8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$280
Average Mileage:
143,800 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
1998 Chrysler Sebring engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Chrysler Sebring Owner Comments

problem #4

Feb 092012

Sebring JXI 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,221 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible 2.5 Liter Cuts off for no reason. I have replaced the Distributor with a Re-Man part. It still shuts down unexpectedly and some times comes back to life. Any Idea where to go from here? I bought a second 1998 Sebring Conv for parts. It had a broken timing belt and not worth the cost of repair. But I would like for my car to be dependable.

- Paul W., Yadkinville, NC, US

problem #3

Jul 262011

Sebring JXI 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

Several months ago I was experiencing problems with the car not starting. In some cases, car started fine, driving down the road fat dumb and happy then car dies with now warning that there's a problem. I found out oil was pooling into the spark plugs. So I figured this problem is probably shorting out the plugs so there is no spark in the cases that the car would not start. Before I realized the oil pooling into the plugs, I didn't know if it was a spark problem or fuel problem. I paid over 1300.00 to have the valve cover gasket replaced, dist. cap, rotor, wires, plugs and battery. Also the fuel pump and fuel filter just in case since the car is over 10 yrs old w/o any of these things replaced before. It ran great for a few months. Now I am experiencing the same problem of not starting or sometimes just dying while driving. I found out with a little help that during the moments that the car does not start, there is no spark at the plugs. The plugs are dry this time too. not an oil leak problem.

I replaced the fuel pump relay switch before I realized there was no spark at the plugs. I don't know if it could be the timing belt? If the belt is worn, could it run fine one minute, then not start the next? Or run fine then suddenly die only to restart later just fine? I could start the car in the morning, drive it to work, then later when time to go home, car won't start. Plenty of cranking power but no spark to get it started. I might let it set a few minutes and it would start. or sometimes it would be a day or two before it would start. It is so random and unpredictable!

- firedawg, Albuquerque, NM, US

problem #2

Aug 182010

Sebring SLI 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 179,910 miles

click to see larger images

quits running unexpectedly

The car drives good but will not run at a stop sing idle roughly .sometimes it does not go just runs slow and holed on she go like a rocket ? HELP Please or I'm going to us gas in the rought way HAHA

- jhastings, Claremore, OK, US

problem #1

Apr 152009

Sebring JX 2.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 122,000 miles

I bought this 1998 Sebring Convertible JX 2.5L V6 car from a dealership, thinking it would be safer than buying from an individual. This was not the case. From the day we took it home it has been very hard to just get it to start. Once started, it would buck until it got up to temp. Then ran fine on the open road, but when coming to a stop, it would start to rough idle like it wanted to die. I replaced the catalytic converter, ignition switch, and air temp charge sensor. The only improvement I have seen is that it now starts...when stone cold, or when fully hot...if you leave it sit for a couple of hours, it will not hit a lick. It has to be completely cold or very hot for it to start reliably. Tonight, it stopped running completely, and the oil light came on. I got it to start, and then lifters were clattering loudly. They then stopped, the oil light went out, and I drove for a mile or two...the oil light came on again, and it died...running very, very rough. I got it started again, the oil light went off and I drove another mile or two...it died again...oil light came on again. The police pulled up behind me and asked if I need help...I got it started again, and this time it ran smoothly all the way home...no problems...glad for the escort. The dealership HAD to have known about this, and I have contacted them several times and they have not returned one of my calls. Of course, I bought the car as is. This is a large Chrysler dealership too. I will never buy another Chrysler as long as I live. This car is dangerous to drive. What if it stalls in the middle of a busy intersection???

- William C., Desoto, IL, US

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