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2001 Chrysler Sebring

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Chrysler Sebring do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 132.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

153 reports with mileage · 89 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 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports5 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

89 reports
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65,000 miles · Aug 2, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

AFTER I RECEIVED A TUNE UP OF MY VEHICLE, IT STARTED A PROBLEM. AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 MIN, THE ENGINE STARTS TO ALMOST DIE OUT, THEN COME BACK TO LIFE. THIS IS W/O USING AC OR HEAT. HOWEVER, IF I USE MY A/C OR HEAT, IT BECOMES MUCH WORSE. IN BOTH SITUATIONS, W/OR W/O AC & HEAT, THE PROBLEM BECAME SO BAD …

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AFTER I RECEIVED A TUNE UP OF MY VEHICLE, IT STARTED A PROBLEM. AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 MIN, THE ENGINE STARTS TO ALMOST DIE OUT, THEN COME BACK TO LIFE. THIS IS W/O USING AC OR HEAT. HOWEVER, IF I USE MY A/C OR HEAT, IT BECOMES MUCH WORSE. IN BOTH SITUATIONS, W/OR W/O AC & HEAT, THE PROBLEM BECAME SO BAD MY CAR DIED OUT. THE DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY CAR, AND CLAIMED IT DID NOT DO THIS TO THEM WHEN THEY HAD IT IN THEIR POSSESSION. I MYSELF, HAVE CHANGED THE AIR FILTER, GOT AN OIL CHANGE, CHANGED MY TRANS FLUID, PCV VALVE, & PUT IN FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT STOPPED. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO MURRAYS AUTO PARTS, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, GIVING IT THE CODE P1391 MISFIRE CODE. I CALLED THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THIS CODE, NOBODY HAD ANY IDEA WHAT IT MEANT. EVERY TIME I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER, THEY DENY THEY HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, AND PUT ME OFF LIKE I DON'T KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10130992

70,000 miles · Jul 12, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT: WHILE DRIVING MY CHRYSLER SEBRING THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. IT STARTING MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THEN THE CONSUMER HEARD A CRUNCH. WHEN THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD THE TIMING CHAIN HAD CUT A SLICE OUT OF THE PLASTIC VALUE COVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN DID BREAK. …

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DT: WHILE DRIVING MY CHRYSLER SEBRING THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. IT STARTING MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THEN THE CONSUMER HEARD A CRUNCH. WHEN THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD THE TIMING CHAIN HAD CUT A SLICE OUT OF THE PLASTIC VALUE COVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN DID BREAK. HE ALSO TOLD THE CONSUMER TO SEARCH THE INTERNET TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME MOTOR. THE CONSUMER HASN'T DONE ANY RESEARCH TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE YET. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128528

64,000 miles · May 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE ON MY 2001 SEBRING SEDAN IS IDLING ROUGHLY FROM LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN ONE OR TWO CYLINDERS. CAR HAD JUST OVER 60,000 MILE WHEN IT STARTED AND DEALER TOOK CAR FOR TWO DAYS, CHARGED ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO CLEAN INJECTORS AND REPLACE THE INJECTOR IN THE LOW COMPRESSION CYLINDER, AND COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN STATED …

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ENGINE ON MY 2001 SEBRING SEDAN IS IDLING ROUGHLY FROM LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN ONE OR TWO CYLINDERS. CAR HAD JUST OVER 60,000 MILE WHEN IT STARTED AND DEALER TOOK CAR FOR TWO DAYS, CHARGED ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO CLEAN INJECTORS AND REPLACE THE INJECTOR IN THE LOW COMPRESSION CYLINDER, AND COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN STATED IT'S PROBABLY THE ENGINE BUT I JUST WENT OVER THE 60,000 COVERAGE AND A REPAIR WOULDN'T BE COVERED. I MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE AND HAVE RECORDS FOR ALL WORK DONE ON IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW. CHRYSLER SHOULD MAKE GOOD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE PROBLEM WHATEVER IT IS SINCE I'M NOW BECOMING AWARE OF MANY OTHER SLUDGE PROBLEMS IN THE SAME 2.7 6 CYL ENGINE WHICH APPARENTLY HAS DEFECTS IN ITS MANUFACTURING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10118770

59,000 miles · Mar 30, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

HEARD KNOCKING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AT AROUND 59,000 MILES. SAID TO BE THE RESULT OF OIL SLUDGE. WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF $6000.00. HAVEN'T REPLACED ENGINE. STILL HAVE TO MAKE THE CAR PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT DOES NOT WORK. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116088

101,028 miles · Mar 16, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10115233

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND PARKED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10113105

39,000 miles · Feb 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE BLOCKED HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10113082

