Model year record

2004 Chrysler Sebring recalls & problems

The 2004 Chrysler Sebring has 7 safety recalls and 220 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (54 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints220filed by owners

Crashes · fires21 · 12reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths22 · 1reported in complaints

2004 Chrysler Sebring in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJun 2, 2015

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 15V338000443,442 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.

SuspensionOct 9, 2009

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 09E0560005,787 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 lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened 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, hydraulicMar 29, 2007

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 07E02300013,128 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.

Seat beltsJul 8, 2004

Rear/other

Recall 04V336000312 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE MODEL VEHICLES, THE LEFT HAND REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT BEING IMPROPERLY RESTRAINED IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE LEFT SIDE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BOLT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 29, 2004

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V3130008,108 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.
Risk: BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system, gasolineNov 4, 2003

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 03V4430005,911 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

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

2004 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2004 Chrysler Sebring 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2004 Chrysler Sebring NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

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

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Sebring 4 Door

22mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 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 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Sebring

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Sebring

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Sebring 4 Door FFV

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Sebring 4 Door FFV

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/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 coolingEngine; Cooling system	54	2	0	0	45,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	32	14	0	16	38,242 mi
SuspensionRear; Front	27	2	0	2	85,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly	26	1	1	1	27,710 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Wiring	25	0	2	0	23,120 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	20	4	0	0	16,010 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler; Mid/rear assembly	12	0	7	1	86,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window	11	0	1	0	15,692 mi
Engine	11	0	0	0	89,500 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Bumpers	10	1	0	4	35,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	10	2	1	0	16,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	9	3	0	4	20,570 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
Driving on [XXX] in Indiana my rpmâs began to accelerate and I hit my breaks and once I got to 30 mph my breaks went out. I looked online and one after another of complaints for exactly this has been posted in rooms. It was towed to our mechanic and hopefully he can figure out why INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 14, 2025
Engine
Random stalling upon deceleration with no warning lights after stalling (as if the engine thinks it is still running). Occurs at low speed. Sometimes the engine will surge when the rpm drops off instead of stalling. I have almost run into other cars when the surging happens. The stalling occurs randomly and is becoming more frequent. A scan of the internet shows many others with same issue. No CEL.
Jun 17, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with smoke coming from underneath the hood. Smoke then entered the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the odometer was inoperable. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that her daughter had asthma; however, the contact and her two children did not receive medical attention. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
Mar 16, 2023
Electrical system
Car will start sometimes and then will not. Replaced 20 amp fuse and it will start. Maybe 10-15 times it will start and then it will not. My wife drives the car and is very concerning to her. Have looked at other complaints on your site about this and no one has had it resolved!!!!
Feb 2, 2023
Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while her fiancÃ©e was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle seemed as if it was running out of gasoline. The check engine and a fuel warning light were illuminated. The driver pulled over at a service station and became aware of gasoline pouring from the fuel return. The driver parked the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
May 12, 2022 · 95,000 miles
Air bags
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ON. MEANING AIR BAG IS NOT OPERATIONAL.
Apr 22, 2021 · 79,120 miles
Suspension
DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY. TIRE SEPARATED FROM CAR AND AXLE SEPARATED FROM TRANSAXLE. APPROXIMATE SPEED LESS THAN 6MPH. NO CONTOL OF CAR AFTER INCIDENT.
Nov 30, 2020 · 265,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion systemFire
I HEARD A POP THE A LOT OF SMOKE CAME IN THE CAR, I PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BY THE FIREWALL, THE FUEL RLN HAD CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
Jun 8, 2020 · 193,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.