Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 approximately 15 MPH, the front end of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front driver's side lower ball joint and axle fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 09e056000 (suspension) however, the recall expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 10/3/2017
Driving down road, around 10 miles a hour, the car suddenly went clunk on the left side, and would not move. Got out to check, and the entire piece that holds the tire on was laying on the interior of the tire rim.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. She received NHTSA campaign id number 00V421002 recall notice, suspension front control arm, lower ball joint which stated "dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture." upon arrival to the dealer, they stated that her ball joints were not affected and within the established tolerance they would apply the proper sealant to the vehicle. The sealant needed was on back order. …
I purchase this used 1999 Chrysler Sebring lxi 2 years ago and was told by the dealer it only needed a wheel alignment. After attempting to get an alignment I was informed that the lower lateral control arms needed to be replaced. This is extremely scary and very hard to get fixed because of my work schedule. I contacted a dealer and was told that my car had the recall work done in 2001. I looked my VIN up on the Chrysler website and was advised there was no recall affecting my vehicle. Firestone would have charged me over $1000 to fix the problem, but I can not afford to. My vehicle is currently undriveable. I am also having issues with my driver side door which hangs slightly when opened and must be lifted to close. My side panels on both doors keep getting dislodged but have not fell off yet. I am truly afraid for the safety of my family with this vehicle and do not know what to do. …
Front passenger side ball joint failure. While turning right into a shopping plaza the passenger side front ball joint failed on my wife's 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible limited. This car at the time had less than 61,000 miles on it. The car was purchased as a used car the day before. The car was safety checked by the dealers mechanic before the sale with no issues noted that were not repaired. I understand through a search of the NHTSA database that there are other reports of ball joint failures and a safety recall on the coupe model of the Sebring for this failure. I would say given the mileage on this used car that a similar recall is warranted since this car exhibits the same type of failure with little warning of a problem existing. This is a safety issue that needs to be rectified by the manufacture due to a clearly faulty design. …
I have a 1999 Chrysler Sebring which has had the ball joint come out of both sides of the vehicle of the front 2 wheels about 6 months apart. This has caused damage to my vehicle which I have repaired. I am very concerned about my safety and the safety of my family because this last time I was about a mile away from getting on the highway, which could have been deadly. I feel that this is a safety issue and wonder about recalls and if I should be reimbursed. The tow to my home was $106, the tow to the mechanic was $65 and the mechanic bill was $303. This is just the drivers side. This happened on the passenger side as well and I feel I should be reimbursed for both. Documents of these charges can definitely be provided if needed. I am concerned about this happening again, not just my own car but anyone else that May be driving one of these vehicles. Please let me know either way. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the vehicle started to shake which caused the front of the vehicle to fall on the front drivers side tire. The tire was at an angle and prevented the vehicle from moving. The tow truck was notified. The tow truck driver informed her that all of the ball joints separated and the stabilizer fell on the wheel and was shaving the wheel materials. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated the ball joint was separated and it damaged the axle and the wheel. The dealer will also replace the ball joints on the right and left side of the wheel. The manufacturer stated there was a recall NHTSA campaign id number: 10e059000; suspension: front: control arm: lower arm but her VIN was not included. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 117,000.
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.
Loud click sound from the front wheels when shifting front park to drive, was diagnosed by a Chrysler mechanic as lower ball joint wear on both sides. Right and left lower ball joint grease boots were deflated and grease was absent causing pre-mature (38,000) mile failure of the ball joint. Symtoms first began at 24,000 miles. Safety requires that the right and left joint and entire control arm be replaced to avoid a failure. Symptoms and diagnosis are identical to the NHTSA recall of other Chrysler Sebring years.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. While driving 3 MPH, the driver side front axle broke. The mechanic stated that the axle failed and made the repair. Approximately three months later while driving (MPH unknown) the front axle broke again. As of January 7, 2008, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 85,000. The VIN was unvailable. Updated 03-04-08
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints.
Suspension complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring, 13% of the model year's 264 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V421002 (lower ball joint, Dec 18, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.