Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
98V183000CHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 08/25/1995 to 01/21/1998V (Vehicle)68500010/26/1998ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC08/06/199808/17/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle 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 SummaryIf this happens, the ignition-park interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesOwner notification began october 26, 1998. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
210060103/16/2001211699621898Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj10/03/2001
21059703/14/19976088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *nlm01/11/2000
210599A09/03/1999210599607959This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket. *tt10/19/1999
21059903/05/1999604696Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket. *tt05/07/1999
21049902/26/1999604364Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs) *tt04/27/1999
18409512/01/199546485Bulletin applies to '96 vehicles equipped w/ 2.5l engine (avenger/sebring/ talon built prior to nov. 10, 1995 mdh [11-10-xx]) (cirrus/stratus built prior to sept. 25, 1995 mdh [9-25-xx]). intermittent speed control cutout during normal ope04/25/1996
18359512/01/199546490Bulletin applies to 1996 vehicles equipped w/ a 2.0l engine (avenger/ sebring/talon built prior to nov. 10, 1995 mdh (11-10-xx)) (neon built prior to nov. 14, 1995 mdh (11-14-xx)). intermittent rear o2 sensor fault, diagnostic trouble code04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
18099702/28/199751993Vehicle shudder during torque converter emcc (lock up) operation/diagnostic trouble code 38. *tw07/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
21029806/26/1998601581Information on diagnostic / driveability improvements, transaxle that incorporates a transmission range sensor (trs) only. reduces a shudder condition that may be experienced during light throttle 1-2 upshift. *ak08/12/1998
21079804/24/1998600751Subject on delayed transaxle engagement. *ak06/05/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
21099705/16/19976089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *nlm01/12/2000
97031421059703/14/199754371Condition with tranaxle shudder during a 3rd gear to 3rd gear partial emcc ( electronically modulated converter clutch) engagement, 3rd gear partial emcc to 4th gear partial emcc engagement, or 4th gear to 4th gear emcc engagement. *yc03/30/1998

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
EA98014CHRYSLER GROUP LLC05/29/199809/14/1998AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK98V183000
 Alleged failure of the automatic transaxle ignition interlock system that either allows the ignition key to be removed when the transmission gear selector is not in the park position and the transmission gear selector to be shifted when the ignition key is removed or prevents theignition key from being removed when the transmission gear selector is in the park, or any other, position.

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
04/01/2001104/01/1997
 Air conditioner evaporator quit working at 86,000 miles. i am unable to read the mileage on the car . the odometer is not lit up. the tachometer is not working either.*ak
06/01/1997
 Transmission is slipping , odometer, tacometer are also not functioning properly. *ak
09/01/1998109/18/1997
 Consumer has had several problems with vehicle. brakes do not work, they grind and the pads keep wearing and have to be replaced, dealer stated the problem was with the calipers. water is leaking into the vehicle due to sunroof being cut too short during recall 99i004, consumer feels there might have been previous problems with water leaking due to a rusted fuse. speedometer does not work. there is a transmission leak. air conditioner does not work. engine light is illuminated. windows still don't work properly. mirrors do not work properly after recall 97v015. vehicle gets poor gas mileage, dealer stated the spark plugs were burnt and fouled, spark plug wires were breaking down and arcing in tubes causing a build up in the throttle body. *slc
05/01/19992003/01/1996
 Digital mileage & gear shift screen + rpm gauge intermittently goes off; both while driving and at start up.
05/01/19992003/01/1996
 Digital mileage & gear shift screen + rpm gauge intermittantly goes off; both while driving and at start up. *ak
06/12/1996103/25/1996
 Transmission under drive snap ring failed.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03/01/200350565208/26/1996
 Oil light illuminated when stopped, and went out when in motion. the dealer serviced vehicle ,but the problem reoccurred. the next day consumer heard a screeching noise when depressing the gas pedal,then vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who advised the consumer that transmission needed to be replaced. *nlm. *ak
10/11/2001205/01/1998
 I have had so many problems with this car. the car looks very nice on the outside but has many issues on the inside. this car has cost me a fortune since my warranty went out at 75,000 miles. i have replaced brakes, rotors, and drums almost every year. this is very costly (over $350 every time). my transmission failed on me twice, once under warranty and the other without a warranty. i spent over $1,000 for repairs to replace a gasket, o-ring, and transmission pump. my o2 sensor failed twice. when i try to adjust my mirrors with the button on the driver side, the mirrors won't respond at all. i constantly hear a knocking noise from the engine. the service advisors at the dealership continue to tell me that chrysler cars sounds like that. that's normal. all the tings i have shared with you are just some of the things i have experieced. in my opinion, this car will put you in a bad financial situation. it's not worth the trouble. i traded mine for a more reliable car (a german car).*ak
06/01/1997
 Transmission is slipping , odometer, tacometer are also not functioning properly. *ak
11/15/2000
 When trying to accelerate after coming to a stop,vehicle would not move forward, transmission would not engage consumer had to replace transmission. *ak leaking from bellhousing due to torqconvertor failure. *yh
 When shifting gear into park key will not turn which prevents vehicle from being shifted into park position. also, recall number 98v183000/anufacturer's recall 789 dealt with same issue; however, this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. please provide any further details. *ak
12/01/20002
 Engine head gasket failure and automatic transmission failures at 75,000 miles. dealer / manufacturer were notified at this time. *ak
10/15/199910/01/1999
 Tranmission. self destructed when a pin came loose, conv. top stiching is extremely weak and broken all over the top.*ak
07/01/199905/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/03/199908/01/1996
 Car was a demo, in shop approximately 22 times from 96-00, major expenses incurred that have reduced the value of the car. computer still needs replaced per dealer. no safety defec tlisted in summary. *ak
06/10/19960
 Transmission gears do not change, and there is no power when accelerating. *ak
09/07/1999
 When driving at any speed vehicle is stalling and cutting off, and the vehicle isn't shifting properly. *ak
 When vehicle is shifted into gear it makes a clunking noise, and will not go into gear. also and oil is leaking. the dealer has been notified. *ak
04/25/1999106/01/1997
 Pulled onto expressway @ 45mph. car seized as if hit something; dead stop; engine died. transmission fluid pouring out. differential exploded; total transmission damage. repair shop said never seen this happen in 30 years.
