Brakes: had to replace pads AND rotors at 7000 miles. Dealer would not perform work under warranty.
Brakes: had to replace pads AND rotors at 20000 miles. Drums worn.
Brakes: had to replace rear drums at 25000.
Brakes: had to replace pads AND rotors again at 40000 miles.
Starter: At around 30000, started failing, then started making noises. Had to replace the starter.
Window Wiper Control: the control just broke off one day. Of course, it's not covered by the warranty.
Starter: Shop told me the bracket had broken, after 4 hours of work trying to get the new one in.
Electrical: starting at 30 miles, gauges started blinking or stopped working completely, then would start working again. As it got worse, I took it to the dealer. They replaced a relay. Started having problems again 20 miles later.
Electrical: fuses started blowing for no apparent reason. Had to carry a box of them. Took it into the dealer, and they did something, but fuses would still blow. Took it back, and they replaced something else.
Transmission: clunking noises when downshifting at certain speeds. Took to dealer - they said they could not find anything wrong. Sometimes the entire car would shudder, but never with the tech in the car.
Entire power steering system had to be replaced at 50000 miles at a cost of $3100.
Paint: started crazing at about 30000 miles. Some of the sealer they used around the rear deck is coming up.
Top: at around 50000 miles, the rear window seal started coming off. I had to us silicone seal.
Electrical: at around 35000 miles, the headlights started having problems. Took it to the dealer, but they didn't fix it. At 55000 miles, I dug into the wiring and found that the connectors to the headlights were melting, and the wiring was overheated. Now the headlights don't work at all.
Vents: sometimes, the interior air control doesn't seem to work correctly, and sometimes it takes a really long time for the heat to work in the morning.
Interior: all of the panels with the window controls rattle when the stereo is on, even at moderate levels. Had to pull up the driver's side to minimize the rattling. Took it to the deal at around 20000, but they didn't fix it.
Brakes: At 75000, the pads were worn to the metal and the read drums were completely worn. Replaces all brake parts.
Engine Cooling System: At 100000, I was told that the water pump needed to be replaced and it is currently leaking.
Air Conditioning: at around 75000, the air conditioner stopped working for periods of time, then started again.
Trunk: Both dampeners broken by 100000 miles.
Brakes: At 120000 miles, pads completely worn again. Have to replace rotors and pads, again.
Engine: The entire time I've owned the vehicle, the engine performance has sucked. And the terrible engine, combined with the awful transmission, has been unbearable to deal with. (I rented a 1999 and a 2002, and both were MUCH better performing than mine.)
I had to have a convertible, and this one was the roomiest, most affordable one available at the time.
It has the best trunk space. (The newer versions have smaller trunks.)
The reliability of the electrical system has been abysmal. The car is not trust-inspiring.
The fact that everything that has failed was not covered by the warranty is ridiculous. Especially, the steering system, the started and the electrical.
There is something wrong with the brake system.
Contacted Chrysler regarding all the problems I've had. They expressed no interest at all, nor do they care to keep me as a customer.
The dangerous electrical system, regarding the melting wiring system around the headlights, should warrant a recall.
I am thankful that, for the most part, the car has remained running, but I would never buy a Chrysler ever again.
Hi Steve.
I have a Sebring JX with the V-6 engine. I am finding out the hard way that the car is becoming a money pit also. I don't drive it often, but every time that I start it up there is a problem. I have had the old coolant system problem too. Replace Cap, Coolant temp sensor, thermostat, Hoses and all to have the Water pump go bad after.
I am surprised that you are not complaining about the gauge panel light going on and off. I have that on going and I know a few other people that have this problem as well. Also the car holds water in the rocker panels after a rain. Have you replaced your timing belt yet? Good luck!
I have had almost all the same problems as you have mentioned... but not until around 130,000 miles.
I replaced the radiator at 135,000 miles. Almost every car sold nowadays used an aluminum radiator with plastic tanks. That in itself isn't all that bad if taken care of, but the tube-to-header joints are all done with a rubber gasket. After a while that rubber fails, and the radiator starts leaking. I replaced with an OEM-style (all that was available) and gave the old one to Griffin Radiator to design a true vacuum brazed all-aluminum version from. Still, there aren't many recent cars that will not have that same problem at some point since they are nearly all made the same.
The instrument panel blinking out (odometer and tachometer) is a known issue with these cars and can be fixed relatively easily by anyone with a spare hour.
