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 1997 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, he was rear-ended by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the driver claimed that the brakes had failed on his vehicle and he was unable to stop. The contact stated that he sustained back and neck injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was informed that the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was a total loss by the other driver's insurance company. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed to collision repair centers. The contact stated that his vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage of both vehicles were unknown.
Dt: when the consumer attempted to apply the brake, the vehicle continued to accelerate and consequently, the consumer hit another motorist. The vehicle was also jumping out of gear due to the recall on the trans axle floor shifter/ignition park interlock.
On the date mentioned, I was driving at about 45mph when the accelerator cable failed and caused the vehicle to accelerate out of control. The vehicle raced to about 60 MPH even while I used the brakes to attempt to slow down. After a few minutes I knew I had to put the car in neutral and shut it off to stop the car.in the meantime I had to avoid other cars and stoplights as I couldn't stop. The short use of my brakes caused a fire and I put out with an extinguisher. Fire dept. Was called. No warranty, my big bill. I feel it was a part defect as the mechanic said he had never replace on in all his years. Please respond to this questionnaire. Thank you.
My car has had several failures in almost every aspect of the car. It has had 4 electrical failures, 3 brake failures, 4 mechanical, and 7 other problems. Basically the car has been a complete loss. I have been fighting Chrysler for 3 years and they refuse to help at all. I feel at 60,000 my car is completely unsafe to drive. It has caused one accident in which I still have neck problems. For more information please see my website at www.postalhistorystore.Chrysler.htm thank you!
While traveling on highway and without prior warning another vehicle was turning in front of consumer's vehicle. She applied brakes, and she ran into other vehicle. Upon impact, dual airbags didn't go off.
On 3/18/98, at 12,757 miles - front left & right rotors replaced, on 9/15/98, at 19,501 miles, front left & right rotors replaced, on 3/4/99 at 25,628 miles, all rotors replaced, on 6/24/99 at 29,499 miles, all rotors resurfaced, on 11/11/99 at 34,121 brake light on, low fluid, on 4/10/00 at 38,441 master cylinder replaced and all rotors resurfaced, on 11/10/00 at 44,958 scheduled another appt with dealer for brake work - Chrysler has yet to recall this vehicles brakes - there are 24 brake complaints on 1997 sebrings currently filed with NHTSA.
Whenever the brakes were in use the calipers failed to open. Vehicle would stop until noise indicated a problem with brakes. Would take to dealership & mechanic replaced brakes. The brake problem happened at least 5 times so far. Last time brakes just gave way & needed to use emergency brakes to stop vehicle. On 5th set of brakes. Also, remote control does not work/ both front windows glass distorted/replaced spark plugs/replaced transmission interlock system/replaced noisy front end/replaced starter, and realigned driver's side door hinge.
I have called the Chrysler corporation about the draining holes of my Sebring and they have said there is no problem. I've asked a couple of people and they said that the holes are too small. My car will get destroyed at this rate. When it was still under warranty they could not figure out the problem at the dealer they thought it was from the convertible top or the seals of the windows. Now I know what the problem is but they say there are no recalls on this problem. I don't know what to do anymore.
We have replaced the brakes and pads several times in the past 2 years. The brakes only last 3-4 months then they go out and crumble in the hand of the mechanics. There is a definate problem here and we would like some assistants in the correction of it. Please contact me at the given address or phone number. Thank you.
The defective braking system warped out several times. Had replaced the braking system 4 times. Had a 1996 Sebring had the same problem, had to replace braking system 6 times. Dealer said the 1997 Sebring had a new braking system, but the problem is still occurring. Dealer cannot determine problem.
Brake complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 12% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chrysler Sebring brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 6 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 1997 Chrysler Sebring brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 3 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.