10/15/1997602/01/1996
 Took car in to 3 different dealers to have them fix water leaks & air whistling and none could fix it. they said there was a flaw in the design of the top. they tried spraying foam on edge, adding an elastic strap (#8894 part), tried adjusting top - none of these exercises worked. now yet another dealer in joplin too tells us there's nothing that can be done as it's a flaw in the design/construction. there is also a whistling in the a/c system or vents when a/c is on and driving 40+ miles an hour. several times while driving in d the transmission doesn't shift out of low gear. *ak
 Automatic transmission intermittently dies when put into gear. electrical problems occurring also between rpm guage and mileage light. *ak
05/08/19968
 Rod in transmission is breaking.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
09/01/1998109/18/1997
 Consumer has had several problems with vehicle. brakes do not work, they grind and the pads keep wearing and have to be replaced, dealer stated the problem was with the calipers. water is leaking into the vehicle due to sunroof being cut too short during recall 99i004, consumer feels there might have been previous problems with water leaking due to a rusted fuse. speedometer does not work. there is a transmission leak. air conditioner does not work. engine light is illuminated. windows still don't work properly. mirrors do not work properly after recall 97v015. vehicle gets poor gas mileage, dealer stated the spark plugs were burnt and fouled, spark plug wires were breaking down and arcing in tubes causing a build up in the throttle body. *slc
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
08/01/1997107/10/1997
 Gearshift lock failed causing vehicle to roll uncontrollably.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
02/01/2005101/01/1997
 1996 chrysler sebring has problems with roof leaking, front passenger tire separating from the vehicle as well as problems with the transaxles floor shifter/park interlock which caused driver to hit nine cars and be ejected through the windshield. there was a recall regarding the park /neutral start switch being faulty. the consumer wants daimler chrysler to compensate her for another vehicle. *bf *nm
1
 The failure of the gear shift interlock mechanism was fixed under chrysler safety recall for the second time, the failed componet caused the passenger door to be inoperative. *ak *jb
08/21/2003690001
 The vehicle experienced a problem with the ignition key shift interlock as stated in recall number 98 v 183 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.*jb
06/29/2002
 Four year old child was able to shift vehicle out of gear while parked and turned off. manufacturer was notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
12/18/2001
 Vehicle was left running in park. a small child was sitting in passenger seat when vehicle suddenly started to roll backwards while still in park. please provide any further information.*ak
12/17/2001
 While vehicle was idling in park it rolled rearward. when checked shift lever was still in park position. please provide additional information.*ak
12/15/2000111/19/1999
 Vehicle has same problem as described in recall 98v183000, ingition key shift interlock, consumer contacted chrysler who informed him that vehicle was not affected by recall.*ak the consumer states that this vehicle should be considered for recall because identical problems that had been recalled in the part exists. *yh
05/01/1998
 When parking vehicle and trying to get the key out of the ignition, the key won't come out until the tranmission goes into park, then vehicle will jump into drive and will move. the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
06/29/1998105/01/1997
 Gear shift jumped out of park causing vehicle to roll and back into pole.
09/03/1998103/17/1997
 The vehicle was parked with the gear shift in park. driver exited the vehicle to remove items from the trunk when the vehicle jumped out of gear, hit and pinned the driver, rolled down the driveway while dragging the driver and struck a tree.
