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 1998 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke escaping from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and then noticed fluid leaking from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the technicians stated that three of the freeze plugs needed to be replaced because they were extremely corroded. The mechanic stated that enough pressure had built up to cause all the liquids to release simultaneously. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 129,939.
I have this car from 2011, I went to the dealer on bakersfield ca, to program the alarm pager, they change the shift part because have a recall, after that day my car start to stop, check engine light goes off, I change the speed sensor on the transmission, the cramchack sensor, the distributor, the map sensor, the EGR valve, the fuel pump and fuel filter, all the relays, the car works for a little and start to stop suddenly, anywhere. Some times I go to the store to buy groceries, he start to shake from the suspension, and the car stop 2 or 3 times, on one trip. On August 15 I went to bakersfield to see my doctor because I'm permanently disable, and the car stop on the freeway at speed of 65 miles, I let the car for a wile resting and after that he start again, when I go out on union exit the car stop again, today I went to the market and I have to push the car all the way to my home. …
I purchased a 1998 Chrysler Sebring lxi the car has numerous problems, one is the control arm in the vehicle. This is a list of other evac problems - I was told that there was a recall on my vehicle for various problems - please advice - need help - called Chrysler dealerships and first they said my vehicle was not affected - then they tell me they can charge me $149.00 to reset the computer catalyst(g)/nmhccatalyst(d) evaporative system(g)/ unsupportive(d) 02 sensor(g) exhaust gas sensor(d) 02 sensor heater (g) pm filter (d) EGR/vvt (g,d) po455 evaporative emission system leak detected (large leak) my headlamps are yellow and my rear window looks like there is some kind of mold sandwiched into the glass and defrost...almost impossible to see out of at night.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Sebring. While parked, the contact noticed water leaking onto the front driver side floor board. Additionally, the distributor failed twice. The contact noticed a whining sound coming from the engine and an increase in the vehicle temperature. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the engine would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
While driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle felt like it was hesitating, consumer heard noises, then the vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle ,drove it for about 100 feet ,heard explosion ,vehicle had caught on fire in the engine, which resulted in total loss of control. Chrysler investigator felt power steering fluid leaked on top of cataylic converter, causing fire.
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.
After the dealer had the car for 2 days and said there was no problem the car again went totaly dead, but this time while being driven on a mountin road. Th electrical system completely failed, resulting in no headlights as well as no ABS or power steering and my employee hit a telephone pole.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while attempting to decrease in speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,002.
While in the drivewa a large amount of oil leaked under the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic determined that the cylinder gasket broke, and caused the oil to leak out of the engine. The cylinder gasket must be replaced.
While driving at 35 MPH vehicle was on fire and the consumer smelled smoke. Pulled to the side,and noticed vehicle was filled with smoke. Consumer popped open the hood, and the saw the fire. Consumer put out the fire on his own.
Engine complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, 7% of the model year's 319 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Sebring engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 4 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 1998 Chrysler Sebring engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 129,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury 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.