Owners have filed 53 complaints
about the 2003 Chrysler Sebring with NHTSA between 2003 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Chrysler Sebring. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Chrysler Sebring
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Chrysler Sebring
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
917.0%
Median failure at 84,000 miles
Suspension
815.1%
Median failure at 87,750 miles
Airbags
713.2%
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 130,000 mi
Brakes
611.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,469 mi
Body & Structure
47.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 112,000 mi
Wheels
35.7%
Median failure at 88,694 miles
Lights
35.7%
Median failure at 3,500 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
35.7%
Median failure at 39,000 miles
Steering
35.7%
Median failure at 57,678 miles
Electrical System
35.7%
Median failure at 124,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
23.8%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Seat Belts
11.9%
Median failure at 69,700 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
11.9%
Median failure at 57,678 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
37.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
820.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
820.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
615.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
820.0%
150,000+ miles
410.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 6Jul 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Chrysler Sebring
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 142,339 milesNineveh, INCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A WRECK ON 11/06/2015, A WOMEN FAILED TO YIELD AND I T-BONED HER PASSENGER SIDE BY BACK DOOR/BACK TIRE, I WAS GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CITY ROAD, I HAD MY SAFETY RESTRAINT ON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDOW, I HAD A LOOSE CAR SEAT IN FRONT THAT HIT THE PASSENGER DASH, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WAS HEADED NORTH AND I WAS HEADED WEST, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WHEN I HIT HER, SO IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WALL AT 30 MPH, I ENDED UP IN THE ER WITH A SPRAINED WRIST, MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WAS SWOLLEN, AND I'M HAVING ISSUES IN MY BACK(DOCTOR SAID NECK AND BACK PAIN IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO WHIPLASH, I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH BACK PAIN. FROM ALL THE INFORMATION I'VE FOUND ON RECALLS, THERE IS NOT ONE FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS ON MY CHRYSLER LXI....
NHTSA complaint #10789703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRice, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 SEBRING LXI AND HAD JUST LEFT OUR HOUSE ON A SUN. MORNING HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND ONLY THE CENTER ROAD BED IS TAR AND THE SHOULDER IS GRAVEL. SHE WENT SLIGHTLY INTO SHOULDER AND SAID SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENED AS SHE COULD NOT STEER AND IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS ROLLING A COUPLE OF TIMES AND AWAKING UPSIDE DOWN IN A STEEPER DITCH IN A CORN FIELD. SHE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER A MAIL POST THAT JAVELIN THROUGH THE FRONT SHIELD AND JUST MISSED HER HEAD. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE FOR HEAD INJURY. WE THOUGHT SHE OVER COMPENSATED. WE JUST DISCOVERED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE MOUNT ABOVE THE STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKE OFF WHICH DEFINITELY IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THREE DIFFERENT EMERGENCY WORKERS SAID IF SHE WASN'T SHE WOULD OF DIED. THIS IS SCARY AS THE CAR IS ONLY IS ONLY "FIVE" YEARS OLD. AND A IMMEDIATE RECALL OR INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10245866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRice, MNCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 SEBRING LXI AND HAD JUST LEFT OUR HOUSE ON A SUN. MORNING HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND ONLY THE CENTER ROAD BED IS TAR AND THE SHOULDER IS GRAVEL. SHE WENT SLIGHTLY INTO SHOULDER AND SAID SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENED AS SHE COULD NOT STEER AND IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS ROLLING A COUPLE OF TIMES AND AWAKING UPSIDE DOWN IN A STEEPER DITCH IN A CORN FIELD. SHE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER A MAIL POST THAT JAVELIN THROUGH THE FRONT SHIELD AND JUST MISSED HER HEAD. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE FOR HEAD INJURY. WE THOUGHT SHE OVER COMPENSATED. WE JUST DISCOVERED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE MOUNT ABOVE THE STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKE OFF WHICH DEFINITELY IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THREE DIFFERENT EMERGENCY WORKERS SAID IF SHE WASN'T SHE WOULD OF DIED. THIS IS SCARY AS THE CAR IS ONLY IS ONLY "FIVE" YEARS OLD. AND A IMMEDIATE RECALL OR INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10245866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,210 milesSAN Diego, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH. *TT DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN. *TT
NHTSA complaint #10121008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED AND CHEMICAL CONTENT CAME OUT ONTO DRIVER'S FACE.
