← New search

2002 Chrysler Sebring

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 132.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

139 reports with mileage · 71 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports4 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

210 reports
25,000 miles · Mar 29, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SLIGHTLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SLIGHTLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THE ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A WATER PUMP MALFUNCTION AND THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK HAD CORRODED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE REAR BALL JOINT AND THE FILLER NECK WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E056000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000. *TT *AS

NHTSA ODI #10852219

66,000 miles · Dec 10, 2015
Engine

CAR COMPLETELY STALLED WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS EXTREMELY COMMON IN THESE CARS.

NHTSA ODI #10809466

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2015
SteeringSuspensionFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING . IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE FUMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING . IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE FUMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10774483

133,000 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Power TrainSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TIE ROD WAS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD FRACTURED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TIE ROD WAS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE SCREEN ON THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 09/25/15*LJ UPDATED 12/12/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10744391

85,237 miles · Jul 23, 2015
Equipment Adaptive/mobilitySteeringSuspensionCrash

ON MAY 17,2010 WHILE DRIVING TO COLLEGE, I NOTICED A LOUD WHINING ROUGH SOUND, AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT WOULD SOUND LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE COMING FROM MY TIRES. BEFORE, I COULD STOP TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND MY CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL MY SEBRING OVER CORRE…

Read full complaint

ON MAY 17,2010 WHILE DRIVING TO COLLEGE, I NOTICED A LOUD WHINING ROUGH SOUND, AND EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP IT WOULD SOUND LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE COMING FROM MY TIRES. BEFORE, I COULD STOP TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND MY CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL MY SEBRING OVER CORRECTED AND ENTERED A COUNTERCLOCKWISE SPIN. I CROSSED 5 BUSY LANES BEFORE STRIKING A DITCH. MY CAR STOPPED OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC!!! JULY OF 2013 I HAD MY LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND BALL JOINTS REPLACED. AND AGAIN IN FEBRUARY 14,2014 I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE SHOP AGAIN FOR LOWER BALL JOINT DISCONNECT AND REPLACE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. AND AGAIN THIS YEAR FEBRUARY 24, 2015 FOR THE EXACT SAME THING; REPLACEMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND LOWER BALL JOINT. THIS CAR IS VERY HAZARD I WAS BLESSED THERE WERE NO INJURIES IN 2010 WHEN I HAD MY ACCIDENT! EVERY TIME; I DRIVE THIS CAR I AM SO FRANTIC OF KNOWING AROUND THE TIME I AM GOING TO HEAR THAT SOUND OF SOMETHING RATTLING AND SOUNDING LIKE LOOSE BOLTS COMING FROM THE TIRE. MY 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER THIS YEAR, MADE THE REMARK;" MAMA I HEAR THAT RATTLING SOUND AGAIN!" PLEASE SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE; DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE COSTLY REPAIRS ON THE CHRYSLER SEBRING 2002 CARS. THE ECONOMY IS NOT CHEAP TO LIVE IN, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE FIXING THE SAME REPAIRS YEAR AFTER YEAR ON THE ONLY VEHICLE YOU HAVE. AND YES, I DO HAVE ALL RECEIPTS ON REPAIRS AND ACCIDENT REPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION OF HELPING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10736068

45,000 miles · Jun 3, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER HAD METAL FRAGMENTS IN THE ARM AS A RESULT OF THE EXPLOSION. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTIO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVER HAD METAL FRAGMENTS IN THE ARM AS A RESULT OF THE EXPLOSION. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10723162

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2015
Suspension

I DROVE INTO A GAS STATION AND AS I PULLED IN THE TIRE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS FLAT I CHECKED IT AND IT LOOKED FINE.I TRIED TO DRIVE OF AND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL DID NOT MOVE.I REMOVED THE TIRE IN THE PARKING LOT TO TRY AND FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, I COULDN'T SEE ANY VISUAL ISSUES. AS I BACKED OUT TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR TH…

Read full complaint

I DROVE INTO A GAS STATION AND AS I PULLED IN THE TIRE SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS FLAT I CHECKED IT AND IT LOOKED FINE.I TRIED TO DRIVE OF AND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL DID NOT MOVE.I REMOVED THE TIRE IN THE PARKING LOT TO TRY AND FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, I COULDN'T SEE ANY VISUAL ISSUES. AS I BACKED OUT TO TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR THE BALLJOINT CAME OUT. I HAD TO PAY TO GET MY CAR TOWED FROM NEW JERSEY BACK TO MY TOWN IN NY FOR $110 AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT HAD TO PAY TO GET TOWED AGAIN TO A MECHANIC AND WITH THE REPAIR FEES ENDED UP SPENDING $500 FOR REPAIRS. ALSO MY OIL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDLE. EVEN CAME ON AS SOON AFTER I GOT AN OIL CHANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694695

150,000 miles · Dec 23, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668055

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2014
SteeringSuspension

I KNEW ABOUT AN ACTIVE RECALL ON CONTROL ARMS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL CAR, YET WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY CLAIMED MY VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY RECALLS. SOON AFTER, MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AND THE CONTROL ARM/BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641369

113,000 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Engine

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #10617609

Official recalls

2

16V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 3, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

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.

15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 2, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate

Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

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.