Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
I was driving on the highway; all of a sudden my right dash speaker started on fire. I had a Bubbler in my vehicle, so I used that to put it out. Since then, my radio no longer works, nor does mileage show & gas gauge fluctuates, & cannot tell when it is actually empty.
I was driving my car & listening to music. All of a sudden my passenger side dash speaker started smoking, then was shooting fire. I had a Bubbler drink & splashed it across the dash onto the speaker. It was scary, as I thought my engine might blow up. I took it to the shop, but they were so busy, it sat for a week, & I finally said forget it(I would have been too costly) & I needed my vehicle to get to work. Many things failed after that; gas gauge; speedometer needle; right turn signal; & radio.Other things but just can't remember at the moment.
I just spent 12.95 on getting a car history report because my title says the car is a reconstructed,totaled title,but receiving your report it says they can't even find title and low and behold it isn't a reconstructed car????I'm confused ...what the hell did I pay for..the family doesn't know anything about this,it's there deceased mom's car..I'm writing you and complaining about this site,either I get the right report since I'm holding the title in my hand that says opposite of your findings,or my money back? I really wanted to find out why the car is reconstructed totaled title your site does not give anyone any other place to get ahold of your scam ,when someone has been took for there money and giving no information...
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.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Vehicle is totally unmodified! While sitting at a light, I heard a pop (like a balloon popping) and smoke and flame burst from under the hood. Fire department observed fire began in the area of the fuel line and spread into the dashboard. Possible cause was electrical failure causing ARC which compromised the rubber fuel hose.
My 1996 Chrysler Sebring convertible almost caught fire from the dash stereo speakers mid 10/05 .. Screeching noises came from my speakers and then smoke began to come out of them. I turned off the stereo and soon after went to my mechanic. When they turned my stereo on smoke came out of the dash speakers again. I asked them to pull the fuse so that it wouldn't happen again. On 2/16/06 I called Chrysler. I received a letter from them dated 2/21/06 stating that they would not do anything about it because the time or mileage warranty had expired. On recall sights I have found where there were recalls for the same problem in slightly newer models. This could have ended in injury or even death to myself and my two nieces that I was driving to school that morning. I am hoping that you can help me have the problem corrected by Chrysler. …
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.
While driving 70 MPH vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. Vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the wiring harness, electrical control module, and circuit breakers needed to be replaced, and replaced them. However, the problem recurred.
Driving the vehicle down the road and started seeing smoke coming from underneath the plastic of the gear shift indicator. Pulled vehicle over to the side of the road and called the fire department. The fireman said it was an electrical fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.
Electrical complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 12% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.