Model year record

2005 Chrysler Sebring recalls & problems

The 2005 Chrysler Sebring has 6 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (24 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints75filed by owners

Crashes · fires10 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

2005 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.

SteeringDec 9, 2004

Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm

Recall 04V57900026,354 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND CONVERTIBLE MODEL VEHICLES, THE RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE COMPONENT MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Seat beltsNov 2, 2004

Rear/other

Recall 04V5320008,000 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SEDANS, THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR OUTBOARD RETRACTOR AND TURNING LOOP BOLTS ON THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE AFFECTED FASTENERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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

2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Chrysler Sebring 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 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 / 27 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

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*
Electrical systemHorn	24	0	0	0	77,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal	21	3	2	2	72,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	9	0	0	0	55,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	8	1	0	0	56,033 mi
SteeringLinkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm	7	1	0	1	80,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	7	0	0	2	121,269 mi
Engine	6	0	0	2	108,818 mi
Service brakes	5	1	0	0	63,220 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap; Delivery › Fuel pump	3	0	0	0	36,560 mi
Wheels	3	2	1	0	43,000 mi
Seat belts	3	0	0	0	70,000 mi
Equipment	2	0	0	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Power train › Axle assembly
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated while approximately 20 MPH, the entire wheel detached from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle was inspected. It was confirmed that the tire had detached. No further information was available for the wheel location. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, then to a local independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the lower arm joint and rear axel fractured. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.
Jul 6, 2022 · 150,000 miles
Air bags
THE HORN ON MY 2005 SEBRING WILL RANDOMLY SOUND AND WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEAT UPON OR VIOLENTLY SHAKEN UP AND DOWN. THE HORN DOES NOT WORK ON IT'S OWN AS A SAFETY FEATURE. IT WILL HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME, WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING PARKED. IN ORDER TO AVOID THIS, THE HORN MUST BE DISCONNECTED.
Feb 28, 2021 · 60,000 miles
Service brakes
FRONT END OF THE CAR SHAKES AND MAKES AN AWFUL GRINDING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. UNSAFE FOR SURE WHEN IN MOTION . VEERED OFF-ROAD
Dec 15, 2020
Air bags
THE HORN GOES OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME OF THE DAY. THE HORN RANDOMLY GOES OFF WHEN THE CAR IS POWERED ON AND IN MOTION (ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A STREET), SOMETIMES WHILE STATIONARY AND POWERED OFF IN THE DRIVEWAY - THE VEHICLE BEING VACANT. THIS IS A REOCCURRING ISSUE, ALMOST EVERY DAY. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 14 MONTHS. FOLLOWING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS POSTED TO VARIOUS FORUMS BY OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ONLY PROPOSED PERMANENT SOLUTION BEING TO REPLACE THE CLOCK SWITCH, A COSTLY REPAIR (EST $1100). OTHERWISE, DISABLE THE FUSE CONTROLLING THE AIRBAG AND HORN, NOT SAFE!
Jul 10, 2020 · 124,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlCrash1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED UPON REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PARKED VEHICLE THAT WAS CRASHED INTO WAS PUSHED ONE FOOT TO THE RIGHT DURING THE IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK PAIN BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. BOTH VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE CRASH WERE LEFT ON THE SCENE WHICH WAS A GATED PARKING LOT WHERE AN APPRAISER WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
May 22, 2020 · 89,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT SUDDENLY HEARD A DINGING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE INTO A NEARBY FUEL STATION, BUT IT STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE FUEL STATION. KARZ AUTO SALES (LOCATED AT 12002 GARLIN RD, DALLAS, TX 75218, 972-737-1788) HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT…
Nov 23, 2019 · 83,000 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A RUBBING SOUND AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER, THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO DISMANTLE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E056000 (SUSPENSION). SAN ANTONIO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (11910 I-35 FRONTAGE RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233, 210-239-1808) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
Oct 15, 2019 · 79,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND SOMETHING IS EATING THE BATTERY, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED 2 SO FAR UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VEHICLE BARELY MISSED CRASHING INTO OTHER VEHICLES EACH TIME. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE KEY WAS RE-INSERTED, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE…
Sep 20, 2018 · 30,300 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.