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 1999 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 24, 1020 belmont st, brockton, ma, 02301) where it was diagnosed that there was a fracture in the camshaft timing and that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that it was a safety hazard to work on the vehicle due to its condition. The vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Car will stall at any speed. Will restart after about 15 tries. Happens after filling tank. 1st thought it was bad gas. But tried different stations. Same problem. Sporadic. Often happens when I shut off car and then attempt to start it again a few minutes later. Doesn't seem to be a problem when the car is cold. Very dangerous situation on high speed roadways.
Under normal operating conditions,the sparks plug wires for the 3 rear cylinders are routed in a manner that puts them on top of the fuel rail,in the odd occurrence the sparks plug wires fail they can send a shock of electricity at the fuel rail causing it to short out the ignition and causing a fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. Prior to purchasing the vehicle, the contact was not informed by the dealer that the vehicle needed extensive repairs. The contact requested reimursement. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 200,000.
I was starting the car - it started ran for 30 to 45 seconds then stalled. I turned the motor over again and the car burs into flames. The car burned to the ground before the fire department got there.
On 4/22/04 I took my 1999 Chrysler severing convertible to be services because the ac didn't seem to be cooling and there was a grinding noise in the front drivers side wheel. Turns out the rack & pinion steering is shot, the cooling core is cracked and the cooling sensor is not functioning properly. Repairs would total more than $2100 to fix. Requested a front end alignment and took vehicle home to consider options. Two days later vehicle failed when started, 'service engine soon' light came on, speedometer didn't work, and vehicle was stuck in 2nd gear. Found out that both transmission sensors are bad, there is silver sludge in transmission and I need new front brakes. This vehicle has 48,000 miles on it. Has been services according to manufactures recommendations and I can't wait to get rid of it.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a noise similar to that of a tire failure and then the engine shut off. There was no power steering and all of the warning lights illuminated. She attempted to restart the vehicle and all of the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a gas station. The mechanic observed that there were metal fragments in the oil pan. The manufacturer issued reference number 16870242 and stated that because she is the third owner of the vehicle and has no warranty, they could not be of assistance. The fuel system and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 86,000.
The consumer received a recall notice(00V421002) lower ball joint boot. After the work was done the consumer had an accident. The consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. The driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and hit a curb. The vehicle stalled and the driver was unable to restart. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The driver went to the hospital on his own. The problem has been undetermined at this time. Chrysler service manager faulkner. The vehicle stalled and the gear shift failed which May have caused the accident. Per inspection, the steering was found damaged. Refer to recall#01i012000.
This car is a death trap and needs to be investigated. Car will lose all power, steering, and brakes while traveling at speeds up to 55mph. This is very dangerous and I almost killed myself because of this issue. I have taken the car to 3 mechanics and they cannot diagnose the problem. Chrysler won't even return my calls regarding the issue, which I've researched and found hundreds of others with this same problem. This is a huge safety hazard and Chrysler should take responsibility for whatever it is that is causing this to happen. I'm wondering if I can take legal action against them. This is absolutely unacceptable.
When accelerating to approximately 50 MPH my 1999 Chrysler Sebring jxi has recently started to shudder at 3-4 gear changes. Was advised by mechanic that torque converter is going out. About 2 months prior tachometer started moving irratically. Dealership advised guages needed to be reset, but problem has persisted. Although possibily unrealated, this afternoon (day after seeing mechanic for torque converter problem), my car began to overheat while idling for only 2-3 mins. I immediately turned off ignition, and had car towed to dealership. I am waiting for a diagnosis.
Engine complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring, 9% of the model year's 264 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chrysler Sebring engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 2 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 1999 Chrysler Sebring engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 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.