Four problems related to steering tie rod assembly have been reported for the 1996 Chrysler Sebring. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
: the consumer stated both tie rod ends fractured on two separate occasions. The first time, while backing out of the driveway, the front tires went in opposite directions and the vehicle would not move forward or backward. The tie rod end was replaced. The same failure occurred on the other side and the contact repaired the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined the sealed pivot joints were not lubricated and resulted in these failures.
The vehicle's rh tie rod was extremely rusted and pitted. As a result the tie rod failed while the consumer was backing out of a parking space. The consumer had both tie rods replaced.
Tie rod fell off. Started engine, proceeded to pull out of parking place and the tie rod fell off. Since Chrysler now makes tie rods so that they cannot be lubricated, they dry up and the end just drops off. I am fortunate that I was not driving down the highway 50 miles an hour when this happened. There is absolutely no forewarning of a problem until it happens. My mechanic also noticed that Chrysler has installed a heat shield between the tie rods and brakes. I have saved the parts and I have notified Chrysler of this situation. I have 78,000 miles on my car. I truly feel that the tie rod fell off due to a manufacturing defect or flawed design -- I am notifying you in the hopes that this will be looked into so that no one gets killed while driving down the highway. As I said I was very fortunate, the next person or family may not. Feel free to contact me and if you would like me to ship the parts -- I will be glad to. Thank you.
Tie rod end fell off car while moving.