2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine615.8%
- Airbags615.8%
- Suspension513.2%
- Fuel system513.2%
- Visibility410.5%
- Body & structure37.9%
- Other / unspecified25.3%
- Transmission25.3%
- Electrical12.6%
- Brakes12.6%
- Seat belts12.6%
- Interior & seats12.6%
- Exterior lighting12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL; AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON & OFF INTERMITTENTLY FROM STARTUP TO SHUTDOWN, ANYWHERE - WTF?
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON A STREET, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A SMALL POTHOLE, AND A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTING BRACKET WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE CORROSION WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE ROAD SALTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
PROBLEMS STARTED EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT WAS DUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE AND STILL JOLTS WHEN DRIVING AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. ON THE THIRD OCCASION I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE SEBRING'S DRIVE THAT WAY AND IT WAS NOT FIXED. OVER TIME THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ROOF HAS LEAKED. THE DOORS SHAKE. AUTOMATIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. BOTH FRONT SEATS DO NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE KEY IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD TWO ALIGNMENTS DONE BUT THE FRONT END SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A RUBBING/GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR HAS 43,000 MILES AND I CONSIDER IT UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE FOR LONG DISTANCES. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
LACK OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT HEAT DURING VEHICLE IDLE. *TR
THE CONNECTION FOR THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES, FIXED 3 TIMES, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT THEY CAN DO NOTHING BUT FIX IT AT OUR COST EACH TIME. IT HAS BEEN RECONNECTED ONCE, AND TWICE AT A COST OF JUST UNDER $100 EACH TIME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING HAS ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAGS AND A RUST PROBLEM WITH THE HOOD LATCH. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED TO BEEP SPORADICALLY AND THEN WOULD STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB
PROBLEMS STARTED EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT WAS DUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE AND STILL JOLTS WHEN DRIVING AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. ON THE THIRD OCCASION I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE SEBRING'S DRIVE THAT WAY AND IT WAS NOT FIXED. OVER TIME THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ROOF HAS LEAKED. THE DOORS SHAKE. AUTOMATIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. BOTH FRONT SEATS DO NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE KEY IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD TWO ALIGNMENTS DONE BUT THE FRONT END SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A RUBBING/GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR HAS 43,000 MILES AND I CONSIDER IT UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE FOR LONG DISTANCES. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHROME WHEELS BECAME CORRODED DUE TO THE WEATHER AND DAMAGED THE TIRES. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS WEATHER RELATED AND COULD ONLY BE ADDRESSED BY CONTINUOUSLY ADDING AIR TO THE TIRES. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT AIR NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE TIRES ON A DAILY BASIS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS STARTED EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT WAS DUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE AND STILL JOLTS WHEN DRIVING AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. ON THE THIRD OCCASION I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE SEBRING'S DRIVE THAT WAY AND IT WAS NOT FIXED. OVER TIME THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ROOF HAS LEAKED. THE DOORS SHAKE. AUTOMATIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. BOTH FRONT SEATS DO NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE KEY IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD TWO ALIGNMENTS DONE BUT THE FRONT END SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A RUBBING/GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR HAS 43,000 MILES AND I CONSIDER IT UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE FOR LONG DISTANCES. *JB
THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS FALLING OUT. (IT WAS A NEW VEHICLE) THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY MAIL AND THE CONSUMER HAD NO RESPONSE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE. *AK THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. *SCC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE'S ROOF LEAKED, THE WINDOWS SHOOK, AND THE STEERING WHEEL RUBBED. THEN, THE WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT, THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS LOOSE, AND GAS GAUGE BROKE. ALSO, THE SUSPENSION WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED, BOTH DOOR PANELS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD SHAKE WHEN OPENED AND CLOSED, THE REGULATOR CABLE WAS KNOTTED, THE LEFT 1/2 REGULATOR WAS REPLACED, THE FRONT TIRES WERE RUBBING, THE FRONT END DISPLAYED A CLUNKING NOISE, THE BACKING PLATE WAS BENT, THE KEY DID NOT COME OUT AT TIMES, BUT NO REPAIR WAS NEEDED AT THE TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, A TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT VOLTS WERE TOO HIGH PER ENGINE LIGHT AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT MOVING. WIRING WAS FOUND OPEN IN THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WHICH WAS REPLACED. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKE CALIPER BOLTS FALLING OUT. (IT WAS A NEW VEHICLE) THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY MAIL AND THE CONSUMER HAD NO RESPONSE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE. *AK THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. *SCC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ANCHOR BROKE OFF IN DRIVER'S HAND WHILE BUCKLING SEAT BELT. THE ANCHOR CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE CAR. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY HAZARD, SINCE THE SEAT BELT IS NOW UNUSABLE, AND WHAT'S MORE, HAD BEEN OFFERING NO PROTECTION FOR SOME TIME, WHILE APPEARING TO BE INTACT. MILEAGE ON CAR IS 34,500 MILES. BREAKAGE OCCURRED IN STRANDED METAL BETWEEN THE BUCKLE RECEPTACLE, AND THE BASE OF THE ANCHOR. THIS LOOKED LIKE A METAL-FATIGUE TYPE OF PROBLEM WHERE INDIVIDUAL STRANDS OF THE STRANDED CABLE HAD WEAKENED AND BROKE OVER TIME.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS STARTED EVEN BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT WAS DUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE AND STILL JOLTS WHEN DRIVING AND SLIPS OUT OF GEAR. ON THE THIRD OCCASION I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE SEBRING'S DRIVE THAT WAY AND IT WAS NOT FIXED. OVER TIME THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ROOF HAS LEAKED. THE DOORS SHAKE. AUTOMATIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. BOTH FRONT SEATS DO NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THE KEY IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ON OCCASION. I HAVE HAD TWO ALIGNMENTS DONE BUT THE FRONT END SHAKES WHEN DRIVING AND HAS A RUBBING/GRINDING NOISE. THE CAR HAS 43,000 MILES AND I CONSIDER IT UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE FOR LONG DISTANCES. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .