Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
NHTSA recall 97V015000 manufacturer recall 717; car was parked and unoccupied and it caught on fire. Fire department came and put fire out. Cut all the wires, to make sure no other fire started. Specialist determined the cause of fire. Dealer and manufacturer contacted to investigate problem.
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.
This problem has almost cost me and my passenger our lives. It is not something that is reproducable on demand, but I have witnesses on the happenings. It happens at different speeds, different timings, but the amount of rain seems to be a factor. I have tried several times to resolve this at the dealer but since it is not reproducable they will not fix it. I reported this before my warranty ran out. I can not be taking chances during the rain and snowy weather an having my wipers just stop working. Roads are dark, many have no shoulder to pull off on and highways now do not have shoulders either. Please help me with this issue and getting it resolved.no safety defect listed.
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" .
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
After replacing head gasket, I now have rust deposits in the radiator fluid. The window in back falls with a thump when put down, and the brakes constantly squeak. My dealer told me there was a national back order on head gasket replacement parts, and that he had a whole parking lot waiting to be repaired.
Recall #717, power mirror switch, alleged repaired 03-20-97 according to Chrysler vip summary report. Return to dealer 12-01-09 due to all 4 positions not working. Invoice states "check recall #717," "no longer covered," "needs mirror switch." guess I'm suppose to buy the recalled mirror switch.
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.
While the vehicle was parked the consumer noticed that the convertible top was unraveling at the seams. The consumer contacted the manufacturer.
There is a leak that lets rain in the vehicle and causes moisture inside the vehicle that fogs up front windshield. When defogger is activated it gets worse. Dealer has been contacted.
Related recalls
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
The electrical contacts in the power mirror switch can accumulate road salt due to water entering into the switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power mirror switch with a newly designed switch.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Chrysler Sebring, 7% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler Sebring window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-015 (rearview mirrors/devices, Feb 10, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler Sebring window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.