The 2002 Chrysler Sebring has 5 safety recalls and 210 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (48 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints210filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 4reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths15 · 2reported in complaints
2002 Chrysler Sebring in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 16V401000 · Jun 3, 2016 · 16,315 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 15V338000 · Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
NHTSA recall 09E056000 · Oct 9, 2009 · 5,787 vehicles
Problem: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
NHTSA recall 07E023000 · Mar 29, 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2002 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2002 Chrysler Sebring 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Sebring
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Sebring 4 Door
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Sebring
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sebring
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sebring 4 Door
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sebring 4 Door
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sebring
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Sebring
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Sebring
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Sebring
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Cooling system
48
1
0
0
75,500 mi
Suspension Rear; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
39
3
1
3
81,118 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
28
1
0
0
43,000 mi
Steering Rack and pinion; Rack and pinion › Rack
23
3
1
1
43,500 mi
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
16
6
1
7
41,990 mi
Electrical system Ignition › Switch; Instrument cluster/panel
15
0
2
0
64,000 mi
Wheels Rim
13
1
0
0
43,536 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
12
1
0
1
—
Structure Body; Body › Roof and pillars
12
0
0
1
52,000 mi
Engine
11
0
0
0
100,752 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Cables
8
2
0
0
—
Unknown or other
8
2
0
2
20,098 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jan 20, 2021Service brakes Rear Disc Brakes.I had a repair shop and a dealership assess what they both found to be what's called a Backplate.It mounts onto both Left and Right Spindles.The Backplate on Left and Right hold or guide the Pads in place on both sides of the caliper.The pins show to be almost rusted out.The dealership told me the Left and Right Backplate is unavailable and obsolete.So my options are to find a shop that can fabricate the parts or modify the rear brake system.Truly a poor design.A prototype that slipped through the cracks.I have invested thousands over the years into the vehicle so I would have a problem free efficient ride when I retire.I now had to finance another vehicle because the…
Aug 24, 2020 · 41,990 milesAir bags ONCE I TURN ON THE CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY
May 2, 2020 · 98,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) 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
Jul 1, 2018 · crash · 1 injuryUnknown or other I HAVE ATTACHED THE PAPERWORK 4 MY 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. AS YOU CAN SEE MY FIRST PAYMENT WAS APRIL 13TH 2018 THIS WAS MY DEPOSIT $700. AGAIN ON APRIL 24TH I PAID ANOTHER $600. MAY 20TH I PAID ANOTHER $700. JUNE 5TH I PAID $105. JUNE 5TH IS WHEN I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR. JULY 1ST IS WHEN I HAD THE CAR ACCIDENT, WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAMAGE ON THE CAR WAS SO SEVERE BECAUSE THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ALL RUSTED OUT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE FIRST DAY I TOOK THE CAR HOME THE BATTERY WAS DEAD I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER BATTERY FOR $75. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS BOTTOMING OUT I TOLD THE MECHANIC JIM WHO IS ALSO THE MAN THAT SOLD ME THE CAR AND HE ASSURED ME IT WAS SAFE. THEY HAD THREE MONTHS TO…
Mar 29, 2018Suspension 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FOLLOW UP ON MULTIPLE MECHANICAL ISSUES CASE . *AS *TR
May 3, 2018 · 107,000 miles · crash · 1 injurySteering TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
Jul 6, 2017 · 137,528 milesEngine 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.
Apr 17, 2017Air bags TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003SAFETY 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.
