Chrysler Sebring Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 12, 2026 · 340 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 340 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Chrysler Sebring across 16 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (48). The words owners use most often: “gear shift” (6% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Gear shift: mentioned in 22 of 339 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Chrysler Sebring at $590, and half of them between $480 and $2,900.

Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2014), 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 power train problems happen?

Based on 169 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles16 · 9%
10k–25k miles6 · 4%
25k–50k miles37 · 22%
50k–75k miles46 · 27%
75k–100k miles28 · 17%
100k–150k miles23 · 14%
150k+ miles13 · 8%

How serious are the reports?

Of 340 complaints, 21 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 an injury.

Chrysler Sebring power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2008, with 48 complaints
1995: 131995131996: 47471997: 291997291998: 21211999: 331999332000: 662001: 202001202002: 28282003: 2200322004: 23232005: 8200582006: 552007: 402007402008: 48482009: 8200982010: 99

n = 340 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2010 Sebring910%113,410
2009 Sebring819%70,000
2008 Sebring4820%70,000
2007 Sebring4012%65,000
2006 Sebring54%66,200
2005 Sebring811%56,034
2004 Sebring2310%27,000
2003 Sebring25%40,000
2002 Sebring2813%43,000
2001 Sebring208%59,000
2000 Sebring66%95,000
1999 Sebring3319%76,500
1998 Sebring218%86,500
1997 Sebring2914%72,500
1996 Sebring4714%69,000
1995 Sebring1310%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2010, with 37 complaints
1996: 119961997: 51998: 91999: 2819992000: 262001: 252002: 2120022003: 182004: 312005: 2220052006: 122007: 92008: 1220082009: 52010: 37372011: 1020112012: 82013: 62014: 1220142015: 62016: 92017: 420172018: 42019: 42020: 620202021: 32022: 12023: 220232024: 22025: 2

n = 340 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Oct 9, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V528000 · 712 vehicles

Model years: 2009

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.

Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the pcm free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and linesJan 16, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V011002 · 28,439 vehicles

Model years: 2001

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose manufacturing process allowed the reinforcement yard to breach the inner layer of some automatic transmission hoses weakening the inner wall which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.

Risk: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.

Fix: Dealers will replace the transaxle oil cooler hoses. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switchAug 6, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V183000 · 685,000 vehicles

Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. A combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.

Risk: If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.

What owners report

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

I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C…

Received Sep 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686814

The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the transmission was shifted to park(P), but after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact then noticed that the instrument panel indicated that the transmission was in drive(D)…

Received Sep 2, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11684440

The contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to shift out of 1st gear. In addition, the contact lives in a hot climate, and the A/C was not functioning as needed. The contact stated that the hatchback occasionally failed to open…

Received Aug 28, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11611437

See attached document for complaint.

Received Aug 21, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11609975

The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but…

Received Dec 18, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11560613

Frequently asked questions

Do all Chrysler Sebrings have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 340 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Chrysler Sebring?

Owners report a typical cost of $590 (half paid between $480 and $2,900), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about power train problems on the Chrysler Sebring?

The most frequent phrase is “gear shift”, in 22 of 339 complaints.

Other Chrysler Sebring problems

See all Chrysler Sebring problems.