09/06/1998
 Ea98014, while the key is out of the ignition, the vehicle can be moved from different positions, such as reverse/neutral, etc., which cause the vehicle to rollaway, almost causing an accident. cause unknown. please provide details. *ak
06/08/19971
 Because the shifter was broken at housing for interlock, the driver is able to remove the key from the ignition before it is put into the park position. this will be repaired. *ak the vehicle was parked but rolled out of the driveway and crossed the street. *yh
02/01/1997
 Transmission interlock system; when key is put into the ignition and vehicle is in gear, key comes out of ignition, and vehicle can roll backwards and forwards. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
11/15/2000
 When trying to accelerate after coming to a stop,vehicle would not move forward, transmission would not engage consumer had to replace transmission. *ak leaking from bellhousing due to torqconvertor failure. *yh
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
11/01/2001
 While traveling on a side street heard a noise. without prior warning axle broke, and vehicle fell to the ground. *ak
05/04/2001
 After dealership examined vehicle for previous suspension recalls and found nothing wrong on vehicle in 1999, consumer was starting to accelerate from a stop sign and turning right. front right lower control arm disconnected from vehicle, and right front wheel kicked out from vehicle also, tie rod separated, and passenger's side axle became dislodged from transaxle. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
04/11/20011
 While driving 30 mph consumer heard a scraping sound from front end, then a noise. front axle had broken. *ak prior to recall 97v-201 the lower lateral arm ball joints failed. consumer not sure how the lower lateral arm ball joints works in conjunction with the axle. however, consumer question whether or not this could have caused the problem. *yh
 While driving vehicle wheel buckled under due to a broken axle. dealer said it needed a new axle and control arm. *ak
02/21/2001
 Consumer has tried several times to have recall # 97v201000 repaired, but dealer would not honor recall. *ak
04/21/1997112/27/1995
 Vehicle experienced failure of the recall component prior to recall notice causing severe damages to vehicle due to loss of control. (97v-201) (attorney for consumer).
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
05/06/20000
 Right rear wheel bearing assembly is bad. consumer can jiggle it all over the place this is very unsafe for family while riding in the car. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
08/03/1998103/01/1996
 In august of 1998 i began to detect a creaking noise when i turned the steering wheel (even at a full stop). i brought it back to the dealership where i purchased the car and they determined that the lower right ball joint had lost it's lubrication. the service manager indicated that since there wasn't a grease fitting on the ball joint it needed to be replaced. the repair could not be done that day and an appointment was made for a couple of days later. i asked the service manager if the car was safe to drive, and he replied yes. the next day , while making a right hand turn on a residential street (5 - 10 mph) the car collapsed onto the right tire. when i looked at the damage i saw the the tire almost flat on the ground, the driveshaft was out of the transmission, the cv joint was pulled from the transmission and the ball joint was cut in half. there was also damage to the fender of the car. salerno chrysler inspected the left ball joint and said it was fine. the car was repaired and a little over two months later the left side began to make the same noise. i brought the car back to the dealership, and they told me they could not reproduce the noise. the car was making noise the next day, and i decided to bring the car somewhere else. i brought the car to another chrysler dealership service center and they found the the left lower ball joint was failing due to lack of lubrication. i have that part in my possesion and would gladly send it to you. my concern is that i have spent a significant amount of money on repairs due to these lower ball joint failures and they seem to be manufacturer's problems, not my driving habits. thee have been recalls for other chrysler cars for this very problem, but not the sebring. i think that someone should think about recalling the sebring also. i encourage your office to contact me at any time. thanks, richard settino. *ak
05/01/199705/15/1997
 Replaced warped front brake rotors/pads. in addition, rear main seal malfunctioned/vc boot cover flew off/ fuel injections dirty and mirror switch failed. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
04/25/1999106/01/1997
 Pulled onto expressway @ 45mph. car seized as if hit something; dead stop; engine died. transmission fluid pouring out. differential exploded; total transmission damage. repair shop said never seen this happen in 30 years.
06/12/1996103/25/1996
 Transmission under drive snap ring failed.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
12/14/20000
 While driving and making a right turn heard a loud pop. another motorist told consumer that axle was broken. *ak
08/03/1998103/01/1996
 In august of 1998 i began to detect a creaking noise when i turned the steering wheel (even at a full stop). i brought it back to the dealership where i purchased the car and they determined that the lower right ball joint had lost it's lubrication. the service manager indicated that since there wasn't a grease fitting on the ball joint it needed to be replaced. the repair could not be done that day and an appointment was made for a couple of days later. i asked the service manager if the car was safe to drive, and he replied yes. the next day , while making a right hand turn on a residential street (5 - 10 mph) the car collapsed onto the right tire. when i looked at the damage i saw the the tire almost flat on the ground, the driveshaft was out of the transmission, the cv joint was pulled from the transmission and the ball joint was cut in half. there was also damage to the fender of the car. salerno chrysler inspected the left ball joint and said it was fine. the car was repaired and a little over two months later the left side began to make the same noise. i brought the car back to the dealership, and they told me they could not reproduce the noise. the car was making noise the next day, and i decided to bring the car somewhere else. i brought the car to another chrysler dealership service center and they found the the left lower ball joint was failing due to lack of lubrication. i have that part in my possesion and would gladly send it to you. my concern is that i have spent a significant amount of money on repairs due to these lower ball joint failures and they seem to be manufacturer's problems, not my driving habits. thee have been recalls for other chrysler cars for this very problem, but not the sebring. i think that someone should think about recalling the sebring also. i encourage your office to contact me at any time. thanks, richard settino. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
01/26/19981
 Transmission leaking fluid. nlm

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