I presently own a 1996 Chrysler serbring convertible that was purchased new in 1996. The battery for this vehicle is located behind the front drivers side of the vehicle. In order to gain access the battery you must remove the front tire and then the shroud that covers the wheel well. My battery has been replaced three times since the date of purchase. The first time was on the day that the vehicle was purchased; the second time was in 1999 and most recently today; November 22, 2005. During the process of replacing the battery on 11/22 our mechanic found that the battery casing that holds the battery in place was totally corroded and needed to be repaired. The cause of this corrosion (according to my mechanic) is from battery acid and other elements. Additionally, the drivers side frame of the car was also damaged/corroded due to the battery acid and that the frame would need to be replaced/repaired as well and that the vehicle was not safe to drive. I spoke with Chrysler corporation just prior to writing to you and they advised me that there was nothing that they could do because of the age of the vehicle; despite the fact that I truly believed that this situation was caused by extremely poor engineering of the vehicle. I have taken the Liberty of writing to you because of 1) I believe that there are other Chrysler Sebring convertible that are experiencing the same problem that the drivers may be totally unaware of and 2) if in fact they are or could have in the future a corroded battery casing and more so a corroded frame. The potential of an accident due to the issues appears to be inevitable. Your help regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated.

- Atco, NJ, USA

Battery failed several times.

- Garden City, NY, USA