November 15, 1999
Mr. Thomas T. Stallkamp
President
DaimlerChrysler AG
1000 Chrysler Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Re: 1996 Chrysler Sebring (VIN # 4C3AU42N3TE371236)
Dear Mr. Stallkamp:
I am the unfortunate owner of a 1996 Chrysler Sebring that has brought me nothing
but headaches. I thought the troubles would have been over after I had the transmission
and spark plugs replaced within the first two months of having the car, but I was never
more wrong. This car has had consistent transmission, electrical and fuel injector
problems in the three years that I have owned it. The radio even had to be replaced
on October 6, 1998. I have had to bring the car in to several Chrysler dealerships,
for a total of 23 visits, (West End Chrysler, Rahway, NJ; Monmouth Chrysler, Eatontown,
NJ; Freehold Chrysler, Freehold, NJ; Buhler Chrysler, Hazlet, NJ), as a result of
breaking down within their vicinity. Please note that these visits were not for
routine maintenance repairs. I even purchased Triple AAA coverage at the suggestion
of a tow truck driver due to the frequent and costly towing bills. I went many days
without transportation due to my car being repaired. I am a Speech Pathologist in a
school district and had to walk to work on a number of occasions.
In 1997, after meeting with a Chrysler representative, I was offered an extended
warranty for up to 75,000 miles, which I purchased at 50% of dealer cost. I literally
had to beg to receive the extended warranty and the Chrysler representative and the
owner of West End Chrysler (Tom) appeared apathetic towards my serious situation. I
felt that Chrysler was responsible for 100% of the cost of the warranty because my car
was in fact a "Lemon." My extended warranty alleviated some of my repair expenses, but
many repairs were not covered under the warranty and others required a $50 deductible.
A recent episode occurred at 76,014 miles and resulted in the need for new spark plugs,
the replacement of a gasket and cable/ignition wires. This repair cost me $549.17 and
should have never of been necessary. West-End Chrysler replaced my spark plugs at 20,281
miles and less than 12 months ago at 50,643 miles all 6 of my double platinum spark
plugs were replaced during a routine tune-up costing me over $200. I was informed that
these double platinum spark plugs last approximately 100,000 miles, but my car has had
four sets at 76,014 miles. I would like to know Chrysler's explanation for the reason
why my 100,000-mile spark plugs had to be replaced three times in three years. On
October 16, 1999, the check engine light came on and I was informed that I needed a
new Detection Pump and Distributor. The Chrysler Corporation did agree to pay half
of the bill, but the repair still cost me $506.68.
I am completely dissatisfied with the performance of my car and do not feel that Chrysler
has stood by its product. Despite the extended warranty, I have spent over $2000 on
repairs to my car (not including routine maintenance). The check engine light has
illuminated over 23 times and I feel that I have been very patient with Chrysler, but
I have come to the point where enough is enough. I can think of no reason why a
three-year-old car should have so many electrical/engine problems. I have no
problem with replacing parts due to wear and tear but as you can see from the repair
history of my car that simply wasn't the case. I have done extensive research and
learned that dozens of other 1996-1997 Chrysler Sebring owners have experienced
similar problems to mine. What is Chrysler going to do about this and more importantly,
what are you going to do for me?! I am asking for Chrysler to recognize my situation
and stand by its product by providing me with an additional extended warranty or
compensation for my repairs.
I hope that you take this matter seriously and that I hear from you shortly. I am
enclosing copies of my service bills for you to reference. Thank you for your
consideration with regard to this matter,
Sincerely,
Michele
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