Chrysler Sebring Engine and Engine Cooling Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 12, 2026 · 377 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Sebring across 16 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (89). The words owners use most often: “head gasket” (6% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Head gasket: mentioned in 22 of 377 complaints (6%)
  • Engine failed: mentioned in 19 of 377 complaints (5%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Chrysler Sebring at $9,750, and half of them between $7,600 and $11,600.

Based on 28 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2002–2010), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?

Based on 242 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles24 · 10%
10k–25k miles14 · 6%
25k–50k miles58 · 24%
50k–75k miles55 · 23%
75k–100k miles55 · 23%
100k–150k miles32 · 13%
150k+ miles4 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 377 complaints, 12 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 5 an injury.

Chrysler Sebring engine and engine cooling complaints by model year

Peak: 2001, with 89 complaints
1995: 151995151996: 39391997: 221997221998: 19191999: 101999102000: 772001: 892001892002: 48482003: 6200362004: 52522005: 8200582006: 10102007: 372007372008: 10102009: 1200912010: 44

n = 377 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine and Engine Cooling complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2010 Sebring45%59,000
2009 Sebring12%9,773
2008 Sebring104%30,373
2007 Sebring3711%41,000
2006 Sebring108%26,500
2005 Sebring811%54,500
2004 Sebring5224%43,500
2003 Sebring614%41,000
2002 Sebring4823%75,500
2001 Sebring8937%71,000
2000 Sebring78%102,500
1999 Sebring106%107,000
1998 Sebring197%83,500
1997 Sebring2210%106,700
1996 Sebring3911%37,903
1995 Sebring1511%33,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2008, with 43 complaints
1997: 6199761998: 13131999: 221999222000: 14142001: 162001162002: 16162003: 172003172004: 32322005: 382005382006: 37372007: 332007332008: 43432009: 242009242010: 26262011: 252011252012: 772014: 4201442015: 222016: 220162

n = 377 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assemblyOct 10, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V473000 · 102,042 vehicles

Model years: 2007, 2008

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.

Risk: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on november 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Engine and engine cooling:engineOct 2, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V299002 · 554 vehicles

Model years: 2001

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.

Risk: Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. This could cause the engine to die-out, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chrysler sebring. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to jerk. As a result, the rear passenger who was eating began to choke. No medical attention was required. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle…

Received Sep 15, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10906793

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while driving, the rear driver side wheel slightly separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent where it was diagnosed the all four ball joints and struts needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was…

Received Mar 29, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10852219

2006 chrysler sebring. Consumer writes in regards to oil leak in vehicle engine area. *smd the consumer stated the water pump and timing belt were replaced on january 27, 2015 after which, an oil leak developed. After two crankshaft oil seal replacements the consumer was informed the problem…

Received Jul 29, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10743257

Whitish/grayish smoke was billowing out of front end of car. Patrons driving alerted us & we exited vehicle. As we vacated vehicle we realized purse was still in vehicle, we ran to retrieve it & as we retrieved belongings, fire engulfed front end of vehicle & shot through front of vehicle &…

Received Jul 15, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10735203

Air conditioner stops working. *tr

Received Nov 5, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10652889

Frequently asked questions

Do all Chrysler Sebrings have engine and engine cooling problems?

No. NHTSA has 377 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Chrysler Sebring. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Chrysler Sebring engine and engine cooling?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Sebring?

Owners report a typical cost of $9,750 (half paid between $7,600 and $11,600), from 28 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Sebring?

The most frequent phrase is “head gasket”, in 22 of 377 complaints, followed by “engine failed” (19).

Other Chrysler Sebring problems

See all Chrysler Sebring problems.