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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

What owners actually said

210 reports
86,000 miles · Dec 21, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING'S ENGINE SEIZED UP WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE NIGHT TO TAKE MY HUSBAND TO WORK. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY DEALER JUST TO FIND OUT THAT I WAS 32 MILES OUT OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THAT I HAD APPARENTLY NOT CHANGED MY OIL AND THAT CAUSED MY ENGINE TO LOCK UP. WHEN MY ENGINE LOCKED UP I HAD FLOORE…

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MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING'S ENGINE SEIZED UP WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ONE NIGHT TO TAKE MY HUSBAND TO WORK. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY DEALER JUST TO FIND OUT THAT I WAS 32 MILES OUT OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THAT I HAD APPARENTLY NOT CHANGED MY OIL AND THAT CAUSED MY ENGINE TO LOCK UP. WHEN MY ENGINE LOCKED UP I HAD FLOORED IT TO GO AROUND A SLOW-MOVING SEMI ON A LITTLE 2 LANE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE KNOCKING SOUND AND I NOTICED THAT EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING DOWN ON MY GAS PEDAL, THE RPMS WERE GOING DOWN INSTEAD OF UP. I FINALLY GOT BACK INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND MY CAR SORT OF WOBBLED A COUPLE TIMES. IT KEPT LOSING SPEED AND WHEN WE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE ENGINE DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A $5500+ REPAIR BILL ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THIS ENGINE WAS AND HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE DAY ONE. I WANT CHRYSLER TO PAY FOR MY ENGINE AND ALL MY HEARTACHE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212480

41,000 miles · Nov 23, 2007
Steering

AT 41,000 MILES MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI 4 DOOR SEDAN REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME IF IT HAD FAILED IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AND POSSIBLY DEADLY ACCIDENT. ONE YEAR TO THE DAY - AT 47,000 MILES THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS NOR EVENT…

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AT 41,000 MILES MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI 4 DOOR SEDAN REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME IF IT HAD FAILED IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR AND POSSIBLY DEADLY ACCIDENT. ONE YEAR TO THE DAY - AT 47,000 MILES THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS NOR EVENTS WHICH LEAD UP TO THESE FAILURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10209712

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2007
Wheels

SINCE I HAVE PURCHASE MY NEW CAR, 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING, KEEPING THE TIRES INFLATED HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED BY GOODYEAR AND THE CAR STILL HAS PROBLEMS HOLDING AIR IN THE TIRES. LATER I CHANGED TIRE MANUFACTURERS AND HAD FIRESTONE TIRES PUT ON. THE TIRES STILL NEED AIR P…

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SINCE I HAVE PURCHASE MY NEW CAR, 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING, KEEPING THE TIRES INFLATED HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED BY GOODYEAR AND THE CAR STILL HAS PROBLEMS HOLDING AIR IN THE TIRES. LATER I CHANGED TIRE MANUFACTURERS AND HAD FIRESTONE TIRES PUT ON. THE TIRES STILL NEED AIR PUT IN THEM EVERY 2-3 DAYS. FIRESTONE HAS SERVICED THE LEAK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WE TRIED PUTTING TUBES IN THE TIRES AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 TUBES IN TWO WEEKS. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE RIMS STOCKED FROM CHRYSLER. IT IS NOT A TIRE PROBLEM. THESE ALUMINUM RIMS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER STANDARD OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. FIRESTONE MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE A CHRYSLER 300M WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. THE TIRES WON'T SEAL ON THE RIMS. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER CHRYSLERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO LAUNCH A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO HAVE THIS LOOKED INTO. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM (LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND FLAT TIRES). LAST NIGHT I WALKED TO THE DARK PARKING LOT AFTER WORK TO FIND ANOTHER FLAT TIRE ON MY CAR AGAIN. PLEASE HELP MAKE CHRYSLER OWN FIXING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10209611

107,604 miles · Oct 25, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

OIL SLUDGE IN ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206939

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2007
Wheels

FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE ALL MY TIRES ONCE, AND BRING MY CAR INTO NTB MULTIPLE TIMES REGARDING MY TIRES GOING FLAT DESPITE THAT THE CAR COULD SIT IN MY GARAGE ALL WEEK, AFTER SPEAKING WITH NTB THEY SAID THEY DEAL WITH THESE THINGS ALL THE TIME, A CHRYSLER PULLS IN AND HE CAN TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG …

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FOR SOME TIME NOW I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE ALL MY TIRES ONCE, AND BRING MY CAR INTO NTB MULTIPLE TIMES REGARDING MY TIRES GOING FLAT DESPITE THAT THE CAR COULD SIT IN MY GARAGE ALL WEEK, AFTER SPEAKING WITH NTB THEY SAID THEY DEAL WITH THESE THINGS ALL THE TIME, A CHRYSLER PULLS IN AND HE CAN TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE WHEEL RIM ON THE CHROME ONES, ARE CORRODING CAUSING A RIM LEAK, THIS CAUSES MANY UNINFORMED CUSTOMERS TO GO OUT AND BUY BRAND NEW TIRES WHEN THIS IS NOT NECESSARY, IT ALSO FORCES CUSTOMERS TO WASTE TIME EITHER BY HAVING THEIR CAR CHECKED OUT EVERY MONTH B.C OF THESE LEAKS OR MAKE THEM STOP AT A GAS STATION AND FILL THEIR TIRES UP WITH AIR LIKE I DO. I PLEASE ASK YOU ALL WHO READ THIS TO WRITE TO CHRYSLER TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THIS POOR PERFORMANCE, I HAVE READ OTHERS COMPLAINTS WHICH COULD LEAD TO BLOW OUTS, AS FAR AS I LAST CHECKED THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ADDRESSED NOW! CHRYLSER GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS AND DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE KILLED, AND IF THAT HAPPENS I HOPE THEY SUE YOUR COMPANY TO BANKRUPTCY AND I'LL BE HAPPY BUYING FOREIGN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10206191

62,400 miles · Oct 17, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE- 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI SEDAN, 62,400 MILES- NO WARNING. TWO OPINIONS HAVE BOTH STATED TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS THE ONLY OPTION- $3000 FOR A USED (60,000 MI) ENGINE. HAVE NOT YET DECIDED IF I WILL FIX, AND THEN IMMED UNLOAD, OR TRY AND TRADE- AND GET NOTHING! (STILL OWE $3500). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205979

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2007
Power Train

WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES I TEST DROVE IT AND IT RAN FINE. AT 60,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS, IT MADE NOISE ONLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION PLACE AND THEY HAD IT FOR TWO DAYS AND STATED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS FINE. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS …

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WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES I TEST DROVE IT AND IT RAN FINE. AT 60,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS, IT MADE NOISE ONLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION PLACE AND THEY HAD IT FOR TWO DAYS AND STATED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS FINE. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I HAD IT REPAIRED BUT IM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS NOW THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS WHILE SLOWING DOWN BETWEEN 35 TO 30 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10201994

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2007
Structure

WHEN I TRADED IN MY 2003 MAZDA SUV ON JULY 28, 2007, I DID SO IN GOOD FAITH THAT I WOULD GET A FAIR TRADE. I DISCLOSED INFORMATION REGARDING THE MAZDA SUV TO THE ALAMEDA COUNTY AUCTION (ACA CARS) SALES DEPARTMENT. MY CAR JUST HAD ITS OIL CHANGED, ITS TIRES WERE BRAND NEW, ITS BRAKES AND PADS WERE IN WORKING PROPER ORDER. I H…

