Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving on savannah springs drive (a patio home community) and I heard a horrible noise and stopped. I though I had a flat tire but when I got out and looked, my left front wheel had off. (the balljoint came loose from the control arm) the car was not drivable and had to be towed home. We just purchased this car on 4/23/2015 from new life auto in noblesville, in and drove it home to louisville, ky on i65. The car drove great and I took it out for a drive and turned into a neighborhood less than 1/2 mile from my house when this happened. I was on a very busy road prior to this and thank the lord that I was not on that road when it happened. The tow driver said I would have totaled the car and hit someone else. No injuries occurred and not other vehicles were involved. We see there is a recall on the control arm and wonder if we are covered.
It was christmas eve we were leaving a friends house headed home I was at a stop sign making a right turn when I started to smell rubber burning but assumed it was the car ahead of me I started to pick up speed I was in a 35mph zone when we heard a loud boom I pulled over at a local park. I looked to see my driver side back tire was facing inward and would not stand straight I call my father inlaw who is a mechanic and he replaced the lower control arm. I am now having to replace the front passenger side now because it is sitting on the side of the road for a second time.
I was taking my son to school and as I turned the corner the ball joint completly popped real loud and my left rear tire caves in completely. Then a week later the right side rear did the same thing except I was on a long stretch road and a loud pop, tire caves in and I started swirling uncontrolably. Unknown as to why or how it just all a sudden popped. I did fix both rear ball joints my receipts are with oriellys auto. And also steering suspension is sounding funny and no mechanic can find the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ball joint and the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09f056000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. Updated 3/24/15
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving approximately 55 MPH the contact lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash. The police appeared on the scene and the driver was injured. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear drivers side upper ball joint fractured from the control arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 240,000.
While driving in rush hour traffic on a busy interstate, the right front ball joint failed catastrophically and the front end began to shake violently. Fortunately I was able to stop quickly and pull into the median. I had the car at the dealership only 2 months prior with "popping" noises in the front suspension. The service department performed an inspection and said "all front end components tight and sound /no failures detected". Less than 2,000 miles later, the ball joint failed! What is even more concerning is that the same exact symptoms were experienced 2 years ago and many components of the front suspension (including both ball joints) were replaced. The first occurrence of this problem was at 37,000 miles and cost me $598.66 (since the warranty only covered to 36,000 miles - ironic, huh?). The most recent failure occurred at 63,000 miles and cost me $693.06. …
Bought used in 2007 Sebring 2001 at 87K miles. At round 95K, while pulling out of parking space, heard cracking noise in steering wheel..resulting in no horn, air bag light cont illuminated so can't tell if there's a problem, and no cruise control. Took car to private dealer and diagnosed clock spring, but Chrysler says its not under recall protection any longer!!! Crazy, I know! Also, since purchase have many probs with electrical dash probs ie flashing on/dimming and radio just turning off...also not covered! And had strange humming noise since purchase while driving...finally found out what it was and had to replace both front hubs. All of these safety issues seem to be a continuing prob with other drivers as per the complaints I've read here at least as far back as I read (thru 2006). …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring. While driving 25 MPH the front suspension collapsed causing the front driver side tire to come off. The vehicle was not drivable so the contact had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic. The local mechanic replaced both outer tie-rods, left drive axle, the lower control arm, and the left lower ball joint. A local mechanic informed the contact that the right lower ball joint also would need to be replaced soon. The contact called the manufacturer regarding a recall for the suspension front, control arm lower ball joint but the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated this vehicle should be added to the recall. The failure mileage was 139,039 updated 4/19/10 Chrysler informed the consumer the matter would not be investigated due to the high mileage on the vehicle, even though a recall had been issued. Updated 06/18/10.
Rear mounting bracket on the strut broke, car was making a banging noise in the rear. I was afraid to drive the car home from work and had the car towed. Could have resulted in a serious accident had the car not been towed. Part has been unavailable from Chrysler since 6/26 and will not be available until at least the first of August. I am told there are 8000 of these parts on back order nationally, and the way the part oxidized, I'm curious why there has not been a recall. I've done some research and this is not a common part to have to replace. Also Chrysler refuses to offer me a loaner car until the part is available.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the driver side front wheel assembly detached when making a left turn. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, he replaced the driver side front axle and both front ball joints. Approximately two months later, while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact stated that he had to turn the vehicle off and restart it for it to perform normally. As of December 17, 2007, the mechanic had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 136,000 and current mileage was 138,888.
Suspension complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Chrysler Sebring, 10% of the model year's 387 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › upper ball joint (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2001 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 9 recalls for other components. 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 2001 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.