Chrysler Sebring Acceleration Problems

Owners have filed 256 complaints about speed control & acceleration problems with the Chrysler Sebring — 7% of all Sebring complaints. The worst model years are 2007 (40), 2008 (34) and 1996 (30). Problems typically start around 68,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

256complaints
2007worst year
68ktypical miles
2related recalls
54crashes
3fires

Acceleration complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’103302424203241442333403434
Acceleration complaints per model year, Chrysler Sebring.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201045%106,000 miles
200937%52,000 miles
20083414%94,000 miles
20074012%52,000 miles
200632%145,000 miles
200532%91,000 miles
2004238%19,000 miles
200345%48,000 miles
2002144%40,000 miles
2001246%68,000 miles
200032%60,000 miles
1999208%87,000 miles
1998248%117,000 miles
1997248%81,000 miles
1996307%132,000 miles
199532%—

Which parts fail

  • Accelerator pedal
    20
  • Cables
    17
  • Cruise control
    10
  • Linkages
    5

Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2116%
  • 25k–50k
    2619%
  • 50k–75k
    2821%
  • 75k–100k
    2821%
  • 100k–150k
    2317%
  • 150k+
    97%

What owners report

Check engine light came on and I started having erractic shifting, codes came back as po755, p0700, p0716, p1607. This vehicle's transmission will not shift. I have taken to numerous shops half of them say it the PCM the other say it needs a transmission replacement. I have had the shift solenoid b replaced by dealership only for them to charge me then tell me it need a transmission replacement. The vehicle will still drive forward and backward but will not shift gears at all. Losses acceleration every so often then harsely goes back into gear while in motion. RPM is very high but will still drive.

2010 Sebring · 179,000 miles · Aug 2018

Etc light comes on and vehicle will not accelerate it happens when I start the vehicle when I drive it happens constantly I took vehicle to Chrysler dealership and was told it wa the throttle body paid 800 dollars still have the etc and same issue happening. This is a libility and accident waiting to happen it is unsafe to drive a vehicle and have it lose acceleration why driving up hill or highway.

2010 Sebring · 106,000 miles · Oct 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 60 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the electronic throttle control indicator illuminated. The contact called lee auto mall at [phone] (located at 765 center st, auburn, me 04210) and was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed immediately. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

2009 Sebring · 88,000 miles · Jul 2019

On my way home from work on Friday June 22nd, the car was running very rough and I had trouble braking. On Monday June 25. I had been at a stoplight. When the light turned green I accelerated and when I was at about 25 MPH I stepped on the gas pedal, and had trouble gaining speed and the control light came on. I turned on my flashers and made it to a mechanic, but by that time the light had gone off. Every mechanic I have talked to tells me they can not determine the problem is and fix it unless the light is on when I bring in the car. When the light is on I have trouble accelerating and braking is very hard. This has happened numerous times and I believe this is a safety hazard and could cause serious accidents. I don't know what to do to get this fixed - no one seems to want to deal with this.

2009 Sebring · 52,000 miles · Jul 2011

I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C and Cruise Control systems to malfunction. My power windows have issues sometimes I can't get them to roll up or down. My internal lights in my car flickering on and off. The mess from the radiator is also causing my engine to overheat. I am now having issues with oil pan leaks as a result of too much pressure from the engine. I see that only certain VINS were added to the recall list. I strongly suggest that NHTSA add other VINS to the recall list, especially mine, since I'm having those exact same issues. I see that there are complaints about this year make and model as recent as last year. …

2008 Sebring · Aug 2025

My TPS light has been on for quite some time and after a short time since the first time it appeared my issue worsens everyday. My car STALLS, not only when I am stopped at a light, but even when I am driving at high speeds and the Check Engine light stays on all the time and blinks and dings at times and now the airbag light is on as well and blinks and dings all the time while the car is started. I took the car to get check for error codes, but none come up when the diagnostics is ran.

2008 Sebring · Mar 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. While operating the vehicle in wet and humid conditions, the electronic throttle indicator would illuminate and the vehicle's speed would suddenly reduce to approximately 20 MPH. In addition, the brakes and power steering malfunctioned. In addition, the engine would erroneously rev very high and the accelerator pedal would lose tension and traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to several unknown local dealers, but the failures could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. Furthermore, when refueling in colder weather conditions, the fuel would spray out of the filler hole. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 10,000.

2007 Sebring · 10,000 miles · Feb 2006

Tl contact owns a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. The contact attempted to release the trunk of the vehicle, but there was a malfunction with the trunk release mechanism. She then attempted to use the keyless device to open the trunk, but it also failed to operate. Within two to three minutes, the vehicle began to move. There were no occupants in the vehicle. The driver side door was ajar and was dragged 10 to 15 feet. The vehicle continued to drift and crashed into the porch of a nearby residence. The porch steps were damaged. A police report was filed. The insurance company towed the vehicle and the cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The current and failure mileages were 28,000.

2007 Sebring · 28,000 miles · May 2008 · crash

Related recalls (2)

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA recall 02V-186 · Jul 8, 2002 · 88,000 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l v6 engines, the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly. Owner notification began August 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within…

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA recall 98V045002 · Mar 3, 1998 · 27,527 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.

Remedy: Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.

Frequently asked questions

Which Chrysler Sebring years have acceleration problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (40), 2008 (34), 1996 (30), 1997 (24) and 1998 (24) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2007.

Is there a recall for Chrysler Sebring acceleration problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 02V-186 (vehicle speed control, Jul 8, 2002); 98V045002 (vehicle speed control, Mar 3, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Chrysler Sebring acceleration problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (20 mentions), followed by the cables (17).

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.