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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

Engine complaints

11 reports
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98,000 miles · May 10, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHEN UR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN LIKE U TURNED OFF THE KEY. IT ISN'T OVER HEATING AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SO I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY IT KEEPS DOING THIS AND IT HAS A NEW BATTERY . I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324022

137,528 miles · Jul 6, 2017
Engine

VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WELL AND WELL MAINTAINED. THEN HAD ISSUES STARTING AND SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR ENGINE FAILURE OF THESE MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11003469

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

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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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

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…

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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

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 …

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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

90,677 miles · Jan 8, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED AND DID NOT SOUND WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPRO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED AND DID NOT SOUND WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,677.

NHTSA ODI #10491795

151,000 miles · Sep 4, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

NHTSA ODI #10473797

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.