Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
While driving at approximately 45 MPH, noticed smoke coming from the rear of vehicle. Pulled vehicle over to side of road and checked under the hood. Head gaskets were leaking oil from the engine. Drove vehicle to dealership, and mechanic confirmed what problem was. Had not had head gaskets repaired.
Known engine problems with chryslers 2.4l - 4 cylinder engines - defective head gaskets. We purchased a new 1997 Chrysler Sebring jx w/ 2.4l dohc 4 cylinder engine in March of 1998. Vehicle was purchased new and maintained by nalley Chrysler in roswell. Vehicle has a little over 19,000 actual miles and should not have any engine problems with this low mileage or use. Vehicle was inspected on several occasions for leaking coolant/oil mixture complained of leaks to service reps on several occasions, nothing found. At last recall - shifter linkage, asked service technician to check for coolant leaks was informed that 2.4l engine will need a new head gasket. Internet searches show many occurrences of problems with this 2.4l engine as heads are made of different material than block and they cool and heat at differing rates causing excessive movement and failure of the head gasket. …
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.
Strong gasoline odors came into vehicle from the outside when driver's side window was down. Vehicle had been to the dealer on two separate occasions, and they were unable to locate the cause of the problem.....paint on vehicle was fading-turning black to white. From inside rearview mirror consumer was not able to see back of vehicle. Seat belt on passenger's side had a broken seat belt retractor. In addition, passenger's leather seat was cracking, and stitching on convertible top was coming out.
Engine check light illuminated, indicating a malfunction within system, cause unknown.dealer replaced the oxygen sensor which did not correct the problem. I had the oxygen sensor replaced again along with a exhaust manifold- still did not correct the problem. Check engine light on again! Driving at about 65mph on busy highways the car just shuts down. Any information would be helpful.
Vehicle has excessive oil loss. Oil is spraying onto catalytic converter. Could not determine where oil was going. Dealer contacted and stated oil was coming from the head gaskets. Manufacturer reference no. 5380798. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
Timing belt tensioner failed @ 54,000 miles. Failure caused timing belt to jump which bent valves. Internet investigation shows Sebring has history of this failure. Manufacturer should cover repairs but won't. Don't buy cars or extended warranties from Chrysler.
While driving 60 MPH the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning and stalled out. The vehicle was pushed out of traffic. The vehicle was then towed to dealership. The dealer has not found the cause of the problem. Please provide information.
Recall 97V201000; lower ball joint with control on both sides, dealer stated that this vehicle's VIN number was not included in recall. Rotors, brake pads and calipers needed replaced. Vehicle experienced an oil leak. Locks do not work.
Engine cooling system failed , leading to complete engine failure (engine siezure). This vehicle has had all required schedualed maint and dealer states that every thing always checked out. On 04/01/98 the core plugs were checked per rec.
Engine complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 9% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chrysler Sebring engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.