Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that she had been operating the vehicle for approximately 15 minutes when smoke was seen coming from the engine area. A fire did not erupt. One week later the vehicle began stalling sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that transmission fluid was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 01V011002 (power train) but was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not repairable. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
While driving vehicle at approximately 25 MPH on the road, the rpms reved up to high levels and the car acclerated at a higher speed without intention, after letting foot completely off the gas pedal the rpms continued to go to high levels and car automatically drove itself without accelerating the gas pedal and even while breaking the rpms continued to rev up and car drove itself. After finally being able to get the car slowed down enough it was able to be put into park, however, after trying to go into drive or another gear the rpms reved up again. …
I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring coupe. I bought the vehicle on 11/15/2008. The "check engine soon" light came on 3 months later, on 2/15/09 and I got the vehicle serviced at the sheridan Ford dealership. They claimed there was an oil leak that was leaking into my engine, and were going to fix that. Then, 4 days later (I drove the vehicle twice), the car broke down in the middle of a highway and had to be towed. I was told the transmission died due to a ring that broke and clogged a pipe which caused the transmission to fail. Also, when my car was being fixed, another oil leak was found and an antifreeze leak had also ocurred. I have only had the vehicle for 3 months and for 1,455 miles. I have had to but over $3100 worth of work into it already, getting a new transmission and fixing the oil and antifreeze leaks.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving 75 MPH on the freeway, the engine shut off and the vehicle lost all power. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to an independent mechanic. After inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic noticed sludge build-up. He also observed leaks in the head gasket and radiator, and engine and transmission failure. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because a crash could have occurred on the freeway. The current and failure mileages were 98,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving on the highway at 35 MPH the transmission failed. The independent repair shop determined there was a defective cushion spring. The stock replacement part provided by the manufacturer was at least five times heavier than the original part. The gauge of the original cushion spring was much less than the stock replacement part. As the cushion spring began to disintegrate the parts lodged in the pump gears, resulting in having to rebuild the transmission.
Consumer replaced rear defrost on Chrysler Sebring on numerous occasions. The rear defroster does not work. The rear vision glass needed to be replaced. Chrysler offered the consumer a 50/50 split. Also the drivers side window rattled, red fluid was found in the consumer's driveway due to transmission pan and cooler line leakage, the convertible was leaking on the drivers side window area due to weather strip and there was a slow leak in the r/r tire due to a hole.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked transmission fluid leaked from the under carriage of the vehicle causing it to smoke. The transmission hose and the solenoid pack were replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 01V011002, regarding the transmission lines. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 3/20/2006 -
Dt*: the contact stated there was a puddle under the vehicle. The dealership determined the cooler hose needed to be replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 01V011002, regarding the transmission cooler hose. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 8/14/2006 - the wheel bearings were worn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring coupe. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH up an incline the transmission failed to respond. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and then towed to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000. The VIN was unavailable.
While driving my 2001 Chrysler Sebring the car would jolt as you are coming to a stop. The car at this time had 89,958 miles on it. After a complete diagnostic service by aamco transmissions the transmission was reconditioned with rebuilt torque converter. Cost me $2,700.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose manufacturing process allowed the reinforcement yard to breach the inner layer of some automatic transmission hoses weakening the inner wall which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transaxle oil cooler hoses. Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Transmission complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chrysler Sebring, 7% of the model year's 387 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V011002 (cooling unit and lines, Jan 16, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.