1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JX 2.4 Liter from North America

Summary:

With all the little problems that come with the car, I absolutely love it and will keep it forever!

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 68,000 miles.

The remote control for the power mirrors no longer activates the passenger side.

The stitching around the convertible top broke into pieces at 58,000 miles. When the top is raised a lowered it rubs against the belt molding on the drivers side, near the trunk lid causing it to wear through.

The brakes need to be replaced every year.

The shock supports for the trunk lid no longer hold it open.

Wind noise is very bad between the passenger side window and back glass.

None of the replacement moldings fit the windshield post as they should. I was told by the dealership only about one out of ten ever does.

There is a loud rattling noise coming from underneath the car that no one seems to be able to identify. It doesn't seem to affect the performance.

The defroster connection has broken loose from the back glass on the passenger side.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004

21st Nov 2006, 17:01

This is a follow up from 2004. I still own the car and I still love it. 116,000 miles and still going. The car and I have reached an understanding. She made it clear that she will at times need repairs and as long as I have her I will be the one paying for them.

The unidentified rattling under the car turned out to be the catalytic converter.

It has another small oil leak I have yet to repair.

The top has been replaced at a very reasonable price.

I replaced the EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE radiator fan motor. Who new such a little part could cost so much.

The power assist makes a horrible noise when the car is first started. After it warms up is goes away. This only happens on cold mornings. I had the power steering fluid changed, but that didn't make any difference in the noise.

The door panels are beginning to warp a little and rattle pretty bad at times. I don't care though because all convertibles get a few squeaks and rattles in them after a few years. Since I got T-boned at that intersection in 2001 I am surprised it doesn't sound a lot worse.

Other than that, just your routine maintenance. Considering the car is now eleven years old I think it is holding up pretty well.

23rd Jun 2007, 22:50

Well I have a 1996 Sebrig Convertible and it is in perfect shape. This of course will be my first car, my parents got it for me. I really like the car, but I am getting a little scared with all of this that people are saying about the car. Is it really an expensive car? Because I got it for 3,000 dollars. And the only thing that is worn out from the top is the elastic bands that hold it, but the rest is looking good.

15th May 2008, 00:23

Well I just got a 1996 Sebring JX convertible... It is my first car. It is used with 100,000 miles on it so far. Pretty good for a 12 year old car.

However all this stuff I am reading scares me... The only things that were apparently wrong with it after I got it were the truck springs are out and they don't hold up the trunk lid... Also the convertible top doesn't quite fit into place when it is down on the drivers side. And a rattling sound under the car when I hit bumps in the road..

Today it all changed and my rpm read out went to 0 and my mileage gauge went black. Also my car made a sound like it was not in the right gear. It was going really slow, even though it said I was at 40... I am scared.

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JX from North America

Summary:

Nice car, but seems to have some flaws in design

Faults:

I get a flicker in my headlights and the light on the dashboard that looks like a car battery comes on from time to time. I have replaced the battery and the alternator and the problem still persists.

The top is coming apart at all seams along the edges.

Head gasket blew at 52000 miles.

The rear window defogger electrical connection on the window on the right side broke off, I assume from constant lowering and raising of the top.

Rear window defogger started coming on by itself without engaging the switch. I finally had to remove the fuse to ensure it would no longer come on.

General Comments:

Has anyone experienced the problem with the flickering lights and battery warning coming on? I replaced the two major components, battery and alternator and niether has corrected the problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th May, 2004

28th Aug 2004, 14:37

I too have experienced flickering headlights and dash lights. I assume there is a short somewhere. I have gone through two new batteries in the past year, but the alternator is okay. Auto parts store replaced at no cost.

My rear defroster comes on by itself too, if I leave my air flow indicator on "up and down" then it won't come on.

26th Sep 2004, 20:13

1996 Sebring battery dead Jan 2004, Sears Auto performed diagnostics check and replacement. July 2004 battery again dead, sears checked, found no electrical system problems, and replaced the battery again. September 2004 battery again dead, Chrysler service performed extensive electrical system check and could find no problems.