RoadVitals

2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Mar 17, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Dec 27, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 41 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine615.8%
  • Airbags615.8%
  • Suspension513.2%
  • Fuel system513.2%
  • Visibility410.5%
  • Body & structure37.9%
  • Other / unspecified25.3%
  • Transmission25.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E059000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Dec 27, 2010
22,689 units potentially affected
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
09E056000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Oct 9, 2009
5,787 units potentially affected
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE LLCView on NHTSA.gov
07E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 24
Airbags
Filed Mar 17, 2018

TAKATA RECALL; AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON & OFF INTERMITTENTLY FROM STARTUP TO SHUTDOWN, ANYWHERE - WTF?

NHTSA ID
11079947
Incident
Jan 1, 2010
Mileage
90,000 mi
EngineFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Nov 1, 2017

PAST FEW WEEKS BEEN NOTICING ISSUES WITH THE CAR. 1. SUN VISORS HIT ME IN THE FACE 2. CAR STALLS TO START 3. LIGHTS HARDLY WORK EVEN WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT ON HIGH BEAMS 3. FLUID DOESN'T STAY IN THE CAR 4. CAR CUTS OFF IN MID DRIVING 5. CAR ALSO CAN CUT OFF WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKES . CAR BACK TIRE SMOKES. WAS NOT IN A ACCIDENT WITH ANYONE CAR CUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING I WAS ABLE TO OWN MY OWN BRING CAR TO STOP

NHTSA ID
11041918
Incident
Oct 13, 2017
Mileage
35 mi
Engine
Filed May 22, 2011

I HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE WITH A 2.7L ENGINE. I RECENTLY STARTED NOTICING PROBLEMS AROUND 88,000 MILES.. I NOW HAVE 92,000 MILES AND SEE ENGINE COOLANT IS BLACK.. ONLINE IT APPEARS A COMMON PROBLEM IS OIL MIXING WITH COOLANT.. APPARENTLY I HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE THE 2.7L ENGINE THAT IS PRONE TO SLUDGE AND OTHER PROBLEMS. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS USING MORE OIL RECENTLY EVEN BEFORE MY 3,000 OIL CHANGE.. NOW I MIGHT HAVE THE REASON WHY... I SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE HELP EVERYONE WHO PURCHASED A CHRYSLER PRODUCT WITH THIS 2.7L ENGINE... *TR

NHTSA ID
10402298
Incident
May 12, 2011
Suspension
Filed Apr 1, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT AT APPROXIMATELY 8 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.

NHTSA ID
10323370
Incident
Mar 25, 2010
Mileage
70,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 28, 2010

2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING 61,000 MILES DEFECTIVE NOW BROKEN CLOCK SPRING THAT OPERATES AIR BAG AND HORN, NOW STEERING WHEEL BINDS, VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS, MOSTLY BREAKS WHEN ITS COLD OUT. HOW COME CHRYSLER ISSUED A RECALL ON THE CARAVANS FOR SAME REASON BUT NOT ON SEBRINGS? PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10315016
Incident
Feb 12, 2010
Mileage
60,200 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 21, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE THAT HAS CHROME/ALUMINUM WHEELS. I NOTICED THAT I WAS LOSING SUBSTANTIAL PRESSURE IN MY TIRES ON A REGULAR BASIS. THINKING THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, AND THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE CHRYSLER SERVICE CENTER IN WYCKOFF NJ WHERE I PURCHASED IT. UPON INSPECTION, THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE WHEELS AND THAT I SHOULD MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND, WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY REGULAR (NON-CHRYSLER) MECHANIC, HE POINTED OUT THAT MY RIMS WERE CORRODING FROM THE INSIDE AND THAT THIS AFFECTED THE BEAD ON THE TIRE AND CAUSED IT TO LOSE PRESSURE. HE INDICATED THAT HE HAD CALLED CHRYSLER AND BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE SINCE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SEBRING RIMS. I SENT AN INTERNET COMPLAINT TO CHRYSLER'S WEBSITE BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. MY MECHANIC ADVISED THAT ALL HE COULD DO, INSTEAD OF TOTAL REPLACEMENT, WAS GRIND DOWN THE OLD RIMS AND TAR OVER THEM AS A STOP GAP SOLUTION. I EXPERIENCE ADDITIONAL LOSS OF PRESSURE ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO TIRE DEALERS TWICE TO REGRIND THE RIMS. EACH TIME THEY POINT TO THE CORROSION AND THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH CHRYSLER NOT DEALING THE PROBLEM. HAVING TIRES LOSE PRESSURE BECAUSE OF A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF THE WHEEL IS A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE NHTSA WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND REQUIRE CHRYSLER TO STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID
10259517
Incident
Jan 1, 2006
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2009

