2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv Engine Problems

30 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv to NHTSA — 26% of all 114 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 66,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 3 Sebring Conv model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 4). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

30complaints
66ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine
    7
  • Cooling system › Radiator assembly
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    311%
  • 25k–50k
    933%
  • 50k–75k
    415%
  • 75k–100k
    519%
  • 100k–150k
    622%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to another dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V473000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

106,000 miles · Jan 2022

I was driving and with out warning a loud noise started. The car stopped on the city street and could not be moved. I was in the middle of traffic. This was an unsafe condition. The car was pushed to the curve out of the traffic..without warning the engine parts broke down. I had the car tolled to a station to get it fixed. I had to replaced the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, anti-freeze, serpentine belt, this cost $1,822.28.that was 09/28/2016. I had only 74,708 miles on the car, not 100,00. The check engine light kept coming on. On 11/07/16, at a Chrysler dealer, I had a diagnosed test done. The tech found that the right cylinder head needs to be replaced. The car had only 75,209 miles. Not 100,00 miles. Is this to soon for those parts to break down and need to be replaced? I always had my car check at the Chrysler dealer for the check ups at the recormended time. …

75,000 miles · Sep 2016

While driving on a highway at high-speed, all the electrical instruments began flashing on/off. The airbag light began flashing and a chime could be heard. This occurs intermittently (3-5 times per year) and Chrysler cannot properly diagnose the problem. With this latest incident, the dealership told me it would cost $800 for a new power control module. I researched online only to learn there are thousands of people with identical complaints about their Chrysler vehicles, while NHTSA refuses to order a recall. I refuse to allow Chrysler to perform work on this vehicle unless they can guarantee the repair and cap the cost. …

67,000 miles · Mar 2015

I was driving one morning and it was raining. The electronic throttle control light came on and the car wouldn't accelerate over 20 MPH. I cut the car off and started it back up and it didn't do it anymore. Until the other day when exiting off the interstate the car lost speed and the same light came on. The restarting trick didn't work. The car runs shaky and is idled up high when started. The car still won't accelerate over 20mph. Had it diagnosed and discovered the throttle body needs to be replaced as well as the intake manifold runner valve to fix this problem. I see a lot of people that own this car 2007/2008 have this problem. Which can potentially be dangerous especially while on the interstate!

138,000 miles · Oct 2015

While driving the engine light came on, loss speed occurred, car felt like in was going to dye on the freeway. No acceleration power. Engine light flashing, throttle light flashing in red. Car has no pick up. I have called Chrysler and was told no recall. I had it checked at local auto shop and code was p0035. Crank shaft sensor. Many customers have had this issue and no one not even Chrysler can figure out the problem.

118,000 miles · Mar 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible. When the seat belt was buckled, the warning light remained illuminated and the engine failed while driving 10 MPH. The vehicle was taken in for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the battery continued to drain. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

97,000 miles · Jul 2016

My car shut down completely as I was driving, the steering wasn't working, I couldn't turn the wheels at all. The breaks would not work either, no matter how hard I pressed on the breaks the pedal would not move. Luckily I wasn't going fast or driving on the highway cause that would have killed me.

130,000 miles · Jan 2019

Rpms shot to 4K and 5K then shut off while driving on interstate. Towed to dealer. Dealer replaced PCM and alternator. Afterwhich, intake manifold door position sensor sets a code - for sensor (no response) internal to intake manifold. Check engine light still on.

124,000 miles · Dec 2014

2008 Chrysler Sebring electrical system recall 08V152000 NHTSA: action number: n/a service bulletin number: 08V152000 report date: apr 02, 2008component: electrical systempotential units affected: 180963manufacturer: Chrysler llc summary: Chrysler is recalling 180,963 my 2007-2008 Sebring and Dodge avenger vehicles equipped with a standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Unused electrical connectors for the TPMS May become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions including engine no-start, dead battery, an inoperative cruise control or remote start system, and/or engine stalling. Consequence: engine stalling could cause a crash without warning. Note: myn car has the same symptons has described in this recall. Especially the stalling at lights on first acceleration. Then yo have to stop the car put it in park and restart and go. …

40,000 miles · Nov 2009

I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The engine has begun stalling and surging at red lights. The stalling has the potential to cause an accident, but the surging is much more dangerous. The engine will suddenly jump from idle to a couple thousand RPM. If you're not ready for it you can easily be pulled forward several feet, potentially into the path of an oncoming car. You have to apply excessive pressure on the brake pedal to prevent being pulled. The surges only last a few moments and then the engine returns to idle. I was looking for a fix and started searching the symptoms and found dozens of posts of people having exactly the same issue. Most have tried several fixes for hundreds of dollars and still have the same dangerous condition. Our car is at the dealer now, but at this point I do not know if they can solve the issue. …

35,000 miles · Dec 2010

Engine complaints in other Sebring Conv years

2006200820102304
Engine complaints per model year, Chrysler Sebring Conv.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv?

NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv, 26% of the model year's 114 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler Sebring Conv engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.