NHTSA complaint #10022046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,020 milesElkins Park, PA1 injured1 killed
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
I PURCHASED A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING ON NOV 11, 2002. ON DEC. 26, 2003 I WAS DRIVING HOME AT ABOUT 0730. MY CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE LEFT, LIKE A MAGNET WAS PULLING . I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STAIRING, I TRIED TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN BY DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE ONLY THING THAT BROUGHT THAT CAR TO A STOP WAS THE CURVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS WAS RIGHT BEFORE THE CURVE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NASTY. MY INSURANCE STATED, "THERE WAS A COMPLETE BRAKE IN THE RACK AND THAT IT WAS UNLIKELY CAUSED BY COLLISION. THIS BREAK CAUSED THE COLLISON. THEIR WAS NO BODY DAMAGE OR NO TIRE DAMAGE TO THE CAR ACCORDING TO YHE COLLION PEOPLE. HOWEVER , SINCE I DID HIT THE CURVE , THE DEALER DECIDED TO TOW THE CAR COLLSION PLACE. MY CAR WAS HEALED UP FOR 22 DAYS. THE MANUFACTURE PULLED THE RACK OUT OF THE STAIRING COLUME.,TO INVESTAGATE. THEY SAID THEY COUD NOT TELL WHETHER OR NOT WHO FAULT IT WAS. THEY SAID THEY WOUL FIX THE PROBLEM FOR A GOOD WILL GESTURE. I WANT A NEW CAR. THE ACCIDENT WAS VEY TRAMATIC. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I WILL GO TO THE MEDIA IF I HAVE TO. I NEED HELP! WHAT CAN I DO.
NHTSA complaint #10003146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
East Alton, IL
POWER TRAIN
While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There was no warning that this was going to happen. I was driving in normal traffic. And was unable to move the vehicle out of the traffic lane. Vehicle had to be towed. This happened yesterday 7/10/21. I have seen other reports of problems with this but vehicles have higher mileage than mine. Is there not a recall for this?
NHTSA complaint #11424319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Alton, IL
WHEELS
While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There was no warning that this was going to happen. I was driving in normal traffic. And was unable to move the vehicle out of the traffic lane. Vehicle had to be towed. This happened yesterday 7/10/21. I have seen other reports of problems with this but vehicles have higher mileage than mine. Is there not a recall for this?
NHTSA complaint #11424319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesGallipolis Ferry, WV
ENGINE
I WON A CAR FROM MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE CAR HAD A 2.7L V6 ENGINE IN IT THAT NADA AND KBB DO NOT LIST SUCH AN ENGINE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT I WON, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS A DEALER SWAP PRIOR TO THE RAFFLE DRAWING, BUT THEY DENY THE SWAP WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. WHEN I WON IT, LAST JUNE IT HAD LIKE 181,000 MILES ON THE CAR, UNKNOWN MILEAGE ON THE ENGINE, BUT I HAD IT FROM JUN TO DEB 2016 AND DROVE IT MAYBE 9000 MILES MAX AND IT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. I CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3000 TO 4000 MILES, SO LIKE 2-3 TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR AND IT HAD NO INDICATION OF ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS PRIOR TO SPONTANEOUS AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE MY CARS SERVICES REGULARLY FOR TIRE ROTATIONS, CAR INSPECTIONS ETC. NOTHING COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS AND I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE CLASS ACTIONS LAW SUITS PERTAINING TO THIS EXACT ENGINE UNTIL MY ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I CLIMBING TH INTERSTATE ON RAMP WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPM'S ON MY CAR CONTINUED TO RISE WHILE MY CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN, IN ESSENSE IT WAS REVING AS I ACCELLERATED, BUT MY CAR WAS SLOWING, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHEN IT GOT BACK TO THE SHOP, THE CAR STARTED BACK UP AS NORMAL, BUT I LEFT IT ANYWAY, BECAUSE IT CLEARLY HAD AN ISSUE. IT WAS DISCOVERED AFTER THE MECHANIC DROVE IT THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GOOD OIL IN THE TANK, WHEN IT WAS CHECKED AND BASED ON THE LEVEL THERE WAS NO NEED TO ADD OIL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZING UP DUE TO OIL SLUDGE AND THAT MY ONLY FIX IS A NEW ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10957747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,389 milesHaledon, NJ
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY WAS FRACTURED IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,389.
NHTSA complaint #10885516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,389 milesHaledon, NJ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY WAS FRACTURED IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,389.