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WHEN I TRADED IN MY 2003 MAZDA SUV ON JULY 28, 2007, I DID SO IN GOOD FAITH THAT I WOULD GET A FAIR TRADE. I DISCLOSED INFORMATION REGARDING THE MAZDA SUV TO THE ALAMEDA COUNTY AUCTION (ACA CARS) SALES DEPARTMENT. MY CAR JUST HAD ITS OIL CHANGED, ITS TIRES WERE BRAND NEW, ITS BRAKES AND PADS WERE IN WORKING PROPER ORDER. I HAD EXPECTED THE SAME COURTESY AND RESPECT FROM THE CAR DEALERSHIP. I TRAVELED FROM SACRAMENTO TO DUBLIN BECAUSE I PUT MY TRUST IN THIS DEALERSHIP AND HAD FAITH THAT IT WOULD SELL ME A CAR THAT HAD PASSED THEIR SAFETY INSPECTION. HOWEVER, I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND FELT BETRAYED WHEN I FOUND OUT LATER THAT THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE WAS HELD BY VELCRO TAPES. I WAS EMOTIONALLY DISTRESSED OVER THE THOUGHT OF WHAT MIGHT AND MAY HAPPEN IF I DID FURTHER DRIVING, FEARFUL THAT THE FRONT BUMPER WOULD DROP OR "FLY OFF" WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. I COULD HURT MYSELF AND EVEN OTHERS. I WAS FURTHER DISAPPOINTED BY THE REACTION OVER THE PHONE BY THE SAME PERSON WHO SOLD ME THE CAR. TO IMPLY TO ME THAT I COULD HAVE DONE THE DAMAGE MYSELF, REPAIRED THE FRONT BUMPER WITH VELCRO, AND PUT THE BLAME ON THE CAR DEALERSHIP WAS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. THE VELCRO-BUMPER SITUATION COULD BE JUST THE "TIP OF THE ICEBERG." I NO LONGER HAVE ANY TRUST LEFT IN THIS CAR DEALERSHIP AND AM WONDERING WHAT OTHER "HIDDEN" FLAWS THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE. AS A CONSUMER, IT IS MY RIGHT TO BE FULLY INFORMED OF ALL ASPECTS REGARDING THE CAR THAT I PURCHASED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS DEALERSHIP HAS NOT ONLY FAILED TO GIVE ME THAT RESPECT, IT HAS ALSO DEALT ME WITH A FRAUDULENT TRANSACTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10199963

69,200 miles · Jul 22, 2007
Suspension

REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNTS BROKE. MADE OF ALLUM. WHY? CORROSION WILL HAPPEN IF YOU INSTALL ALLUM NEXT TO SHEET METAL, ALSO THEY WERE NOT PAINTED. THE NEW ONES ARE AT LEAST PAINTED. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO ME TO BE VERY SMART TO HAVE ALLUM. MOUNTS AND UNPROTECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197152

97,500 miles · Jul 18, 2007
Electrical System

PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER, CAR IS IN DRIVEWAY IN PARK,THE IDLE WILL GO UP A LITTLE , BUT THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO UP TO 80-100 KM WILL SITTING STILL. IF YOU GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS IN PARK THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO 240 KM AGAIN WHILE IN PARK AND NOT MOVING. I HAVE HAD IT THE VEHICLE RESCANNED,BUT THE ISSUE DID NOT GO AWAY..I …

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PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER, CAR IS IN DRIVEWAY IN PARK,THE IDLE WILL GO UP A LITTLE , BUT THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO UP TO 80-100 KM WILL SITTING STILL. IF YOU GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS IN PARK THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO 240 KM AGAIN WHILE IN PARK AND NOT MOVING. I HAVE HAD IT THE VEHICLE RESCANNED,BUT THE ISSUE DID NOT GO AWAY..I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR, AND THE PUT ALMOST 200 KM ON THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED MORE THAT ENOUGH TIMES, BUT WHEN IT WENT INTO SERVICE TO GET CHECKED OUT THEY COULD NOT SOLVE OR GET THE CAR TO DO THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WAS VERY FRUSTRATING ,AND OUR CONCERN WAS THAT WHEN THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AND THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THERE WILL BE A COSTLY BILL. I AM ALSO CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10196779

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.