Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tie rod fell off. Started engine, proceeded to pull out of parking place and the tie rod fell off. Since Chrysler now makes tie rods so that they cannot be lubricated, they dry up and the end just drops off. I am fortunate that I was not driving down the highway 50 miles an hour when this happened. There is absolutely no forewarning of a problem until it happens. My mechanic also noticed that Chrysler has installed a heat shield between the tie rods and brakes. I have saved the parts and I have notified Chrysler of this situation. I have 78,000 miles on my car. I truly feel that the tie rod fell off due to a manufacturing defect or flawed design -- I am notifying you in the hopes that this will be looked into so that no one gets killed while driving down the highway. As I said I was very fortunate, the next person or family May not. …
Loss of control/steering on car. First incident was traveling on highway approx. 45 MPH and needed to break suddenly. Car lost control and began to fishtail. Luckily was able to gain control. Second instance was traveling approx. 65mph went to merge into right lane and noticed a vehicle there. Jerked the car back into my lane (no brakes applied at that time) and the car lost control again and began fishtailing uncontrollably. . Could not gain control this time and ended up hitting the middle barrier of the expressway resulting in another car hitting mine. Crash could have been a lot worse. Am now waiting for Chrysler investigator to determine if this is a result of a recall. But, will bring to independant mechanic for their opinion first. Just curious if this has happened to anyone else.
Dt*: the consumer stated both tie rod ends fractured on two separate occasions. The first time, while backing out of the driveway, the front tires went in opposite directions and the vehicle would not move forward or backward. The tie rod end was replaced. The same failure occurred on the other side and the contact repaired the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined the sealed pivot joints were not lubricated and resulted in these failures.
The vehicle's rh tie rod was extremely rusted and pitted. As a result the tie rod failed while the consumer was backing out of a parking space. The consumer had both tie rods replaced.
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. …
Recall #750 front lower control arm ball joint alleged repaired 02-10-98. This is a new (10-08-09) recall. Due to my vehicle was at the dealer, it was asked if the numbers of the ball joints and control arms numbers could be checked to see if original Chrysler or aftermarket quality parts were used. Though this is a serious safety issue, loss of steering, the service advisor advised I'd need to check the original repair order (02-10-98). The original owner is deceased. So I guess I should crawl under the car and look for wherever these parts are, let alone the numbers, or pay someone else to check them, or just hope Chrysler had and used their own parts.
After dealership examined vehicle for previous suspension recalls and found nothing wrong on vehicle in 1999, consumer was starting to accelerate from a stop sign and turning right. Front right lower control arm disconnected from vehicle, and right front wheel kicked out from vehicle also, tie rod separated, and passenger's side axle became dislodged from transaxle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
When windows are rolled up, either front or back window will get caught behind the other, not allowing the occupants to exit. Manufacturer has been notified. Windows leak, brakes make noise and sometimes feel like they catch, electric mirrors inoperative, water standing in the drivers rear taillight cover, alarm system inoperative. Nlm
Front suspension would wearout excessively. Front wheel bearings had to be replaced. Also, lower left ball joint/ outer tie rod end/ sway bar link, and bushings were replaced by mechanic. In addition, head gaskets were leaking water and oil, and they were replaced.
This car has never been right and the car manufacturer has not been helpful nor will they acknowledge failed parts or discuss the problem. Begnal motors has been hostile and has claimed the vehicle rides as it should, the steering shaking is normal, etc.
Steering complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 5% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.