At 142,000 it still has the same rear drums intact, and there is still plenty of stopping power in them yet. The factory front pads do suck. Mine wore out the first time around 12,000 and the dealer wanted $300 for a front brake job. I laughed at them in the face. Go to Midas or another reputable third-party place. I did that, and the pads last around 40,000 miles - about right for a car this heavy.
Here's one you didn't mention... The rear window defogger tabs come loose from the rear window. Getting them reattached is a chore in patience. There is a TSB regarding this, but I haven't heard of a single dealer honoring it.
As for the water pump, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it when you replace the timing belt - which should have been done with the spark plugs around 100,000 miles. Be absolutely certain you use the quad-tipped platinum plugs or the car will never run the same again.
Regarding performance, the Sebring Convertible wasn't meant to be a sports car. It was targeted for middle-aged to older couples (empty-nesters) and single 30-something professional women.
Overall I have been pleased with the car and intend to keep it a while longer now that I have got so accustomed to every little quirk (and EVERY car has them). It isn't my primary car, but a fun run around town car that still gets looks and positive comments.
Wow, a ton of issues with that Sebring. I have a 1997 Sebring JX convertible and I must be one of the lucky ones. The only two major issues I have had is the tachometer/odometer blinking out (This is ongoing as I have not taken it in to get it fixed) and the tranny locking up around 30,000 miles. Tranny was under warranty and I got it replaced with a new one. The other problem showed itself after the warranty and extended warranty both expired. If this is a common issue, they should have a recall to fix it.
Rear brakes have performed well (120,000 miles and just now needing replacement) but front brakes and rotors have to be replaced about every 20,000 miles. I think it is a brake bias problem with too much front brake and not enough rear brake.
Thanks for the tip on the spark plugs. Good to know considering I am about to get the car's first tune up. It is my primary car and so far I have been relatively happy.
I purchased a 98 JXi Convertible two weeks ago and appreciate the comments posted. The car appears to be in great shape, but time will tell. My concern relates to the seal around the rear window at the bottom, or lack thereof. I had the car into the dealership today and was told that short of replacing the rear window panel (which would be time consuming and costly), there was not a lot I could do about it. Has anyone else experienced this and what can be done about it? I was told that by design, the fabric at the bottom of the window will dry itself out, but I would think that over time, there may be an accumulation of moisture and debris which would result in mold, rotting, etc. Any comments on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Kate.
89000 miles of good service and no major repairs until just recently. My bought-new '97 JXi had no heat for several weeks, but overheated before I could get a new thermostat installed. Am now having dealer attend to this and will be getting a new water pump & timing belt ($900). Be sure to keep an eye on the coolant level under the 'radiator cap' on the top of the engine-the coolant reservoir doesn't always tell the story!!! Also going for another $1100 in tune-up, belt/hose and brake work. I too have gone thru lots of brakes. Had the speedo & gauge problem, but fixed myself with a soldering iron and some basic hand tools. I fixed the rear window defroster tabs once and for all with conductive epoxy. Getting some water leakage at top of front windows, but no problems with rear window. Darn thing is still very stylish IMO and I can't part with it yet.
I purchased a 1996 Chrysler Sebring with 20,000 miles on it. Currently, the mileage is 110,000. The front brakes failed at 40,000 miles (rotors needed to be replaced) and pads have worn out early on a regular basis. The brakes will fade quickly on steep, windy downhill roads. The heater controls have failed (plastic internal tabs on mechanism have broken), so now I am unable to vent cool air into the car. A "clunking" sound developed that was heard when hitting slight bumps; it was found that bushings on the front sway-bar failed, allowing metal to contact metal. The transmission downshifts poorly, also clunking into lower gear when slowing or stopping. Both door latches have started to fail; when shutting the door, the latching mechanism strikes too low on the contact at the body of the car (heavy doors have sagged on the hinges). Motor control on the passenger side window is starting to fail; the window only goes up very slowly. The mechanism for putting the top up/down has started to fail; the right rear side seems to be binding and does not go down all the way (requires manually pressing it down). And last of all, water accumulates in the body cavity (if the car is left outside or driven in a hard rain) and doesn't drain out easily (there are drain channels in the body under the rocker-panels, but they plug-up easily). Yes, the top is up in this situation.
I have a '97 Jxi convertible and am very interested in the post that anyone with an hour could fix the gauges going out periodically. I have this problem and have been told I need to replace the computer board behind the instrument panel in order to fix the problem. If you know of a way to accomplish this in an hour or other than replacing the board please let me know. redward5@yahoo.com.
