RoadVitals

2002 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.
210
Latest Jul 10, 2021
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.
5
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.
21
15 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 210 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and transmission categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 84 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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
16V401000

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
15V338000

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
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

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

View all 210
Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 2021

Rear Disc Brakes.I had a repair shop and a dealership assess what they both found to be what's called a Backplate.It mounts onto both Left and Right Spindles.The Backplate on Left and Right hold or guide the Pads in place on both sides of the caliper.The pins show to be almost rusted out.The dealership told me the Left and Right Backplate is unavailable and obsolete.So my options are to find a shop that can fabricate the parts or modify the rear brake system.Truly a poor design.A prototype that slipped through the cracks.I have invested thousands over the years into the vehicle so I would have a problem free efficient ride when I retire.I now had to finance another vehicle because the Chrysler Sebring is no longer driveable.The dealership told me 100.00 to scrap it.Unacceptable! I will continue to pursue my options. I invested alot of blood money into the vehicle and the help I received to date is Park it or Junk it.That is not even a remote consideration.

NHTSA ID
11424177
Incident
Jan 20, 2021
Airbags
Filed Aug 25, 2020

ONCE I TURN ON THE CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY

NHTSA ID
11351280
Incident
Aug 24, 2020
Mileage
41,990 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed May 10, 2020

WHEN UR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN LIKE U TURNED OFF THE KEY. IT ISN'T OVER HEATING AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT KEEPS DOING THIS AND IT HAS A NEW BATTERY . I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
11324022
Incident
May 2, 2020
Mileage
98,000 mi
Filed May 6, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

I HAVE ATTACHED THE PAPERWORK 4 MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. AS YOU CAN SEE MY FIRST PAYMENT WAS APRIL 13TH 2018 THIS WAS MY DEPOSIT $700. AGAIN ON APRIL 24TH I PAID ANOTHER $600. MAY 20TH I PAID ANOTHER $700. JUNE 5TH I PAID $105. JUNE 5TH IS WHEN I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR. JULY 1ST IS WHEN I HAD THE CAR ACCIDENT, WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAMAGE ON THE CAR WAS SO SEVERE BECAUSE THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ALL RUSTED OUT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FIRST DAY I TOOK THE CAR HOME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER BATTERY FOR $75. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS BOTTOMING OUT I TOLD THE MECHANIC JIM WHO IS ALSO THE MAN THAT SOLD ME THE CAR AND HE ASSURED ME IT WAS SAFE. THEY HAD THREE MONTHS TO CHECK THE WHOLE CAR OUT AND MAKE SURE IT WAS SAFE AND IT SAT IN THE SAME SPOT UNTIL I PICKED IT UP. NOW EITHER THEY NEVER CHECKED THE CAR OR THEY CHECKED THE CAR AND SOLD IT TO ME ANYWAY. THE WAY I SEE IT IS THEY WERE WRONG EITHER WAY. NOT TO MENTION THAT JIM THE SO-CALLED MECHANIC IS THE ONE WHO SOLD IT TO ME. RIGHT AFTER THE BATTERY DIED THE RADIO TOOK A CRAP. THEY ALSO CHARGED ME EXTRA 4 TAX TAGS AND TITLE WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE $2,000 THAT THEY WANTED FOR THE CAR. I TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THEM SEEING THAT IT WAS UNDER A MONTH THAT I ACTUALLY HAD THE CAR IN MY POSSESSION I EXPLAINED TO JIM WHAT THE POLICE TOLD ME ABOUT BEING ALL RUSTED BUT THEY INSISTED I HAD THE CAR TOO LONG AND THAT THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SO HERE WE ARE. I HAVE A PERSONAL INJURY CASE GOING ON RIGHT NOW, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED YOUR TYPE OF ATTORNEY TO FIGHT LLAPI AUTO SALES HUDSON FLA. FLORA IS THE PERSON WHO "MADE THE SALE" (HER NUMBER IS 727-478-5632), BUT IT WAS JIM THE MECHANIC WHO REALLY SOLD ME THE CAR, THAT'S WHY I TRUSTED HIS WORD IT WAS SAFE.

NHTSA ID
11205732
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
AirbagsPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Oct 4, 2018

2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FOLLOW UP ON MULTIPLE MECHANICAL ISSUES CASE . *AS *TR

NHTSA ID
11132608
Incident
Mar 29, 2018
AirbagsSteering
Filed May 8, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.

NHTSA ID
11092498
Incident
May 3, 2018
Mileage
107,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2017

VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WELL AND WELL MAINTAINED. THEN HAD ISSUES STARTING AND SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR ENGINE FAILURE OF THESE MODELS.

NHTSA ID
11003469
Incident
Jul 6, 2017
Mileage
137,528 mi
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Apr 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10980142
Incident
Apr 17, 2017

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.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

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

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
2002Viewing2105157.0
200124212160.1
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.