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 2002 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. While driving 40 MPH, the driver side tie rod fractured and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The tie rod was replaced. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the screen on the transmission was replaced. The failure recurred, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. Updated 09/25/15 updated 12/12/2017
While the vehicle was in the park position on a slight grade , the vehicle rolled backwards, resulting in a collision. There were no fatalities, but there was extensive damage in the amount of $3,000.
My wonderful father brought me this convertible Sebring lxi on 04/17/2014. After my Chevy impala/2002 stalled due to transmission/ignition switch the total cost is $3100.00. So my dad pays cash for the convertible Sebring lxi. On 05/03/2014, I was driving on the interstate attempting to attend a barbecue. It was a very nice day out. The car starts to overheat and the car stalls and slows down. I pulled over to the side of the road. The very next day, sun May 4,2014. I had the car taken to a mechanic and the engine had jump time and the engine had sludge build up. I was advised that it would cost me $3000-5000 for a new engine. I have lost my job in hr due to not being able to go work. I now own to vehicles that I can not drive and cant even afford to fix the car since I have lost my job. It really upsets me about the condition of the vehicle. There should be a recall on these engines. …
I own a 2002 Chrysler Sebring with approx. 35K mileage. The transmission started acting funny about three weeks ago. It would not budge when in drive gear or would stall at red light. It was worse when cold. I took it to Chrysler dealer in greenvale, new york. They indicated a transmission leak requiring change of transmission oil and cleaning, even though Chrysler manual itself does not indicate transmission service before 45K mileage. They changed the transmission lines and hoses and charged me over $400 for the service. Chrysler fails to acknowledge a design defect requiring this service. Ultimately, I discovered that you have received many complaints regarding the same issue and also outright transmission failure which Chrysler fails to address. I know that a recall was issued by nhsta for 2001 Chrysler Sebring regarding similar issues. …
I bought the car brand new, added the extended warranty and had several things go wrong. Just to name a few: engine shut down without warning and had to be replaced when it was just over the 100,000 mile warranty even though oil changes and regular maintenance was done 3-4000 miles, transmission pan had metal shavings in it which resulted in poor performance, control arm had to be replaced after Chrysler dealership told me the problem was the motor mounts(I did not need the mounts replaced and the repair was not done under warranty), water pump & thermostat housing(was told both weren't covered and should have been), rear window defroster replaced and/or fixed three times, driver power window regulator replaced(glass had to be replaced because of damage from the regulator, which I paid), visor vanity light-part ordered but "too late" when tried to have it replaced(was not notified that …
Recently while driving my 2002 Chrysler Sebring lx I was slowing down off an exit ramp and the car suddenly grabbed at around 32 MPH. I found out by monitoring my speeds that you have to go over 36 MPH and slow down to 32 MPH for it to grab and it does it every time. The check engine light has never came on and has been checked for working operation. I recently had the car taken to a dealer to be put on a diagnostics machine where there they said they can't even say what is wrong, they said something is wrong but for the machine to not even pick it up something isn't right. All fluids have been checked by myself and the mechanic and they have maintained proper level. We have reason to believe maybe a sensor or just to reset the whole car all I know is this is costing me lot of money. I wanted to report this case. This May be a start to a recall on the car. …
Automatic transmission has been jerking hard when shifting to 5th gear since the purchase of the car. When reported to the service department, the response was there is no problem. Check engine light would linger on intermittently but no code returned. At 70,350 miles, the check engine light came on, when shifted from park to reverse and neutral to drive, the car jerks hard and the transmission will not shift out of first gear. Immediately took it to an auto shop (speedy auto) and left the car for two days. The check engine light was still on but the transmission shifted fine. No code available. Problem was clear for 3 days then recurred. After the car sat for over 12 hours, the light went out and car shifted fine. The light has now been on for 8 days and still jerks when shifting from park to reverse and neutral to drive.
While driving air bag warning light illuminated and stayed on the remainder of the time while vehicle was being operated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. A rattling noise could be heard in the dash area. The consumer found a nut and notified the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that the nut did not belong in the dash and they insulated the dash so no more noise could be heard. The consumer feels the nut came from something in the dash. The seat belt pre-tensioner was replaced three times. The transmission fluid began to leak. The dealer determined that the cooler line clamps became loose and caused the transmission fluid to leak.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealership because there was a loud rumbling noise coming from the right front side of the vehicle. The dealership determined the right front axle was defective due to the poor quality of the material. The right front axle was replaced. Within 1,000 miles later, the noise and the vibration returned on the right front side of the vehicle. The dealership determined the left front axle was also defective and replaced the left front axle. The consumer stated there is still a noise present. Updated 08/14/06.
I had over $968.00 of repair work done at machaik Chrysler (georgetown,texas ). The manager stated they found oil leaking onto the spark plug, had to perform a combustion chamber cleaning,chemically cleans intake chamber .mopar fuel injection and fuel rail. Remove the throttle body and chemically clean carbon from throttle body. After I had this work done I drove 5-7miles down the road, and my 2002 Chrysler Sebring timing belt broke at 82,758 while I was driving on the highway. I had no power, lights,absolutely nothing worked, and almost got killed in traffic.
Transmission complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chrysler Sebring, 11% of the model year's 358 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 2 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 2002 Chrysler Sebring transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires 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.