The 1998 Sebring is plagued by catastrophic 2.5L V6 engine failures due to sludge buildup and premature wear, plus chronic automatic transmission issues that make this one of Chrysler's least reliable platforms from this era.
2.5L V6 Catastrophic Engine Failure (Sludge and Bearing Damage)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking or ticking noise from lower engine, metal shavings in oil, sudden loss of oil pressure, spun rod bearings, seized engine
Fix: The Mitsubishi-sourced 2.5L V6 develops oil sludge even with regular oil changes, starving bearings and destroying cranks. Requires complete engine rebuild (40-50 hours) or used engine swap (15-20 hours). Rebuild includes new pistons, rings, bearings, crank machining, and head gasket work.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Line Leaks
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid leaking from radiator area, milky pink fluid in coolant reservoir, transmission overheating, harsh shifting after warmup
Fix: Internal transmission cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—destroys transmission. Requires radiator replacement (2-3 hours) PLUS transmission rebuild or replacement (12-18 hours) if contamination occurred. External cooler lines also corrode and leak (1.5 hours to replace).
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,800
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: severe clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, engine rocks excessively during acceleration, vibration at idle, visible engine sag on passenger side
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails, allowing powertrain to shift violently. Replace mount (2-2.5 hours). Often accompanied by engine mount failure—inspect all mounts simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Lower Ball Joint Separation (Recall-Related)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear, wheel appears cambered outward, catastrophic failure causes wheel to separate
Fix: Lower control arm ball joints wear prematurely and can separate, causing total loss of steering control. NHTSA recall addressed some vehicles but many fall outside recall scope. Replace both lower control arms with ball joints pressed in (3-4 hours), requires alignment.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: no-start condition, engine dies while driving, hesitation under acceleration, whining noise from fuel tank, long crank before starting
Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails without warning. Subject to multiple NHTSA recalls but failures continue beyond recall scope. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement (3-4 hours). Convertible models add complexity.
Estimated cost: $550-850
Head Gasket Failure (Both Banks on 2.5L V6)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leak, oil looks milky, overheating, rough idle when cold
Fix: Head gaskets fail on both banks, often due to overheating from failed water pump or thermostat. Requires removing intake manifold and both cylinder heads, resurfacing heads, new gaskets, and timing belt replacement while apart (18-24 hours). Given engine sludge issues, many techs recommend used engine instead.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Convertible Top Hydraulic System Leaks
Common · low severity
Typical onset: any mileage
Symptoms: top moves slowly or stops mid-cycle, hydraulic fluid leaking in trunk, top won't latch properly, pump runs continuously
Fix: Convertible models develop hydraulic cylinder leaks and pump failures. Hydraulic lines crack from age. Repair ranges from seal replacement (2-3 hours) to complete cylinder or pump replacement (4-6 hours). OEM parts expensive and hard to source.
Estimated cost: $600-1,800
Owner tips
Change oil every 3,000 miles religiously on the 2.5L V6 with quality synthetic—sludge is inevitable otherwise
Install external transmission cooler immediately if not present—bypass internal radiator cooler entirely
Inspect lower ball joints every oil change after 60,000 miles—replacement before failure is critical
Budget for engine replacement, not repair—most 2.5L V6 engines aren't worth rebuilding given parts availability and labor
Avoid convertibles unless you can verify complete hydraulic system service history
Hard pass unless free—the 2.5L V6 engine and transmission are ticking time bombs that will cost more to fix than the car is worth.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Consequence: FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.
CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Consequence: FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E064000
2006-07-17
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · 01I012000
2001-07-05 · EA99028
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998-1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI LIMITED CONVERTIBLES. THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT RETAINING PIN COULD SNAG AND/OR FRAY THE EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT.
Consequence: THIS COULD INTERFERE WITH THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT AND RETAINING PIN. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT FLOOR MATS WILL BE REPLACED.
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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
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. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · 99I004000
1999-05-06 · EA97025
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER IS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY, IT CAN SEPARATE UNEXPECTEDLY FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence: IF THE COVER SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE AN IMPROVED CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER INSTRUCTION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH · 98V183000
1998-08-06 · EA98014
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 98V045002
1998-03-03
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DASH PANEL PAD CAN SHIFT INTERFERRING WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.
Consequence: THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE A PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL PAD SO IT CANNOT INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.
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