believe this is due to manufacturer defects.
Driving vehicle about 35mph & started to apply brakes; heard loud popping noise; after leaving toll booth, another vehicle cut off Sebring; hit brakes hard, heard popping sound; brakes didn't catch; went into spin & hit retainer wall, front end came up & smashed windshield; seat belt came unlatched upon impact; air bag did not deploy.
Consumer was approaching a traffic light applied brakes when the pedal traveled to the floorboard, resulting in a collision. Twenty seconds after the collision the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment, cause of the fire undetermined. Please provide any further details.
Brakes failed and immediately went to the floor when braking somewhat hard while hwy traffic was slowing quickly. If I hadn't pulled the emergency brake quickly, there is no telling what might have happened to my family and I. Brake lines rusted through.
While driving vehicle hit another car in the rear and totaled the veihcle and neither air bag deployed. The dealer said that the body sensor had been pushed back 2-21/2 feet.a lso the dealer said that there was no air code in the computer system.
While driving applied brakes and nothing happened, vehicle went into a spin, hit a stone wall. Police report stated vehicle had no brakes. Fluids checked okay. Dealer contacted and does not accept responsibility for the incident. Ml
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
The power brake booster vacuum hose was improperly installed on the intake manifold vacuum nipple.
Remedy: Dealers will fully install the intake manifold vacuum hose to the vacuum nipple on the intake manifold.
Brake complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 15% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-123 (power assist, Jul 2, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Sebring brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.