NHTSA complaint #10885516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/09/16
NHTSA complaint #10810468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,339 milesNineveh, INCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A WRECK ON 11/06/2015, A WOMEN FAILED TO YIELD AND I T-BONED HER PASSENGER SIDE BY BACK DOOR/BACK TIRE, I WAS GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CITY ROAD, I HAD MY SAFETY RESTRAINT ON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDOW, I HAD A LOOSE CAR SEAT IN FRONT THAT HIT THE PASSENGER DASH, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WAS HEADED NORTH AND I WAS HEADED WEST, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WHEN I HIT HER, SO IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WALL AT 30 MPH, I ENDED UP IN THE ER WITH A SPRAINED WRIST, MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WAS SWOLLEN, AND I'M HAVING ISSUES IN MY BACK(DOCTOR SAID NECK AND BACK PAIN IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO WHIPLASH, I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH BACK PAIN. FROM ALL THE INFORMATION I'VE FOUND ON RECALLS, THERE IS NOT ONE FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS ON MY CHRYSLER LXI....
NHTSA complaint #10789703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMartinez, GA
SUSPENSION
START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEEK. WHY IS MY CAR DOING THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10723312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMartinez, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEEK. WHY IS MY CAR DOING THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10723312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMartinez, GA
ENGINE
START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEEK. WHY IS MY CAR DOING THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10723312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO RISE WITHOUT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10681608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CA
ENGINE
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING THE 2.7L V6 ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10598249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesSsstersville, WV
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #10544391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesPaterson, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH SEPARATING FRO VENT POSSIBLY BY THE SUN. ALSO THE FRONT BUMPER SCRAP MOST DRIVEWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10536601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesGlen Burnie, MD
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND IT DEFLATED A COUPLE OF HOURS AFTER. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME TYPE OF TIRE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE CONSUMER SATED THE VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE WHEELS. HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2007 AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED ONCE A YEAR DUE TO THE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAD THE WHEELS FIXED AT THE DEALER, AND THE FIX ONLY LASTED THREE DAYS. THE WHEELS LEAKED AT THE BEAD OF THE TIRE, DUE TO THEM NOT BEING SEATED PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER STATED HE SPENT $2,000 ON TIRES, ONLY TO FIND OUT, THE PROBLEM WASN'T THE TIRES, IT WAS THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS. UPDATED 02/28/13
NHTSA complaint #10498039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesBaton Rouge, LA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN TOWARD THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,300.
NHTSA complaint #10461672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,700 milesPaterson, NJ
SEAT BELTS
I PARKED MY CAR JUNE 23 2009 AROUND 5:15 PM SEAT BELT WAS WORKING FINE. CAME BACK OUT OF THE HOUSE 20 TO 30 MINUTES LATER, SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE FOR ME TO BUCKLE UP.
NHTSA complaint #10274836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesCincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WORKED WITH THE REPAIR SHOP - EVANS AUTO CAR IN BLUE ASH, OH - TO UNDERSTAND WHY 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING SUDDENLY EXPERIENCES DROP IN SPEED FROM 70 TO 25 MPH. REPAIR SHOP NOTED CAR COMPUTER LIKELY FAULTY AND PARTS UNAVAILABLE FROM DEALERSHIP. ACCORDING TO MESSAGE BOARDS AND OTHER CHRYSLER SHOPS, DEALERS ARE RESTRICTED FROM RELEASING PARTS DUE TO ANTICIPATED FUTURE PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS STEM FROM COLD-SOLDERING OF THE MAIN COMPUTER BOARD. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEVELOPING SAFETY CONCERN THAT WARRANTS FUTURE INVESTIGATION DUE TO MANUFACTURER HOLDING BACK PARTS. REPAIR SHOP NOTED THEY MAY BE PREPARING FOR FUTURE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10262813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,678 milesUkiah, CA
STEERING
PROBLEM: SMELLING GAS FUMES WHILE STARTING THE CAR. ENGINE FAILURE TO START. FAILURE IS DAILY. MY WIFE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT NEEDING A NEW GAS CAP. SINCE THEN, OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I AM CONCERNED THAT OUR CAR WILL RESULT IN WORST CASE SCENARIO RESULTS, LIKE AN EXPLOSION WHILE STARTING THE CAR. OUR CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2003, IN 2009 THE CARS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE, SMELLING MORE FUEL FUMES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, I AM IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ON YOUR END CAN HELP US. WE DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY TO GO OUT AND SIMPLY GET A NEW CAR. CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION WHEN DESIGNING THE SEBRING LX. I AM AFRAID TO EVEN OPERATE IT. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN MY WIFE AND I SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPEATEDLY TAKING OUR CAR TO SOMEONE ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE ALSO NOTICED CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AND THE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU CAN FEEL THIS "CLICKING". PLEASE HELP US.
