Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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: was driving at an unknown speed and pulled in front of a bowling alley to pick up another passenger. Turned the engine off with key in ignition, within a matter of seconds the vehicle began to roll forward. The car gained speed and was too quick before the consumer could gain control. The vehicle went down an incline and crashed into a parking lot pole. The air bags did not deploy. Both passenger had seat belts on but passenger seat belt did not remain locked and passenger struck the windshield, this did not unlatch but a great deal slack came from that seat belt. Had received a recall on the transaxles floor shift(no NHTSA recall camp id# available) this recall had not been performed. …
Dt: the contact received a recall letter on 3-15-05 concerning the trans axle floor shifter ignition/park interlock she called at the end of March or the beginning of April and made an appointment to have vehicle checked. On 5-7-05, before the scheduled appointment, the vehicle popped out of gear and hit a pole. And the estimated damage was $8,700. On 5-12-05 Chrysler sent an investigator to check the vehicle . The consumer was not present at the inspection, but someone else who was at the inspection claimed that the investigator tried to start the car and it wouldn't start. He did not think the trans axle floor shifter ignition/park interlock had anything to do with the crash. The consumer did not agree, stating that the driver and the passenger were injured in the crash. Neither the seat belts nor the air bags worked in the crash.
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.
While driving my 1997 Chrysler Sebring the car felt as if fell out of car and turned completely off. This happened on a major highway in nothern new jersey and cost several hundred dollars to be towed back to philadelphia. The problem is believed to be with the transmission, but there were no wornign signs and the car only has a little over 76,000 miles on it. My life and the life of the passengers were very much in danger since we were stranded on the highway for several hours until a tow truck arrived.
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!
1997 Chrysler Sebring lxi 6 cyl. Transmission failed at 69,000 miles had to be replaced $1,808.00. Engine failed 86,000 miles $2,500. Had to be replaced. Aluminum wheels easily damaged replaced all 4. I would never in life by another Chrysler. Would not even take a free one! Bought in 1997 as a demo. Problems since 1 week of ownership. I don't look their direction when passing dealerships. Had a Toyota camry for 3 years prior to Sebring. No maintenance issues.
Chrysler 1997 lxi coupe, 11330 miles. Driving on highway transmission went and fillings from transmission got into radiator, had to replace both and Chrysler dealer and zone office refused to help with cost, they told me car was out of warranty. Could accept if car was misused or had excessive mileage, car was garage kept and as you can see hardly ever used.
Dealer mechanic says transmission must be replaced with less than 80,000 miles on the car. Also stated that this is a typical problem at this mileage to the tune of over $2,000. Have also been told we can expect that the water pump fail about this mileage. Can't believe there is major problems such as these without Chrysler being investigated.
My transmission is starting to fail at 62,000 miles. Why? My water pump was recently replaced. Then my engine light went on and the plugs and wires had to be replaced and the mechanic told me the transmission is staring to go. I have noticed that the engine is racing but the car is having a difficult time keeping up with the engine. Sure sign.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock May fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock May also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
NHTSA investigations
Automatic transaxle ignition interlock
Alleged failure of the automatic transaxle ignition interlock system that either allows the ignition key to be removed when the transmission gear selector is not in the park position and the transmission gear selector to be shifted when the ignition key is removed or prevents theignition key from being removed when the transmission gear selector is in the park, or any other, position.
Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, jx and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an…
Transmission complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, 12% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-021 (floor shift, Jan 13, 2004); NHTSA recall 98V-183 (park/neutral start interlock switch, Aug 6, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.