You are soooo right about the Chrysler customer service. I had a 2003 LX convertible that was a nightmare. (I left a review about this car.) To add insult to injury, the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty was worthless when it came to implement it. In fact, the Daimler Chrysler national customer service rep told me I should report the dealership for "misrepresentation" regarding the warranty. Hmmm, wouldn't they be interested in saving the reputation of brand rather than destroying it? But just as the original author pointed out: Chrysler doesn't care if they keep you as your customer. I have since traded it (I was lucky anyone would take it), and I bought a Honda. By the way, most of the dealerships laughed at me when I wanted to trade the Sebring.
I'm in the process of buying a '97 Sebring sxi, I did find that the tach and odometer didn't work. I spoke with the dealer where the car was originally purchased (I have most of the paperwork),and they said that it was an "uncommon problem", but reading all these posts I see that maybe it isn't. The used car dealership where it was (now in my temp.possesion), said that he was going to have the 'cluster' replaced, and after spending 30 minutes. talking with the dealership re:cluster vs. board, I feel I still might have a great deal. I do have the door problem and after owning a 70 something Javelin that's an easy fix and now owning a 22 yr. old van with the same window motor problem and not having air conditioning for a few yrs. in southern heat, this car calls me even more. I just want to know that they can give me the actual mileage on a car that doesn't have a functioning odometer, and not sure when it went out. I feel that this is a bargaining tool, but realize it is too late to get an answer and no one can give me a definitive answer if I can get an accurate reading or not. There is some minor concerns, but hey I drive a G20 van that leaks shakes rattles, but rolls!, I just want a decent car with better gas mileage than I have now. What is the opinions of owners who have owned these cars for along time. thanx ~L~
Hey, I have a 1997 LXi and my water pump went and I was just wondering if anyone knows the best and fastest way to replace it. Or if there is an easier way than another?
Thanks.
I have a '97 JX convertible 2.5L with ~170k (don't know for sure because of the tach/odometer problem.. fixed it twice, now I live with it). My latest problem is failed emissions program and replaced both O2 sensors to no avail. Then I changed the distributer and all hell broke loose. The car wouldn't go over 20 mph (no power at all) and the engine pipe turned cherry red...quickly. First thing, go back to ground zero, put old distributer back in, same results.
Plugged CAT, right? Changed the CAT and no change.
Now I guess computer, but before I fork out more $$ I hope someone might have heard of this and can point me in the right direction.
Hello. I am another 1997 JXI owner with tachometer/odometer problems. Also, the passenger side window on mine is extremely slow and doesn't work at all in the cold. Furthermore, my heating system only works on high. At least it still works. I found a helpful website regarding the tachometer going out though. http://members.cox.net/dpeters30/97_sebring_dash.htm seemed helpful and even though I have not yet attempted the fix myself, I plan to this summer because I am tired of my odometer going out. At least it still counts the miles so I know I did buy it last summer with 38,000 miles. Good luck with the tach fix... the website seems fairly legitimate.
Wow, I seem to be having the same problems with my 97 Sebring convertible. The tachometer/odometer blink out, its gotten to the point where they don’t want to come back on. I had my fuses replaced, but that did nothing. Another issue that I have had is with the paint. It has been chipping off. I try to go to a regular auto shop and they did not have the color I was looking for they said I would have to go to a Chrysler dealership. But, by what I have read about Chrysler dealers I don’t think that they would be very helpful.
Other than that gas mileage is great and the car pick up fine. It’s very spacious and I love having a convertible.
However, over the summer a big storm came in and dropped a tree on my top. Since then my passengers side hinge has broken, does anyone know how I can fix it? Or will I have to replace the entire top. (I have already had to replace the top (material) )
I have the same problems the odometer works, but the whole things goes out and can't see it, also there are rpm doesn't work off and on. It makes a horrible sound when it gets cold, owner said it always did this.It does keep track of mileage even though you can't see it sometimes.
I own a 97JX and it has been a Nightmare. The Rack-n-pinion went out (Thankfully) before the warranty ran out. The odometer comes on and off. I have to have the right left brake replaced EVERY summer and as for the "Check Engine Light' It has been on for over 3 years so I just put a piece of Black Electrical Tape over it because I was tired of seeing it. Now (It has 140,000 miles) on it and I think either the Timing belt or the water pump has gone out. I looked on Auto-zone's Website and they had instructions on how to do it... a MAJOR Job.. Boy I long for the old days when we could just get under the hood and tune a car up or change a water pump... now you can't even get your hand in there. I will NEVER own another Chrysler again.