Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
On May 5, 2005 while on interstate 95 in virginia the low ball joint on the right front side of my 1996 Chrysler Sebring seperated from my vehicle causing me to lose control on the vehicle and stopping in the fast lane on the busy interstate highway unable to move it causing damage to the body of the vehicle and the transmission, the year before the same thing happened to my vehicle due to a recall on the ball joints and it was replaced in a rush by a Chrysler dealer, when it happened in May Chrysler refused to repair the recall and refused to pay for my rental car fees and I could not afford to repair the vehicle or pay for the rental car and now I have no vehicle all because of shoty work done by Chrysler.
NHTSA campaign 00V421002; daimler Chrysler issued a lower ball joint recall. This vehicle is not included in the recall. The consumer was driving 55 miles per hour when all of a sudden he heard a popping noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The consumer lost control of the vehicle before coming to a complete stop on the side of the road. The consumer took the vehicle to the shop and results showed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Ball joint snapped and resulted in the wheel turning sideways. As a result the driveer lost control of the vehicle. When vehicle finally came to rest the tire was totally destroyed and under carriage sustained damage.
On December 2000, the lower control arms of the suspension of my 1996 Chrysler Sebring were replaced. The replacement was due to noise and steering problems of the car. The lower control arms were then replaced due to the complaint and a recall on the lower control arms. On 26 January 2004, the lower control arm on the drivers side of the car failed as I drove in downtown atlanta. The failure caused the cv axle to dislodge from the engine and damage the braking system and body of the car. I the proceeded to contact Chrysler for an investigation. The case # is 120-241-89. The investigation was conducted 9 February 2004.
Last week while driving in my 1996 Chrysler Sebring on the freeway my lower ball joint disconnected from my car sending car out of control. The wheel ended up underneath my car the rim spark and lighted the tire on fire. I fractured my knee in the accident and have extensive damage to my vehicle I dont not feel safe in this car, I am filing a suit against Chrysler this should of never happened. I need info on how to deal with this matter
Was driving down the road approximately going 65 MPH. The front drivers side lower ball joint broke, causing the whole front of vehicle to drop to the ground. Slide a cross two lanes of traffic and 1 block later vehicle came to a stop. Also having problems with rear struts. I have had all parts replaced. The only damage to vehicle is the paint scrapes to the front lower part.
Dt: June 30 2005 the left front ball joint broke while driving. The consumer was driving 35 MPH. There was a noise, sparks were flying, and the consumer lost steering control and bounced off a curve. There were no warning lights on the vehicle. The vehicle was recently inspected in May and no problems were reported. There was a recall, but the consumer was not aware of it. The consumer noticed there was a corrosion problem with the ball joint. The consumer didn't have the recall number. The vehicle is now having repair work done. Chrysler is willing to pay the repairs. The bearings had to be replaced, the left front wheel bearing was replaced twice.
The consumer received recall notice in 1999. NHTSA's recall # 99V066003. When taken to get serviced, they did not service the vehicle, they only inspected it. The consumer was told that the ball joints where fine. Recently, the consumer was involved in an incident where he was driving on the highway at approximately 55 MPH. The front left ball joint broke causing him to loose control of the vehicle, he was able to avoid an accident. He again took the vehicle to get serviced and was told that they would only cover the ball joints and not the additional damage.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle shook, which caused a loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, who determined that the rubber on the front lower ball joints had split. There was a NHTSA recall # 99V066003 which pertained to the lower ball joint. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH the front right tire flipped sideways, the front drive shaft sheered off the oil filter and knocked it from the manifold. This occurred on an icy road during normal braking without warning. The vehicle was pulled to the contacts home. The dealership and manufacturer was notified however, no repairs have been made.
While turning, the front passenger side lower ball joint failed. The consumer had the vehicle towed to a dealership. The dealership's mechanic repaired the problem once, but the consumer is still experienced having problems. Recall number 97v-201-000. Please provide more information.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
Remedy: 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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.
Remedy: 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 › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Lower contrtol arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
Suspension complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 20% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (50 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V421002 (lower ball joint, Dec 18, 2000); NHTSA recall 99V066003 (lower ball joint, Apr 5, 1999); NHTSA recall 97V-201 (lower ball joint, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to suspension 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.