NHTSA complaint #10261801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,678 milesUkiah, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PROBLEM: SMELLING GAS FUMES WHILE STARTING THE CAR. ENGINE FAILURE TO START. FAILURE IS DAILY. MY WIFE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, EXCEPT NEEDING A NEW GAS CAP. SINCE THEN, OUR LOCAL DEALER HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I AM CONCERNED THAT OUR CAR WILL RESULT IN WORST CASE SCENARIO RESULTS, LIKE AN EXPLOSION WHILE STARTING THE CAR. OUR CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2003, IN 2009 THE CARS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE, SMELLING MORE FUEL FUMES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO, I AM IN HOPES THAT SOMEONE ON YOUR END CAN HELP US. WE DON'T HAVE ALOT OF MONEY TO GO OUT AND SIMPLY GET A NEW CAR. CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING MORE ATTENTION WHEN DESIGNING THE SEBRING LX. I AM AFRAID TO EVEN OPERATE IT. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN MY WIFE AND I SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPEATEDLY TAKING OUR CAR TO SOMEONE ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE HAVE ALSO NOTICED CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AND THE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU CAN FEEL THIS "CLICKING". PLEASE HELP US.
NHTSA complaint #10261801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRice, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 SEBRING LXI AND HAD JUST LEFT OUR HOUSE ON A SUN. MORNING HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND ONLY THE CENTER ROAD BED IS TAR AND THE SHOULDER IS GRAVEL. SHE WENT SLIGHTLY INTO SHOULDER AND SAID SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENED AS SHE COULD NOT STEER AND IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS ROLLING A COUPLE OF TIMES AND AWAKING UPSIDE DOWN IN A STEEPER DITCH IN A CORN FIELD. SHE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER A MAIL POST THAT JAVELIN THROUGH THE FRONT SHIELD AND JUST MISSED HER HEAD. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE FOR HEAD INJURY. WE THOUGHT SHE OVER COMPENSATED. WE JUST DISCOVERED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE MOUNT ABOVE THE STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKE OFF WHICH DEFINITELY IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THREE DIFFERENT EMERGENCY WORKERS SAID IF SHE WASN'T SHE WOULD OF DIED. THIS IS SCARY AS THE CAR IS ONLY IS ONLY "FIVE" YEARS OLD. AND A IMMEDIATE RECALL OR INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10245866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRice, MNCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 SEBRING LXI AND HAD JUST LEFT OUR HOUSE ON A SUN. MORNING HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE. WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND ONLY THE CENTER ROAD BED IS TAR AND THE SHOULDER IS GRAVEL. SHE WENT SLIGHTLY INTO SHOULDER AND SAID SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENED AS SHE COULD NOT STEER AND IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERS ROLLING A COUPLE OF TIMES AND AWAKING UPSIDE DOWN IN A STEEPER DITCH IN A CORN FIELD. SHE ENDED UP ROLLING OVER A MAIL POST THAT JAVELIN THROUGH THE FRONT SHIELD AND JUST MISSED HER HEAD. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE FOR HEAD INJURY. WE THOUGHT SHE OVER COMPENSATED. WE JUST DISCOVERED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE MOUNT ABOVE THE STRUT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKE OFF WHICH DEFINITELY IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THREE DIFFERENT EMERGENCY WORKERS SAID IF SHE WASN'T SHE WOULD OF DIED. THIS IS SCARY AS THE CAR IS ONLY IS ONLY "FIVE" YEARS OLD. AND A IMMEDIATE RECALL OR INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10245866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesNashville, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE FINALLY STARTED AND MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED DRASTICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ENGINE SLUDGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #10245037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesEdmonton, 00
AIR BAGS
I OWN A 2003 SEBRING LX MODEL, WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING IT, I WAS TURNING UP INTO A DRIVEWAY AND I HEARD A LOUD POP, THE CLOCK SPRING WENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE HAZARD LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS AND CRUISE CONTROL TO BE INOPERATIVE. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10239239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHomer, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR
2003 SEBRING REAR MOUNT ASSEMBLY FOR STRUT CRUMBLED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING BANGING NOISE IN REAR PASSENGERS SIDE. WAS TOLD BY MY DEALER THAT THOUSANDS OF REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER. WAS TOLD THAT PART MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS DUE TO MAKING THEM OUT OF STEEL AS THE ORIGINAL ALUMINUM ONES WERE BREAKING DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10236368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.