RoadVitals

2003 Chrysler Sebring Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Chrysler Sebring, 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

  • Engine917.0%
  • Airbags713.2%
  • Brakes611.3%
  • Body & structure47.5%
  • Other / unspecified35.7%
  • Electrical35.7%
  • Steering35.7%
  • Driver assistance35.7%
  • Exterior lighting23.8%
  • Transmission11.9%
  • Fuel system11.9%
  • Interior & seats11.9%
  • Powertrain (other)11.9%
  • Seat belts11.9%

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.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 1, 2017

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 · filed Jun 3, 2015
All 9 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 18, 2016

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 · filed Jun 3, 2015
All 8 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 15, 2015

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 · filed Nov 10, 2015

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN IT IS RAINING OUT THE BRAKES ARE VERY INEFFECTIVE WHEN FIRST APPLIED. I JUST PUT IN A DATE IN THE INCIDENT DATE FIELD. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT IS RAINING OR THE ROAD IS WET. *TR

NHTSA ID 10210903 · filed Dec 5, 2007

I HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX, I BOUGHT IT USED WITH 21,000 MILES IN MARCH OF 2004, NEARLY NEW RIGHT? SINCE THEN, I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF ROTORS AND PADS FOR THE FRONT, 1 SET OF TIRES, PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT, TOTALING OVER $700.00 FOR REPAIRS, THAT I PAID OUT OF MY POCKET. THE FAN KNOB INSIDE THE CAR THAT CONTROLS THE SPEED OF THE HEATER FAN LABELED 1-4, NOW ONLY WORKS ON 3 AND 4. NOW THE LOWER TIE- ROD END ON PASSENGER SIDE IS BAD OR MAKING A THUMPING NOISE. A NEARBY MECHANIC SAYS THAT IT IS DRY AND NEEDS LUBRICATION BUT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE DUE TO CHRYSLER NOT PUTTING GREASE FITTINGS ON ANY OF THE IMPORTANT AREAS! I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I FOUND IT WOULD COST $850.00 TO FIX. THERE MECHANICS SAY THAT THEY DON'T SEEM LOOSE AND NOTHING IS GOING TO FALL A PART, BUT JUST IN CASE, SINCE YOU CAN'T JUST REPLACE THE TIE-ROD END, YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION, SO THEY SUPPOSEDLY HAVE IT ON ORDER. THE DEALER SAYS IF IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AFTER THEY LOOK THE CAR OVER GOOD, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE AND THE WARRANTY WILL COVER THE REST. I BOUGHT THIS CAR SINCE I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLES ASSUMING IT WOULD BE A SAFE FAMILY CAR SINCE MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND DUE IN NOVEMBER WHICH IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF AND HAVE SUNK MORE MONEY IN IT THEN MOST VEHICLES 5 YEARS OR OLDER. I HAVE A LITTLE OVER 59,000 MILES ON IT WHICH WHEN I BOUGHT IT I GOT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 75,000 MILES. AT THE RATE IT'S GOING, THE CAR WILL LUCKY TO MAKE IT THAT FAR. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN WHEN PURCHASING A VEHICLE, AND THIS CAR HAS PROVEN TO ME THAT IT IS A LEMON DUE TO THE FRONT END PROBLEMS AND IS A HAZARD TO MY FAMILY AND I. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU. *NM

NHTSA ID 10132503 · filed Aug 11, 2005

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 5, 2015

DASH SEPARATING FRO VENT POSSIBLY BY THE SUN. ALSO THE FRONT BUMPER SCRAP MOST DRIVEWAYS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10536601 · filed Aug 21, 2013

