Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 17 | 20% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 12% | 52,000 miles |
| 2008 | 52 | 22% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 79 | 23% | 57,000 miles |
| 2006 | 15 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 21 | 16% | 62,000 miles |
| 2004 | 86 | 29% | 50,000 miles |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% | 79,000 miles |
| 2002 | 108 | 30% | 76,000 miles |
| 2001 | 163 | 42% | 74,000 miles |
| 2000 | 15 | 9% | 103,000 miles |
| 1999 | 24 | 9% | 107,000 miles |
| 1998 | 23 | 7% | 129,000 miles |
| 1997 | 26 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 1996 | 43 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 15 | 11% | 33,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Whitish/grayish smoke was billowing out of front end of car. Patrons driving alerted us & we exited vehicle. As we vacated vehicle we realized purse was still in vehicle, we ran to retrieve it & as we retrieved belongings, fire engulfed front end of vehicle & shot through front of vehicle & engulfed the entire front portion of vehicle & inside of vehicle. Power steering fluid dripped on engine which ignited the fire. As fire firefighters extinguished the first fire & as the first fire died down the vehicle erupted in flames once again which was ignited by fuel. Power steering fluid and battery acid causing the flames to shoot through the front end of the car (inside) to the back of the vehicle towards fuel tank. The vehicle was a potential fire ball. Vehicle is a charred totaled shell of a car. …
My son was driving forward up a hill. While driving the car started rolling backwards while in drive gear. Then while the vehicle decided to roll backwards in drive gear he was unable to stop. Since my son was unable to stop he put the car in park the vehicle still continue to roll backwards. As a result my son jumped out of the vehicle and the vehicle rolled down the hill and hit a tree and boulders. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership and they found nothing wrong. However a witness seen what was happening to my son in disbelief. This vehicle is very unsafe for anyone to drive,
I was in a car accident yesterday.the brakes locked up on me.the steering wheel jerked & got stuck.I ended up htting 2 cars.I knew nothing about a recall.I've only had this car for 5 months.I have to loook online to find out there was a recall.I wnna know what is gonna be done about my situation?I'm very upset.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Sebring. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the brakes were depressed and the vehicle failed to stop. The engine stalled moments after the brakes were applied. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the brakes needed replacement and that the engine manifold had malfunctioned. The manufacturer was contacted and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 9,773 and the current mileage was 13,800.
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact waited for a while for the vehicle to cool off before being able to operate the vehicle as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the alternator, battery, and TIPM however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Engine frequently stalls while driving. I've had my car shut off while I'm driving many times, the steering wheel and brakes lock up and it makes it hard to get off the street to safety. This happens a LOT. It is very dangerous and scary. I get anxiety everytime I drive because I'm scared of it happening again. My car once turned off in the middle of a busy intersection while trying to turn. It came on after about 45 seconds but it was terrifying. Battery often dies (just replaced it). Horn would go off randomly without stopping for a long time. I had to disconnect the horn (on both sides) because it would keep randomly going off with no way to stop it. Cruise control stopped working one day. Sometimes it comes up when I press cruise control but it turns off when I try setting a speed. Drivers window broke inside, I think something snapped inside the door. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine coolant temperature warning indicator illuminated and black smoke emitted from under the hood. The failure recurred on other occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chrysler Sebring. While driving on June 21, 2008 there was smoke present under the hood. After approaching a traffic light the vehicle shut off and a large amount of smoke was coming from the engine. She observed that the engine compartment and the under side of the vehicle was on fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire after three attempts. The vehicle was towed. The dealer confirmed with the contact that there were no recalls related to her VIN. The dealer instructed the tow truck company to bring the vehicle to them; however, the dealer later advised them to take the vehicle away since the damage was so massive. The dealer also stated that the contact would have to wait until Monday to obtain a rental car. The dealer later informed the contact that they would not provide her with a rental car until an investigator inspected the vehicle. …
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant May be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on November 19, 2007.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler Sebring years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (163), 2002 (108), 2004 (86), 2007 (79) and 2008 (52) model years. Engine complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chrysler Sebring engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 07V-473 (radiator assembly, Oct 10, 2007); 00V299002 (engine, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chrysler Sebring engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (197 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (58).
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.