Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On highway 69 I proceeded to passing a semi near craft road. After passing the semi I release my foot off of the throttle, but the car continued to accelerate. Finally at 102 MPH bouncing my foot on and off the pedal with no change. When going into the corner I then bumped the transmission into neutral and turned the key off. I popped the hood, got out and could see no issue with the cable, still in it's factory location. No binds or kinks I then pushed down on the throttle linkage on the throttle body and it popped loose. I got back in and haven't had another problem since.
The driver placed the key inside of ignition the vehicle was running but parked. The vehicle suddenly accelerated backward without warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. And was able to drive it home. The driver injured his shoulder. The driver will contact the dealer.
When disengaging the cruise control, accelerator pedal weent to floor. Driver had to use the emergency brake and shift to park to stop vehicle. Also, there was a fire in the engine compartment. The fire was put out by fire department. The vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further details.
When vehicle was started and placed into reverse it pulled off on its own while consumer had the brakes applied, backed into a building very fast, jumping at least seven feet in the air, and landing back on all four wheels before coming to a stop. The dealer has been contacted.
Dt: without warning the accelerator cable unraveled and the car kept accelerating. The caller had to put the car in neutral, then turn off the car, and pull off the road. Car was towed to dealer, who was evaluating the problem today. Manufacturer said to call NHTSA.
Cruise control from purchase didn't work, salesman told me I needed to be traveling 55 MPH for it work. Turned out, it was broken, cost me $100 to repair. One month after purchase, car dead, turned out it needed a batery. Dealership paid the cost. 2nd month after purchase, check enging light came on, car running sluggish and popping noise, turned out I needed a spark plug. I requested they change them all. They wouldn't. 3 months after purchase check enging light on again, car running very sluggish, popping noise again, filled up with gas, car wouldn't start, had to have it towed it. This is rediculous. I want to file a lemon. Law. I can't afford a $400/mo paymnet and pay for my car to be repaired on a monthly basis. What can I do?
Vehicle was placed in drive and accelerated on its own to a point where rubber was burned prior to hitting the vehicle parked in front. The automatic floor shift was then placed into reverse where the vehicle shot backwards for approximately 40 feet before hitting another parked vehicle, at that point the engine was shut down.
Rmps will rev up, and engine check engine light will come on . The dealer has replaced steering pump and switch. The dealer has been having trouble duplicating the problem. The power steering rack has been replaced and light has not come back on but vehicle performance has not improved. Manufacturer has been notified.
When stopping and engine reaches 750 RPM, engine surges by 300 RPM before decreasing to idle at about 650 RPM. If brake is not held tight, car will lurch forward and hit anything in front of it. Dealer says they do not know how to fix problem after several attempts, and with different dealers.
While driving on highway a t approx 30-40 MPH, got ready to slow down , and the vehicle started to accelerate. Applied brakes, and the rpms shot up to 4 or 5. Had to pull the emergency brakes in order to stop the vehicle.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.
Remedy: Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.
Acceleration complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, 8% of the model year's 319 complaints. The component named most often is cables (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Sebring acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V045002 (vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chrysler Sebring acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries and 1 death to speed control & acceleration 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.