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 11, 2021

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 · filed Jul 18, 2016

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 3, 2015

WORKED WITH THE REPAIR SHOP - EVANS AUTO CAR IN BLUE ASH, OH - TO UNDERSTAND WHY 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING SUDDENLY EXPERIENCES DROP IN SPEED FROM 70 TO 25 MPH. REPAIR SHOP NOTED CAR COMPUTER LIKELY FAULTY AND PARTS UNAVAILABLE FROM DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO MESSAGE BOARDS AND OTHER CHRYSLER SHOPS, DEALERS ARE RESTRICTED FROM RELEASING PARTS DUE TO ANTICIPATED FUTURE PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS STEM FROM COLD-SOLDERING OF THE MAIN COMPUTER BOARD. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEVELOPING SAFETY CONCERN THAT WARRANTS FUTURE INVESTIGATION DUE TO MANUFACTURER HOLDING BACK PARTS. REPAIR SHOP NOTED THEY MAY BE PREPARING FOR FUTURE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10262813 · filed Mar 23, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PROBLEM: SMELLING GAS FUMES WHILE STARTING THE CAR. ENGINE FAILURE TO START. FAILURE IS DAILY. MY WIFE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT NEEDING A NEW GAS CAP. SINCE THEN, OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I AM CONCERNED THAT OUR CAR WILL RESULT IN WORST CASE SCENARIO RESULTS, LIKE AN EXPLOSION WHILE STARTING THE CAR. OUR CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2003, IN 2009 THE CARS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE, SMELLING MORE FUEL FUMES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, I AM IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ON YOUR END CAN HELP US. WE DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY TO GO OUT AND SIMPLY GET A NEW CAR. CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION WHEN DESIGNING THE SEBRING LX. I AM AFRAID TO EVEN OPERATE IT. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN MY WIFE AND I SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPEATEDLY TAKING OUR CAR TO SOMEONE ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE ALSO NOTICED CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AND THE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU CAN FEEL THIS "CLICKING". PLEASE HELP US.*TR

NHTSA ID 10261801 · filed Mar 14, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX, I BOUGHT IT USED WITH 21,000 MILES IN MARCH OF 2004, NEARLY NEW RIGHT? SINCE THEN, I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF ROTORS AND PADS FOR THE FRONT, 1 SET OF TIRES, PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT, TOTALING OVER $700.00 FOR REPAIRS, THAT I PAID OUT OF MY POCKET. THE FAN KNOB INSIDE THE CAR THAT CONTROLS THE SPEED OF THE HEATER FAN LABELED 1-4, NOW ONLY WORKS ON 3 AND 4. NOW THE LOWER TIE- ROD END ON PASSENGER SIDE IS BAD OR MAKING A THUMPING NOISE. A NEARBY MECHANIC SAYS THAT IT IS DRY AND NEEDS LUBRICATION BUT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE DUE TO CHRYSLER NOT PUTTING GREASE FITTINGS ON ANY OF THE IMPORTANT AREAS! I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I FOUND IT WOULD COST $850.00 TO FIX. THERE MECHANICS SAY THAT THEY DON'T SEEM LOOSE AND NOTHING IS GOING TO FALL A PART, BUT JUST IN CASE, SINCE YOU CAN'T JUST REPLACE THE TIE-ROD END, YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION, SO THEY SUPPOSEDLY HAVE IT ON ORDER. THE DEALER SAYS IF IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AFTER THEY LOOK THE CAR OVER GOOD, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE AND THE WARRANTY WILL COVER THE REST. I BOUGHT THIS CAR SINCE I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLES ASSUMING IT WOULD BE A SAFE FAMILY CAR SINCE MY WIFE IS PREGNANT AND DUE IN NOVEMBER WHICH IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF AND HAVE SUNK MORE MONEY IN IT THEN MOST VEHICLES 5 YEARS OR OLDER. I HAVE A LITTLE OVER 59,000 MILES ON IT WHICH WHEN I BOUGHT IT I GOT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 75,000 MILES. AT THE RATE IT'S GOING, THE CAR WILL LUCKY TO MAKE IT THAT FAR. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN WHEN PURCHASING A VEHICLE, AND THIS CAR HAS PROVEN TO ME THAT IT IS A LEMON DUE TO THE FRONT END PROBLEMS AND IS A HAZARD TO MY FAMILY AND I. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU. *NM

