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
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
18129906/18/1999181797607298This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test. *tt09/17/1999
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
03/01/2000106/01/1999
 Tachometer and odometer intermittenly work - defect in circuit board, they only work 10% of time.*ak
09/03/1999107/01/1999
 On the date mentioned, i was driving at about 45mph when the accelerator cable failed and caused the vehicle to accelerate out of control. the vehicle raced to about 60 mph even while i used the brakes to attempt to slow down. after a few minutes i knew i had to put the car in neutral and shut it off to stop the car.in the meantime i had to avoid other cars and stoplights as i couldn't stop. the short use of my brakes caused a fire and i put out with an extinguisher. fire dept. was called. no warranty, my big bill. i feel it was a part defect as the mechanic said he had never replace on in all his years. please respond to this questionnaire. thank you.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
12/19/2005760001
 While driving my 1997 chrysler sebring the car felt as if fell out of car and turned completely off. this happened on a major highway in nothern new jersey and cost several hundred dollars to be towed back to philadelphia. the problem is believed to be with the transmission, but there were no wornign signs and the car only has a little over 76,000 miles on it. my life and the life of the passengers were very much in danger since we were stranded on the highway for several hours until a tow truck arrived. *nm
03/24/20051
 Vehicle was parked inside of a garage , it jumped out of gear, and crashed into a parked car. driver drove vehicle home and will contact the dealer the next day. *ak
12/15/200460103/07/1998
 The transmission has been acting up since the car hit around 57,000 miles. i have had the transmission serviced, however, the engine keeps racing and the speed doesn't keep up. the car now has 87,000 miles on it and is slipping again. *jb
08/08/2001690002
 1997 chrysler sebring lxi 6 cyl. transmission failed at 69,000 miles had to be replaced $1,808.00. engine failed 86,000 miles $2,500. had to be replaced. aluminum wheels easily damaged replaced all 4. i would never in life by another chrysler. would not even take a free one! bought in 1997 as a demo. problems since 1 week of ownership. i don't look their direction when passing dealerships. had a toyota camry for 3 years prior to sebring. no maintenance issues. *jb
10/29/2002900001
 While driving at any speed and when shifting from first to second gear vehicle stalled. consumer had a certified mechanic check the vehicle, and was told that transmission needed to be replaced.*ak
09/03/200379640109/22/2001
 Dealer mechanic says transmission must be replaced with less than 80,000 miles on the car. also stated that this is a typical problem at this mileage to the tune of over $2,000. have also been told we can expect that the water pump fail about this mileage. can't believe there is major problems such as these without chrysler being investigated.*ak
05/20/20031
 The vehicle failed to shift gears. *jb
03/08/200311380105/01/1997
 Chrysler 1997 lxi coupe, 11330 miles. driving on highway transmission went and fillings from transmission got into radiator, had to replace both and chrysler dealer and zone office refused to help with cost, they told me car was out of warranty. could accept if car was misused or had excessive mileage, car was garage kept and as you can see hardly ever used. *jb
12/16/200215003/16/1999
 My transmission is starting to fail at 62,000 miles. why? my water pump was recently replaced. then my engine light went on and the plugs and wires had to be replaced and the mechanic told me the transmission is staring to go. i have noticed that the engine is racing but the car is having a difficult time keeping up with the engine. sure sign.
104/27/2002
 The engine light kept coming on until the transmission failed. also, the vehicle experienced delayed gear engagement. engine races like it was in neutral 3-4 seconds but in drive. *yh
207/01/2097
 My car has had several failures in almost every aspect of the car. it has had 4 electrical failures, 3 brake failures, 4 mechanical, and 7 other problems. basically the car has been a complete loss. i have been fighting chrysler for 3 years and they refuse to help at all. i feel at 60,000 my car is completely unsafe to drive. it has caused one accident in which i still have neck problems. for more information please see my website at www.postalhistorystore.chrysler.htm thank you!
02/19/20010
 Ever since consumer has had vehicle she has had problems, vehicle leans to left. also, when she puts it into gear it makes a clutching noise.*ak
03/03/2001
 Transmission won't go into 3rd gear. consumer was going 65mph set on cruise control and felt a slight popping, it started to slow down. consumer was stranded for a while. vehicle will not go over 30mph. consumer has appointment with dealer on 06-mar-2001.*ak
07/12/1999106/01/1998
 Why would the transmission start to fail at 58k miles, never before has this happened with any other car i have owned. *ak
06/15/1999211/01/1997
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
10/01/1997204/01/1997
 On several occasions the transmission failed when shifting the gear lever / when depressing the accelerator the engine would idle loudly and quickly but the vehicle would not move, prior to recall notice (98v183000). *yc
06/08/1999109/01/1996
 Major failure requiring complete overhaul of transmission.
112/01/1996
 Transmission failed causing gears to stick.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
12/18/2000105/01/1997
 Vehicle had been running sluggish, took vehicle to dealer who found transmission lines were leaking. *ak the vehicle hesitates when at a complete stop. *yh
12/08/1999
 Reported problem with transmission leakages and a loose wheel hub. dealer notified and appointment received. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
12/30/199805/05/1997
 Plastic around gear shift.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
04/01/200387577109/02/1997
 There is a recall listed on your website (nhtsa campaign id #98v183000) in regards to a key issue. my vehicle is a 1997 chrysler sebring - 87000 original miles, i am the original owner and chrysler is refusing to honor this recall, saying that my car is out of warranty and that the recall did not apply to my specific vin# - please help. *jb
12/21/1999
 The driver was able to shift from park into drive without foot being on the brake. this happened twice. once while the vehicle was running, and once when the vehicle was turned off. problem was reported to the dealership. the vehicle has not been checked for the problem. please provide any further nformation. *ak
07/14/199701/01/1997
 Whenever the brakes were in use the calipers failed to open. vehicle would stop until noise indicated a problem with brakes. would take to dealership & mechanic replaced brakes. the brake problem happened at least 5 times so far. last time brakes just gave way & needed to use emergency brakes to stop vehicle. on 5th set of brakes. also, remote control does not work/ both front windows glass distorted/replaced spark plugs/replaced transmission interlock system/replaced noisy front end/replaced starter, and realigned driver's side door hinge.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
08/03/1999206/16/1999
 Wheel bearing was defective, causing wheels to fall off. convertible top blew open while driving at 55 mph, after the top rails of the vehicle had been adjusted by the dealer to correct the noise problem from the wind.*ak.et.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
08/23/20021
 Transmission failed and was repaired. *yh
1812/11/1996
 Transmission fails intermittently; fails to engage gear. seems like transmission is in neutral then it jumps into gear as engine is revving.