97,000 miles · Feb 8, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A SLUDGE BUILD UP IN MY 2.7 CHRYSLER SEABRING LXI 2001. I HAVE FAITHFULY CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE CHRYSLER FACTORY WARRANTY AND MOST OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS WILL NOT COVER ENGINE REPAIRS IF THEY FIND SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. MY CAR FAILED WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD…

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I HAVE A SLUDGE BUILD UP IN MY 2.7 CHRYSLER SEABRING LXI 2001. I HAVE FAITHFULY CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE CHRYSLER FACTORY WARRANTY AND MOST OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLANS WILL NOT COVER ENGINE REPAIRS IF THEY FIND SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. MY CAR FAILED WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURIES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10110125

29,500 miles · Jan 24, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH THE 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINE. IT HAS RECENTLY EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS UP TO AND WILL PROBABLY INCLUDE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE FROM OIL SLUDGING IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 5000 MILES AND WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THESE OIL CHANGES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 29500 MILES RIGHT NOW. I CONTACTE…

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I HAVE A 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING WITH THE 2.7 LITER V6 ENGINE. IT HAS RECENTLY EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS UP TO AND WILL PROBABLY INCLUDE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE FROM OIL SLUDGING IN THE ENGINE. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 5000 MILES AND WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THESE OIL CHANGES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 29500 MILES RIGHT NOW. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN NOT WARRANT THE PRODUCT BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD. THEY EVEN WENT AS FAR AS TO SAY THAT EVEN IF IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THEY CAN'T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SO BASICALLY I AM JUST REPORTING TO YOU MY COMPLAINT. I KNOW YOU PROBABLY HAVE RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE. PLEASE URGE CHRYSLER TO EXTEND THEIR WARRANTIES OR OFFER A RECALL. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN ENGINE FAILING BECAUSE OF OIL SLUDGE WITH ONLY 29500 MILES ON IT. THANKS, JOE RAGUSE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10107837

44,000 miles · Dec 6, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR ENGINGE SHOWS NORMAL RUNNING TEMPERATURE BUT WHEN ITS AT IDLE BLOWS COLD HEAT. WITH RPMS UP IT BLOWS HOTTER AIR. BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CASES FILED IN DODGE'S DATABASE THAT SHOWS REASON FOR SUSPISION. EVEN SWITHCED DEALERSHIPS TO NO AVAIL. ALL TEST RAN SHOWS NORMAL BUT CAR IS ABOUT TO HIT ITS 75000 MILE WARRE…

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CAR ENGINGE SHOWS NORMAL RUNNING TEMPERATURE BUT WHEN ITS AT IDLE BLOWS COLD HEAT. WITH RPMS UP IT BLOWS HOTTER AIR. BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CASES FILED IN DODGE'S DATABASE THAT SHOWS REASON FOR SUSPISION. EVEN SWITHCED DEALERSHIPS TO NO AVAIL. ALL TEST RAN SHOWS NORMAL BUT CAR IS ABOUT TO HIT ITS 75000 MILE WARRENTY SO IM NOT SURE IF THEY ARE TRYING TO LIMP ME ALONG FOR FUTURE GAINS. IT STARTED IN THE FALL OF 2002 AND CONTINUES TO THIS DAY HAD REPLACED THERMOSTAT FLUSHED COOLING SYSTEM TESTED PRESSURE BUT NOTHING.. IVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE HEATER CORE BUT THYE WONT GO THERE UNLESS THEY HAVE REASON TO BUT THATS THE ONLY THING THAT HASNT BEEN CHECKED IT NEVER OVERHEATS ETC..GREAT CAR BUT JUST HAS TO KEEP RPMS UP FOR HEAT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10102257

Official recalls

9

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.

01V011002 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Jan 16, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE MANUFACTURING PROCESS ALLOWED THE REINFORCEMENT YARD TO BREACH THE INNER LAYER OF SOME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOSES WEAKENING THE INNER WALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V005002 · Seats

Jan 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BOLTS MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD CAUSE INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

00V306000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 12, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION SECTIONS WHICH MAY NOT RETAIN THE AIR BAG DOOR DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT EVENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A SEPARATED AIR BAG DOOR COULD INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.

00V299002 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.

00V278000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields

Sep 18, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THROUGH DEGRADATION OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE SILENCER PAD AND A SHEET METAL PANEL (QUARTER INNER UPPER), THE PAD MAY FALL ONTO THE MAP LIGHT LOCATED IN THE REAR SEATING AREA NEAR THE C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL (LH AND RH). THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE THE PAD TO MELT, CREATING A HOT SMELL AND/OR SMOKE DURING LONG PERIODS OF ILLUMINATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION PAD FROM BEHIND BOTH REAR MAP LIGHTS.

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.