NHTSA ID 10132503 · filed Aug 11, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH 4 CYLINDER ENGINE,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND CRUISE CONTROL. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN MARCH OF 2005 WITH ABOUT 29,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IT CURRENTLY HAS 39,000 MILES. ON A TRIP THROUGH MARYLAND AND WEST VIRGINIA ON AUGUST 4TH,2005, I EXPERIENCED A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE DOWN A 6 TO 8 % GRADE. THE CAR WOULD DOWN SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION AND ACCELERATE. WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER REACHED 75 MPH, I SHUT OFF THE CRUISE AND THE CAR WOULD UPSHIFT BACK TO HIGH GEAR AND WITH BRAKING I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE SPEED OF THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS ACTION WITH THE CAR UNTIL I TRAVELED ON INTERSTATE ROADS WITH 3% GRADES OR LESS,THEN THE CRUISE WORKS FINE. I TOOK THE CAR TO NORTH EAST DODGE ,MAIN STREET,NORTH EAST,PA. 16428 ON AUGUST 8TH,2005 AND EXPLAINED THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL. AFTER CONFERRING WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATION,I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT I SHOULD HAVE READ THE OWNERS MANUAL WHICH( I AM PARAPHRASING HERE) STATES NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL UNLESS IT IS A SUNNY,DRY DAY AND THE HIGHWAY IS FLAT. IN OTHER WORDS,CHRYSLER SAYS I SHOULD HAVE READ THE OWNERS MANUAL BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IF I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF THE CAR GOING OUT OF CONTROL DOWN STEEP ROADS, THEN DON'T USE THE CRUISE CONTROL. BECAUSE CHRYSLER CORPORATION PUTS A DISCLAIMER IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL ABOUT THEIR SELLING THE PUBLIC AN UNSAFE PRODUCT SHOULD NOT ABSOLVE THEM OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CORRECTING IT. *NM

NHTSA ID 10132241 · filed Aug 10, 2005

DT: 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CAR IS A 4 CYCLE AUTOMATIC WITH AIR CONDITIONER AND CRUSE CONTROL. WHILE DRIVING UP A 6% GRADE, AND WHEN GOING DOWN THE HILL TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED AND THE CAR ACCELERATED 15-20 MILES FASTER THAN WHAT THE CRUISE WAS SET AT. CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS ACCEPTABLE TO THEM. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT CERTAIN CONDITIONS MUST BE MET FOR THE CRUISE TO FUNCTION IN A SAFE MANNER. *AK

NHTSA ID 10132039 · filed Aug 9, 2005

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY START TO FLICKER, THEN SLOWLY FADE OUT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, HEADLIGHTS WILL COME BACK ON AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10042383 · filed Oct 6, 2003

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER WHICH CAUSED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS NOT TO FUNCTION. ALSO, DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHEN TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES LOCKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10042046 · filed Oct 1, 2003

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SHIFT INTERLOCK ON THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10108727 · filed Jan 24, 2005

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PROBLEM: SMELLING GAS FUMES WHILE STARTING THE CAR. ENGINE FAILURE TO START. FAILURE IS DAILY. MY WIFE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT NEEDING A NEW GAS CAP. SINCE THEN, OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I AM CONCERNED THAT OUR CAR WILL RESULT IN WORST CASE SCENARIO RESULTS, LIKE AN EXPLOSION WHILE STARTING THE CAR. OUR CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2003, IN 2009 THE CARS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE, SMELLING MORE FUEL FUMES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, I AM IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ON YOUR END CAN HELP US. WE DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY TO GO OUT AND SIMPLY GET A NEW CAR. CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION WHEN DESIGNING THE SEBRING LX. I AM AFRAID TO EVEN OPERATE IT. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN MY WIFE AND I SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPEATEDLY TAKING OUR CAR TO SOMEONE ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE ALSO NOTICED CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AND THE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU CAN FEEL THIS "CLICKING". PLEASE HELP US.*TR

NHTSA ID 10261801 · filed Mar 14, 2009

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER WHICH CAUSED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS NOT TO FUNCTION. ALSO, DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHEN TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES LOCKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10042046 · filed Oct 1, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 11, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I PARKED MY CAR JUNE 23 2009 AROUND 5:15 PM SEAT BELT WAS WORKING FINE. CAME BACK OUT OF THE HOUSE 20 TO 30 MINUTES LATER, SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE FOR ME TO BUCKLE UP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10274836 · filed Jun 24, 2009

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

Data on this page last refreshed .