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 1997 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: consumer received a recall notice in March for the transaxles floor shifter ignition park interlock. Consumer tried to make an appointment for the dealership. The following Saturday the car popped out of gear and hit a pole. The whole front end of the car was totaled. The passenger seat belt did not lock, and the both air bags did not deploy. Chrysler sent someone to look at the car, the Chrysler investigator said that everything looked fine. Consumer had to call him back from Chrysler after he came and looked at the car. Chrysler investigator sent a letter to the consumer stating that the incident did not look like it was a result of the recall.
1) the vehicle was parked outside securely (doors and windows closed properly, top closed properly, ignition locked and no keys in the car). 2) after a rain, I happened to walk by the car and heard it making loud strange noises that sounded like speaker amplified electrical arcing. The noise seemed to be coming from everywhere in the vehicle (no apparent point source). Suspecting some type of electrical problem I began pulling fuses with no effect on stopping the noise. I began smelling something burning and disconnected the car battery. The noises stopped immediately and the burning smell dissapated. 3) the dealer advises that there is a drain in the right rear quarter panel of the car that is not working and causes water to enter the passenger compartment. There is an amplfier under the front passenger seat for the infinity sound system that water had entered into. …
This car is garbage! I have had water leaks, had to replace complete fabric interior! The battery light now refuses to go off along with the engine light. I have gone through 4 batteries in a year, have replace the alternator and I still have problems. Not one shop, along with a dealer, can understand why this car will not run properly. The dealer who sold me the car told me it was too late for him to do anything about it. I also have the same problem as everyone else with the seat belt, drivers side. It no longer connects together. Dealer who sold me car stated the car was a 6 cylinder as does my title, found out recently that car is only 4 cylinder.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chrysler Sebring jxi. The contact stated that the odometer and gear lighting indicator failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that a loose electrical connection caused the odometer and gear light indicator to fail. The vehicle had not been repaired because the contact stated that when she drove over a bump in the road, the odometer worked. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The current mileage was approximately 40,000.
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!
Electronic odometer and tachometer display work intermittently. Dealer explains that it is common with this car model. Difficult to track service on the vehicle. Also will be difficult to sell with out fix which will be over $500 for instrument cluster and could involve individual gauges which will cost around $380. Chrysler should recall and pay for this.
Purchased 1997 Chrysler Sebring convertible. In 1998 the instrument cluster started to fail intermittently. The tachometer, and odometer fade in and out, out mostly. Cant see mileage, so cant sell car. Dealer says cost is about $600 to fix. And is common problem. If its so common, it should be a recall!!!
Electrical system failure. Computer will no longer "go to sleep" and drains the battery. The car must now be jump started with a portable booser pack that I carry in the car. Dealer claims the computer must be replaced at a cost of $1,000 plus to fix the problem.
In short, my '97 Sebring convt. (86,000 mi) is on its 3rd starter, needs a new fuel gauge & switch to light fog lamps (problem for va. Safety insp.). Also tach, speedometer, & other gauges have stopped functioning temporaily while car is moving.
Odometer and tachometer stop and start functioning intermittently. I understand this is a known and common probelm with this year/model. Why won't Chrysler recall and repair this obvious defect in the car?
Electrical complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 13% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chrysler Sebring electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 4 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.