Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
I drive a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. Early summer 2004, the driver seat belt failed to work regularly. Chrysler paid to replace the seat belt assembly in aug 2004. Early this year, both front seat belts became unreliable, failing to "pull out" about 75% of the time. In late March 2005, it was diagnosed by norman chrsyler Jeep Dodge and a seat belt module was ordered on March 30, 2005. Chrysler offered to pay all but $50 for the repair. The problem is that 6 weeks later, the part is still on national backorder with no estimated delivery date. As of week ending May 6, 2005, neither the dealership nor Chrysler corp can offer any assistance in obtaining the part. Meanwhile, I live way out in the country where I drive on 65 MPH country roads everywhere I go with no front seat belts about 75% of the time. …
I own a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible that all the seat belts lock in the retracted position for no apparent reason. This occurs randomly and lasts for a week or more at a time. I use the car very little because of this. The local dealer mike famous (now closed) said it would be about $700 to repair. I think this is unacceptable since this is of safety in nature. I consider seat belts a valuable protective device that should not fail like this ever. I don't have any chance of using seat belts when I want to use the car. If I go out to use the vehicle and the belts are locked I don't use it. Not to mention seat belt laws and the ticket I would get .
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The contact started the ignition and attempted to engage the front driver side seat belt, the shoulder belt and lap belt webbing would not extract. The front passenger side belt exhibited the identical failure. The contact was able to manually secure the seat belt with tape and a clip. An authorized dealer was notified and the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the timing module. The contact was concerned about the safety risk involved. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 173,000. Updated 09/22/10. Updated 09/23/10
Both front seat belts lock up and do not release. It does this intermittently but mostly does not work properly. When they do work they tighten & tighten to the point of almost being painful. Mechanics do not know why this should happen unless it is the seat belt control module which can only be done by a dealer. One word "expensive!" this is a safety & law issue and should be the responsibility of the manufacturer for faulty safety product and operation. After my research I see many of the same issues with the seat belts over and over. This is a repetitive problem.
Purchased a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible for my daughter. The front seat belts were knotted near the seat back rest. Without my knowledge, son and daughter un-knotted the seat belts which retracted all the way in. Both seat belts are now locked and cannot be retracted. Took to a mechanic and he was unable to repair it. Due to safety concerns, not comfortable allowing my daughter to drive the car. Through my research online this seem to be a common problem for this particular car and serious consideration need to be given to issuing a recall.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The contact stated that the seat belts do not work in his vehicle. He cannot remove the seat belts from the harness in order to lock in place and provide restraint. The seat belts have been working intermittently on both sides of the vehicle for approximately two years. The contact took his vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it would cost $1,000 to repair. He cannot drive the vehicle and will not pay that amount of money to repair the seat belts. The failure mileage was 122,800.
Rear seat belt inertial lock does not work. Although the car is a 1999, it only has 17K miles. This defect precludes safe and proper placement of a child safety seat in the back seat --> placing the child safety seat in the front passenger seat is cause for concern since there is no "off" switch for the SRS. I am also concerned for the safety of passengers in the rear seat; if the shoulder belt does not lock in an accident, forward motion kinetic injury is sure to result and will be greater than if the shoulder belt worked.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The contact stated that when the seat belt has been used once, it would not retract again. The failure began on September 14, 2007 and occurs intermittently. Both the front driver and passenger side seat belts were affected. The dealer stated that there were no recalls available and the repair would be her responsibility. The seat belt repair would cost $300. The current mileage was 109,000 and failure mileage was 108,800. Updated 04/24/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that the seat belts would not detach from the hook and the seat belt would not retract. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,480 and the current mileage is 139,500 updated 11/14/11 the consumer stated the seat belts will not come out of the seat. Updated 11/21/11
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The contact stated the seat belt rollers on the front driver and passenger sides were locked up and the belts could not be extended to secure an occupant. The manufacturer stated there were no recalls for the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 170,000.
NHTSA investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.
Seat Belt complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1999 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the seat belts of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring, 10% of the model year's 264 complaints. The component named most often is front › retractor (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chrysler Sebring seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to seat belts 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.