← 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
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, ALSO THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON AFTER IT WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, ALSO THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON AFTER IT WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO GIVE AN ACCURATE READING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10598450

155,000 miles · Jun 5, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY WONDERFUL FATHER BROUGHT ME THIS CONVERTIBLE SEBRING LXI ON 04/17/2014. AFTER MY CHEVY IMPALA/2002 STALLED DUE TO TRANSMISSION/IGNITION SWITCH THE TOTAL COST IS $3100.00. SO MY DAD PAYS CASH FOR THE CONVERTIBLE SEBRING LXI. ON 05/03/2014, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTING TO ATTEND A BARBECUE. IT WAS A VERY NICE DAY …

Read full complaint

MY WONDERFUL FATHER BROUGHT ME THIS CONVERTIBLE SEBRING LXI ON 04/17/2014. AFTER MY CHEVY IMPALA/2002 STALLED DUE TO TRANSMISSION/IGNITION SWITCH THE TOTAL COST IS $3100.00. SO MY DAD PAYS CASH FOR THE CONVERTIBLE SEBRING LXI. ON 05/03/2014, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTING TO ATTEND A BARBECUE. IT WAS A VERY NICE DAY OUT. THE CAR STARTS TO OVERHEAT AND THE CAR STALLS AND SLOWS DOWN. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VERY NEXT DAY, SUN MAY 4,2014. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE ENGINE HAD JUMP TIME AND THE ENGINE HAD SLUDGE BUILD UP. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD COST ME $3000-5000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. I HAVE LOST MY JOB IN HR DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO GO WORK. I NOW OWN TO VEHICLES THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE AND CANT EVEN AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR SINCE I HAVE LOST MY JOB. IT REALLY UPSETS ME ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE ENGINES. WE THE CONSUMERS SHOULD RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF RELIEF. WE THE CONSUMERS RELY ON THE INTELLIGENCE AND INTEGRITY OF THOSE THAT MANUFACTURE AND MAKE THE ENGINES. I'M ASKING THAT CHRYSLER PAY FOR ME A NEW ENGINE. THAT IS A SMALL AMOUNT COMPARED TO THE FACT I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS CAR. HAD THIS TURNED OUT ANY OTHER WAY SUCH AS A FATALITY. MY PARENTS WOULD HAVE ENSURED THAT " HEADS WOULD ROLL". I WOULD HATE TO SEE CHRYSLER IN THE SAME "HOT SEAT" THAT GM IS CURRENTLY SITTING IN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10596524

106,559 miles · Mar 2, 2014
SteeringSuspensionCrash

MY FRONT END CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT COLLAPSED, CAUSING OTHER PARTS TO BE DAMAGED. EVER SINCE THIS HAS HAPPEN MY CHRYSLER HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DID TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT TO MY DISMAY NOTHING HAS BEEN CORRECTED. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT MY CAR THE CHRYSLER SEBRING ALWAYS HAVE MAJOR FRONT END SUSP…

Read full complaint

MY FRONT END CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT COLLAPSED, CAUSING OTHER PARTS TO BE DAMAGED. EVER SINCE THIS HAS HAPPEN MY CHRYSLER HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DID TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT TO MY DISMAY NOTHING HAS BEEN CORRECTED. I AM NOW BEING TOLD THAT MY CAR THE CHRYSLER SEBRING ALWAYS HAVE MAJOR FRONT END SUSPENSION ISSUES. SINCE THIS IS THE CASE, I BELIEVE CHRYSLER SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEMS ON THESE MAKES AND MODEL. I WOULD LIKE TO FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR, HOWEVER I DO NOT. I HAVE BEEN SPENDING MONEY FRIVOLOUS TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I HOPE THAT CHRYSLER CAN CORRECT THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY ON MY CAR. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566692

125,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WENT TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WENT TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS WELDED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10561637

100,752 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Engine

WE WERE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CHRYSLER SEBRING LIMITED 2.7L. TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE. OI CHANGES, AIR FILTER, TUNE-UPS, YOU NAME IT. WE MADE SURE TO KEEP THIS CAR UP AND THE ENGINE RUNNING. AT 100752 THE ENGINE BLEW. SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF TOWN WE HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THEY …

Read full complaint

WE WERE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS CHRYSLER SEBRING LIMITED 2.7L. TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE. OI CHANGES, AIR FILTER, TUNE-UPS, YOU NAME IT. WE MADE SURE TO KEEP THIS CAR UP AND THE ENGINE RUNNING. AT 100752 THE ENGINE BLEW. SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF TOWN WE HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THEY INFORMED US THAT THE ENGINE HAD SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT MOVE. AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEALERSHIP WE HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A USED 2.7L CHRYSLER ENGINE. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE WATER PUMP WENT SO WE REPLACE THAT. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE THAT SECOND ENGINE ALSO HAD SLUDGE BUILD UP. THEY REPLACED THE OIL AND FILTER. 2 MONTHS LATER THAT ENGINE BLEW UP AS WELL FROM THE SLUDGE BUILD UP. AT THAT POINT WE DECIDED NOT TO THROW GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD AND DUMPED THE CAR. THIS IS A PRODUCTION DEFECT OF THE 2.7L CHRYSLER ENGINE THAT WAS INSTALLED IN OUR 2002 SEBRING. WE KEPT UP OUR END OF THE BARGAIN AND TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. CHRYSLER SHOULD PAY DAMAGES FOR A FAULTY ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551966

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2013
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT JUST STAYS ON! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524346

160,000 miles · Jun 10, 2013
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO CAVE INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10516008

90,000 miles · Apr 18, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER AND THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER AND THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #10508641

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2013
SteeringSuspension

THE STEERING IS TIGHT 80% OF THE TIME. I FOUND OUT I HAD BAD STRUTS AFTER PUTTING IT ON A LIFT WHAT ELSE COULD IT BE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504915

48,000 miles · Jan 22, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10493802

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.