Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chrysler Sebring owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. While driving various low speeds with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated. The contact applied excessive force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and something is eating the battery, the battery was replaced 2 so far under warranty. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times and the vehicle barely missed crashing into other vehicles each time. On another occasion, the engine continued to run after the key was removed from the ignition. The key was re-inserted, but the engine did not stop. The contact pressed hard on the brake pedal and the engine shut off. The contact stated that this failure occurred once and was diagnosed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact suddenly heard a dinging noise coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle and under the front driver and passenger side wheels. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle into a nearby fuel station, but it stalled. The contact had to push the vehicle to the fuel station. Karz auto sales (located at 12002 garlin rd, dallas, tx 75218, [phone]) had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the contact was unsure of the diagnosis. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not able to be driven. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. While driving highways speeds, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power without warning. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and recommended the contact take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. Consumer stated she was on her way home from work, she entered I-75 south bound in birch run, mi. I was picking up speed, the car completely shut down. I coasted along until the car came to a complete stop. It was scary! I had no warning to alert me that something was wrong with car. I would hope the Chrysler corporation will help to figure out, why this happened. Updated 10/15/18
Driving on 195 west heavy rain vehicle hydroplates in front of us no where to go but to hit the other vehicle imy main question is my airbags never came out..questioning defect...my vehicle was totaled and towed away I am the owner of this vehicle.... Updated 4/24/2015
My wife and I had purchased an 05 Chrysler Sebring touring convertible from the huntington dealership with 22,800 mile on the clock. Several weeks after our purchase the nightmare had begun. The engine had over heated on the freeway, we had the vehicle towed and inspected by the glendale Chrysler dealership. They released the vehicle back to use. We ran into the same problem another 2 times, and the exact same way and problem. The third time the dealership said that their was an air bubble and they had fixed the problem. Guess what happened recently the engine overheated again, but this time the engine has been damaged but Chrysler doesn't want to fix the problem. I had the car towed to the semi valley dealership. Even though my warranty covers this, they don't want to be out of pocket. I have been without a vehicle for over a week, with them not allowing me a rental. …
The most recent problem with this car is that it completely turned off ....stalled out when I was driving 70 miles an hour on the I-4 thank god that I have quick reflexes or else me and my three children would be dead had camshaft sensor multiple times replaced ,bad suspension and horn again it has a lot of problems with the suspension the ball joints wear out a lot especially on the left side for some reason the power windows gets stuck I spend hundreds of dollars probably more than the car is worth quite honestly I've had this [redacted] car I was going to give it to my son now that x is here I was going to lease a new one for safety but I wouldn't even sell this car to anyone I'm going to junk it for parts the manufacturers of this car have a responsibility to keep its public safe!! …
'all computer electrical systems periodically, sporadically shut down completely: electrical circuit failure 'I am trapped, locked in my car with no safety, dash, window or temperature controls 'at night, my headlights flicker then go out 'steering/upper control arm appears to be cracked 'transmission doesn't shift, it slams into gear at ten miles per hour or 50 miles p/h 'something in the undercarriage is snapping loudly when turning or going over speed bumps, something in steering column 'driving over speed bumps: the front and rear loudly creak and groan 'air bag light sporadically stays on'then off'then on again 'engine light sporadically comes on'then off'then on again 'runs like a truck, chugs, rattles 'cylinder one misfire at 45K. …
My vehicle was involved in an accident July 2010, damage was to the front driver's side. Upon picking up car I complained of an engine knock and axle noise. Geico determined this was not due to the accident. I was told to take my car back to where the axle was replaced in April 2010 by pep boys. While waiting to be seen by an adjuster from geico, my vehicle would not start. I then had my battery and starter replaced by pep boys. My vehicle still had engine knock which geico said was not cause by accident. I then had my car taken to a repair shop where they diagnosed an oil pump problem. They later determined before replacing the oil pump that there were metal shavings in oil pan. They inspected my engine block and determine that engine block was clean due to my use of synthetic oil, but was not operable. The warranty regarding this was not covered for this by Chrysler.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that most of the repair work was mostly covered under extended warranty. The following day, the dealer stated that the failure was not covered because they found engine sludge. The repair would cost $1,600. When the contact retrieved the vehicle, it would not drive more than ten minutes without overheating. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the entire engine was destroyed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at an auto repair shop. The contact is awaiting feedback. The manufacturer asked her for oil change receipts. The current mileage was 57,842 and failure mileage was 57,837.
I purchased a 2005 Chrysler Sebring in 2006 with approx. 25K miles on it, 1 yr. Later it started leaking oil badly. It was found that the front seal on the crankshaft was pushed out. The garage through there resources found found that this was a problem with the 4 cyl. That Chrysler knew about and even knew the serial numbers of the beginning and the end of the defect that had been machined in there engine blocks. This defect allows the crankshaft to float back and forth length wise and push the seal out. They have not done a recall for this and refuse to do anything about it. The fix for this defect is a new short block that is over $4K to be done. The oil leaks so bad that it soaks the undercarriage and rear of the car and could cause a fire by the exhaust being covered with oil.
Engine complaints in other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chrysler Sebring?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chrysler Sebring, 16% of the model year's 132 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler Sebring engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Chrysler Sebring, though it has 3 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 2005 Chrysler Sebring engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 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.