RoadVitals

2003 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.
42
Latest Jul 11, 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 2, 2015
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.
4
5 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 42 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and airbags categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 75 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

  • Engine917.0%
  • Suspension815.1%
  • Airbags713.2%
  • Brakes611.3%
  • Body & structure47.5%
  • Other / unspecified35.7%
  • Electrical35.7%
  • Steering35.7%

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
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
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView 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 42
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 11, 2021

While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There was no warning that this was going to happen. I was driving in normal traffic. And was unable to move the vehicle out of the traffic lane. Vehicle had to be towed. This happened yesterday 7/10/21. I have seen other reports of problems with this but vehicles have higher mileage than mine. Is there not a recall for this?

NHTSA ID
11424319
Incident
Jul 10, 2021
Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2017

I WON A CAR FROM MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE CAR HAD A 2.7L V6 ENGINE IN IT THAT NADA AND KBB DO NOT LIST SUCH AN ENGINE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT I WON, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS A DEALER SWAP PRIOR TO THE RAFFLE DRAWING, BUT THEY DENY THE SWAP WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. WHEN I WON IT, LAST JUNE IT HAD LIKE 181,000 MILES ON THE CAR, UNKNOWN MILEAGE ON THE ENGINE, BUT I HAD IT FROM JUN TO DEB 2016 AND DROVE IT MAYBE 9000 MILES MAX AND IT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. I CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3000 TO 4000 MILES, SO LIKE 2-3 TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR AND IT HAD NO INDICATION OF ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS PRIOR TO SPONTANEOUS AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE MY CARS SERVICES REGULARLY FOR TIRE ROTATIONS, CAR INSPECTIONS ETC. NOTHING COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS AND I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE CLASS ACTIONS LAW SUITS PERTAINING TO THIS EXACT ENGINE UNTIL MY ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I CLIMBING TH INTERSTATE ON RAMP WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPM'S ON MY CAR CONTINUED TO RISE WHILE MY CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN, IN ESSENSE IT WAS REVING AS I ACCELLERATED, BUT MY CAR WAS SLOWING, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHEN IT GOT BACK TO THE SHOP, THE CAR STARTED BACK UP AS NORMAL, BUT I LEFT IT ANYWAY, BECAUSE IT CLEARLY HAD AN ISSUE. IT WAS DISCOVERED AFTER THE MECHANIC DROVE IT THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GOOD OIL IN THE TANK, WHEN IT WAS CHECKED AND BASED ON THE LEVEL THERE WAS NO NEED TO ADD OIL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZING UP DUE TO OIL SLUDGE AND THAT MY ONLY FIX IS A NEW ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
10957747
Incident
Dec 28, 2016
Mileage
190,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jul 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY WAS FRACTURED IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,389.

NHTSA ID
10885516
Incident
Jul 17, 2016
Mileage
131,389 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ

NHTSA ID
10810468
Incident
Jun 2, 2015
Airbags
Filed Nov 10, 2015
Crash reported2 injuries reported

I WAS IN A WRECK ON 11/06/2015, A WOMEN FAILED TO YIELD AND I T-BONED HER PASSENGER SIDE BY BACK DOOR/BACK TIRE, I WAS GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CITY ROAD, I HAD MY SAFETY RESTRAINT ON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDOW, I HAD A LOOSE CAR SEAT IN FRONT THAT HIT THE PASSENGER DASH, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WAS HEADED NORTH AND I WAS HEADED WEST, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WHEN I HIT HER, SO IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WALL AT 30 MPH, I ENDED UP IN THE ER WITH A SPRAINED WRIST, MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WAS SWOLLEN, AND I'M HAVING ISSUES IN MY BACK(DOCTOR SAID NECK AND BACK PAIN IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO WHIPLASH, I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH BACK PAIN. FROM ALL THE INFORMATION I'VE FOUND ON RECALLS, THERE IS NOT ONE FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS ON MY CHRYSLER LXI....

NHTSA ID
10789703
Incident
Nov 6, 2015
Mileage
142,339 mi
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Jun 3, 2015

START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEEK. WHY IS MY CAR DOING THIS?

NHTSA ID
10723312
Incident
Jun 3, 2015
Mileage
155,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO RISE WITHOUT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10681608
Incident
Jun 1, 2014
Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2014

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING THE 2.7L V6 ENGINE. *JS

NHTSA ID
10598249
Incident
May 15, 2014
Mileage
87,000 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
2003Viewing425155.9
20022105157.0
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.