I PURCHASED A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING IN EARLY '07' I STILL OWE ABOUT 5,000 ON THE CAR. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS MY OIL LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON WHEN I COME TO A STOP. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID THE OIL SENDER SWITCH WAS BAD AND LEAKING OIL. THEY CHARGED ME 173.00 TO REPLACE IT AND WHEN I LEFT I GOT ABOUT 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ENGINE MOST LIKELY WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT IS THE 2.7 THAT I NOW HAVE LEARNED IS ONE OF THE WORSE ENGINES MADE. THIS LAST CHRISTMAS I WAS AT A PARTY AND MY FRIEND INTRODUCED ME TO HIS ROOMMATE THAT WAS GOING TO DIESEL ENGINE SCHOOL,HE HAD ALREADY RECEIVED EVERY GAS AUTOMOBILE CERTIFICATION THERE IN EXISTENCE AND IS ONE OF THE TOP MECHANICS IN THE AREA! WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT CARS AND HE ASKED ME WHAT I DROVE, I TOLD HIM I HAD A 2003 SEBRING. HIS REPLY WAS.."OH, I'M SORRY". NOW I KNOW WHAT HE MEANT BY THAT,AT THE TIME I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST JOKING. I HOPE SOMEONE WILL START A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT,IF THEY DON'T REMEDY THIS PROBLEM I WILL PRAY DAILY THAT CHRYSLER GOES UNDER AND WILL BAD MOUTH THEM TO EVERY PERSON I KNOW AND MEET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10258016
Incident
Feb 7, 2009
Mileage
79,104 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2008

HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH A 2.7 LITER ENGINE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A CHRYSLER REPAIR SHOP WHEN IT WOULDN'T START, THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY (THE BATTERY IN IT WAS A FEW MONTHS OLD) AND A NEW STARTER. I BORROWED THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THEN AFTER DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 15 MILES WHEN I GOT IT BACK, AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS THE CAR ENGINE BLOWS. THE CHRYSLER SHOP ACCUSES ME FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF NEVER CHANGING THE OIL. I PROVED IT WAS CHANGED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THEY SAY IMPROPER MAINTENANCE CAUSED "ENGINE SLUDGE" WHICH THE CAUSED ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CAR ALWAYS RAN QUITE AND COOL, BUT WHEN IT FAILED AND I GOT IT TO START AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS, IT MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ALL THE WAY UP (WHICH NEVER HAPPENS) AND THE ENGINE WAS BOILING HOT. THEY NOW SAY THEY NEED AN INSPECTOR FROM MY WARRANTY PEOPLE TO COME INSPECT AND "DIAGNOSE" THE ENGINE. THEY SAY THAT COST IS NOT COVERED TO BREAK DOWN AND OPEN THE ENGINE FOR INSPECTION AND IT COSTS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. THEN IF THEY DO NOT COVER IT, I'LL NEED TO PAY AGAIN TO PUT THE BROKEN ENGINE BACK TOGETHER FOR ANOTHER FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS, AND ADDITIONALLY AND ABOVE THAT COST, THE COST TO REPAIR THE ENGINE THEY SAY IS $10, 000. CHRYSLER PRETENDS THERE HAS BEEN NO KNOWN ISSUES WITH THIS ENGINE BUT A GOOGLE SEARCH OF "CHRYSLER 2.7 ENGINE DEFECTIVE" PROVES OTHERWISE. MILLIONS OF THEIR CARS HAVE THESE ENGINES AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS ABOUT CHRYSLERS DENIAL OF THIS PROBLEM AND SYSTEMATIC COVER UP. MY FIANCEE AND I JUST EVACUATED NEW ORLEANS DUE T HURRICANES GUSTAV. SHE IS DISABLED AND WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF BEING HOMELESS, THAT CAR WAS THE ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR US AND FOR ME TO ATTEMPT TO EARN A LIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10244978
Incident
Oct 6, 2008
Mileage
94,205 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chrysler Sebring Convertible by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005392049.9
2004622053.1
2003Viewing243039.1
20021213048.7
20011203050.6
2000782048.7
1999923259.5
1998523154.0
1997773157.9
1996683158.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.