Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
While driving on the highway at 60 MPH rear right tire blew out from the inside. This resulted in consumer losing control of the vehicle. Then, vehicle went off the highway and rolled onto a field. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic,who determined that the tire was defective.
Began hearing a light vibration in the seats of my vehicle as I was driving. I drove approx. 90 miles on it when part of the tire tread of my driver's side rear wheel began peeling off. It is a cooper cobra 91t p215/55r16 m45 radial gt that I purchased approx. At most 12,000 miles ago. I bought these two rear tires for my 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible. My front tires I purchased about 3 months ago but got a different brand. I pulled over on the side of the road as soon as it happened and changed the tire with my minitature spare tire. This all happened today.....no accidents/no injuries...the tire is still inflated..it is just missing the outer and a couple of inner layers of thread with numerous wires protracting out. The area effected is approx. 10 inches long...
All four rims are causing the tires to lose air pressure. Consumer had to replace air in right front tire every morning, left front tire once a week, and both rear tires every 3-4 weeks. Dealer was notified.
I have had nothing but problems out of this car!! The car was purchased in charlotte, but I live in spartanburg, so all service and maintenance had been performed at quality Chrysler (1030 n. Church st., spartanburg, sc 29303; phone: 864/596-4550). The transmission was not shifting correctly in 11/98, but they couldn't find anything wrong with it at the dealership. It would not move when put into reverse or drive. They finally found the problem in 6/98. Started having additional problems in 11/99, and they stated once again that there was not a problem. - the door panels have come off of both doors on numerous occasions. Blew a tire while driving approximately 25mph. Rim appears to have cut through side wall. - horn on right side of steering wheel does not work. This is a safety issue in that I couldn't alert a vehicle that was about to shift into my lane. …
I purchased this car on nov 2, 2003. When I purchased it, there was a rattling noise when you go over bumps, and also when the car goes up to 70 you could here a grinding like noise in (what I thought was the engine). They told me to go ahead and take the car and they scheduled me for service the following Friday. When I brought the car in, they said they didn't work on chryslers and sent the car to tuffy. When it was time to pick up the car, the guy tore up the bill of service and said you're all set, so I really don't know what was done. When I asked for a copy he said he didn't have it, but could it order it for me. When I drove home, the rattling noise under the front left side was gone, but when I got off the freeway and tried to make a left turn, the car pulled away in the opposite direction and didn't want to turn. I almost ran into a tree. …
I purchased precept touring tires at discount tire in July. I have had to have 10 of them replaced since that time. They are terrible tires and I have wasted not only a considerable amount of money but time as well. Every last one of them has a bad spot in it--they have all vibrated--and my car has perfect alignment. I even had everything checked out by my own mechanic after several trips to discount. My mechanic said he refuses to sell Goodyear because they have had so many problems with the tires. A mechanic from sam's club said the same thing--don't buy Goodyear. I only wish I had known this before I purchased the tires; the consumer products websites don't have this information...yet. Am not even sure the tires are safe.please do not use any of my contact info for any type of advertising or promotional purposes.
While drive from philadelphia pa to linthicum, md on I-95, my driver's side tire - which is 6 weeks old - blew out. My tire was not improperly inflated nor was I approaching or exceeding the manufacturer's recommended speed rating. Having to cross 4 lanes of traffic to safety, during rush hour on an interstate was more than hazardous, however I was able to control the vehicle preventing injury to myself, my passenger, or other commuters. I contacted the dealer where the tire was purchased who informed me that I had no recourse through their establishment or the manufacturer. This doesn't seem to be a legitimate statement considering that this type of defect endangers so many lives. Please investiage this incident and advise me what other course of action is available. (tiresize: p215/55r16)
I have had 4 flat tires since I purchase the vehicle less than a year ago. At first I thought it was the tires, but after the fourth flat, and seeing other complaints on this website, I realized it was the car. The rims bend, releasing air and the tires go flat. Then the rim wrecks the tire, and bends further. Essentially, it is a car that can't even be driven. The previous owner had to also replace all 4 tires but didn't tell me until later, and sold the car to me with only 10,000 miles on it. At $200 a peice, it really adds up. I have contacted Chrysler and they continue to drag their feet. I feel these cars should be re-called, especially after hearing the numerous complaints from other Sebring owners having the same problems. (tiresize: 2155017)( dot number: tire size: 2155017 )
Since purchasing my Sebring in May '98 I have had 6 flat tires. I have never had a flat before. After speaking with other Sebring owners it seems there could be a fault in the soft aluminum wheels. I have just had my second flat in the past 2 weeks and am afraid to get into the car. This is happening on 3 of my wheels,not just the same one. Usually it is a slow leak. I work for the airlines and I am out of the country quite a bit. This makes it even more strange as I probably drive half the miles of anyone else. Since purchasing the car from another person in May '98 I have driven only 15,000 miles. What should I do? Thanks. (dot number: ? Tiresize: oep215/50r)
All 4 wheels are bent on car from road pot holes. The rims are made from aluminum. They are to soft for the low profile good year tire that is on the car. Went the rim bends the tire belts break causing the car to vibrate. The Goodyear tire that is on the car is the only 17 inch tire that fits the car. I have checked out many other sebrings most of their rims are bent also. This is a very bad safty issue. I use my car to travel for my work.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1998 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1998 Chrysler Sebring, 11% of the model year's 319 complaints. The component named most often is rim (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Sebring wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.