RoadVitals

2001 Chrysler Sebring

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.
242
Latest Aug 3, 2017
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.
12
Latest Jun 3, 2016
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.
1
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.
26
22 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 242 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Chrysler Sebring, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and suspension categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 105 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

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

12 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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 3, 2016
16,315 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 2, 2015
443,442 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-15-005 (FCA R30)View on NHTSA.gov

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

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE02082ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

Opened Nov 6, 2002
Closed Apr 23, 2003

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

SEAT BELTS

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Aug 3, 2017

I WAS TAKING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND AS I TURNED THE CORNER THE BALL JOINT COMPLETLY POPPED REAL LOUD AND MY LEFT REAR TIRE CAVES IN COMPLETELY. THEN A WEEK LATER THE RIGHT SIDE REAR DID THE SAME THING EXCEPT I WAS ON A LONG STRETCH ROAD AND A LOUD POP, TIRE CAVES IN AND I STARTED SWIRLING UNCONTROLABLY. UNKNOWN AS TO WHY OR HOW IT JUST ALL A SUDDEN POPPED. I DID FIX BOTH REAR BALL JOINTS MY RECEIPTS ARE WITH ORIELLYS AUTO. AND ALSO STEERING SUSPENSION IS SOUNDING FUNNY AND NO MECHANIC CAN FIND THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
11012463
Incident
May 5, 2017
Mileage
130,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 9, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V401000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/17/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
10943910
Incident
Jul 16, 2016
Airbags
Filed Sep 21, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V401000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACTED CALLED THE DEALER MONTHS AGO AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE PART HAD NOT BEEN AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED AND WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS MAY BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10908464
Incident
May 12, 2016
Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2016

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE BUILDUP DESPITE BETTER THAN RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE.

NHTSA ID
10892678
Incident
Oct 3, 2012
Mileage
87,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 27, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FACE INJURIES FROM THE PLASTIC COVER FROM THE AIR BAGS AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10861702
Incident
Aug 15, 2013
Mileage
150,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 9, 2015

WE WE ON INTERSTATE 55 IN MEMPHIS TN, HEADED SOUTH, TRAVELING AT 55 WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATOR BEGAN TO STICK AND THE CAR INCREASED IN SPEED, SO I STAYED ON THE BRAKES UNTIL I COULD SMELL THE BRAKES, SO AT THE SOUTHHAVEN EXIT WE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND COAST UNTIL WE COULD STOP, AND TURN THE MOTOR BACK ON AND THE CAR WAS STILL IDLE, AND SUDDENLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL. WE DROVE ALL THE WAY TO WATER VALLEY, MS WE THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AND WE FOLLOWED THE SAME PROCEDURE UNTIL WE MADE IT HOME AT 456 COUNTY ROAD 176, WATER VALLEY, MS. MY HUSBAND HAD JUST LEFT THE HOSPITAL IN MEMPHIS WHERE HE HAD BACK SURGERY.

NHTSA ID
10789205
Incident
Nov 7, 2015
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 9, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ISSUE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 1/21/16 *SS *TR

NHTSA ID
10789194
Incident
Nov 7, 2015
Airbags
Filed Aug 3, 2015
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN ANIMAL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. *CN

NHTSA ID
10745811
Incident
Aug 12, 2009
Mileage
57,000 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.

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.

31-005-19

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

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

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013010
2012010
2011310
2010863053.4
2009432049.5
20082384157.9
20073377158.2
20061202046.8
2005756053.9
20042207055.2
2003425155.9
20022105157.0
2001Viewing24212160.1
2000936159.6
19991729262.9
199826710464.5
199721011566.1
199634312565.5
19951325564.5

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.