Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2010
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment across the community.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere engine problems (2.7L V6)
Notorious for oil sludge, internal failure, and being a "disaster.".
- Very frequentGeneral unreliability
Described as having constant mechanical issues, leaving owners stranded, and being a "reliability disaster.".
- RecurrentTransmission failures
Automatic transmissions noted for common problems and complete failure.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentElectrical system failures
Including issues with the Body Control Module (BCM), SKIM immobilizer, and general gremlins.
- RecurrentSuspension component failures
Control arms and wheel bearings wear out frequently.
- RecurrentConvertible top mechanism
Expensive to repair, wears/breaks often.
- RecurrentPoor build quality/interior
Cheap, uncomfortable materials, and lack of refinement.
- IsolatedCooling system problems
Overheating issues, as noted in specific failure examples.
- IsolatedPCM (Powertrain Control Module) programming failures
Causing drivability and no-start conditions.
The version owners recommend
The 1995-2000 coupe variant is identified as the best version. It is noted as being a completely different vehicle: a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse with a Mitsubishi-built drivetrain (2.4L I4 or 3.0L V6), which is considered significantly more reliable than the later Chrysler-engineered models. The 2005-2006 model years are mentioned as having a redesign that addressed some bugs from the "godawful" 2001-2004 years, but this is a qualified improvement within a poorly regarded generation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Impala.
Is the Sebring right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment across the community. The Sebring is consistently described as one of the worst, most unreliable vehicles ever produced, with frequent mentions of it being a "pile of shit," a "dumpster fire," and the "reigning POS" in the Chrysler lineup. This reputation is attributed to widespread mechanical failures, poor build quality, and a general lack of durability. A very small number of owners report positive experiences with specific, well-maintained examples, particularly the coupe variant, noting good acceleration and smooth driving. However, these are isolated exceptions against a dominant backdrop of severe criticism. The vehicle is widely seen as a symbol of poor automotive engineering and a high-risk purchase.
Positioning vs competitors
Universally positioned as inferior to mainstream Japanese competitors (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla/Camry) and even other American sedans (Ford Fusion, Chevy Impala) in terms of reliability, build quality, and long-term cost of ownership. It is frequently cited as a vehicle to avoid, with owners and analysts strongly recommending any competitor over a Sebring. The coupe variant is noted as a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse, making it a distinct and reportedly more reliable model compared to the sedan and convertible. In the used market under $2,000, it is often compared to other high-mileage beaters, with the consensus being that even a rough Toyota or Geo Prizm is a better choice.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for positive configuration recommendations. Warnings are prevalent: Avoid the 2.7L V6 engine at all costs due to its reputation as a "sludge-factory" and one of the worst engines of its era. Avoid the convertible due to expensive top mechanisms and poor reliability. Avoid models from 2001-2004. If considering a purchase, insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic. For the coupe, the 3.0L V6 is mentioned as providing strong acceleration.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase by the vast majority of feedback. Only considered as a last-resort, ultra-budget beater when no other running vehicle is available and the buyer is prepared for imminent, costly repairs. Suitable only for very short-term, local use with minimal financial investment. Strongly advised to spend slightly more on a known-reliable vehicle (e.g., Toyota, Honda, GM with 3800 engine) to avoid significantly higher long-term costs. If purchase is forced, prioritize the Mitsubishi-based coupe (1995-2000) over any sedan or convertible. Verify maintenance history meticulously. Budget immediately for common failures in suspension (control arms, wheel bearings), electrical systems, and the transmission.
Remarks
The Sebring's reputation is deeply entrenched and considered "well-earned." The vehicle is noted as having been built primarily for rental fleets with minimal factory support or advertising for retail sales. The coupe (1995-2000) and sedan/convertible (2001-2010) are fundamentally different vehicles sharing only a name; the coupe's Mitsubishi origins provide a notable, but not absolute, reliability advantage. The 2.7L V6 engine is singled out as a catastrophic weak point across all models and years it was offered. Dealer trade-in values are extremely low (e.g., $1,000), reflecting the market's assessment of its worth. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Sebring (JS)2006–2010978 complaints · 18 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): electrical system (341) · air bags (180) · power train (126)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2006-2010 Sebring is overwhelmingly negative, with the car frequently described as unreliable, poorly built, and a money pit.
15 problems reported (2 very frequent, 10 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentEngine sludge and failure, especially with the 2.7L V6
- Very frequentElectrical problems, including dash light failure, failed grounds, and wiring harness damage
- RecurrentTransmission shifting issues and complete transmission failure
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentHeater core clogging, often from mixing incompatible antifreeze
- RecurrentAir conditioning condenser failure
- RecurrentBrake hose deterioration causing brakes to stay engaged
- RecurrentFront end suspension and ball joint wear requiring replacement by 75,000 miles
- RecurrentWater pump failure on the 2.7L V6 requiring extensive labor
- RecurrentCamshaft and crankshaft position sensor failure causing stalling
- RecurrentCooling system overheating and coolant reservoir cracking
- RecurrentConvertible soft top mechanism complexity and leaks
- RecurrentInterior quality issues including sagging headliners and hard plastics
- IsolatedShift interlock solenoid failure preventing shifting out of park
- IsolatedIgnition switch failure causing no-start and limp mode
- IsolatedExterior paint peeling and clearcoat bubbling
Is a 2006–2010 Sebring right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Sebring (JR)2000–20071,616 complaints · 52 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): electrical system (307) · engine and engine cooling (280) · air bags (237)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment toward the 2000-2007 Sebring is overwhelmingly negative, with the 2.7L V6 drawing the harshest criticism for oil sludge, internal water pump failures, and head gasket risk.
14 problems reported (3 very frequent, 7 recurrent, 4 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentOil sludge in the 2.7L V6, potentially leading to engine failure
- Very frequentInternal water pump failure requiring expensive timing and water pump service
- Very frequentFront-end suspension wear, including ball joints and control arms needing replacement
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTransmission problems, including shifting issues, fluid leaks, and complete failures
- RecurrentElectrical issues
Including failed grounds, wiring harness damage, and instrument cluster backlighting failure.
- RecurrentHeater core clogging and failure, often linked to coolant mixing
- RecurrentHead gasket failure
- RecurrentCooling system problems, including cracked reservoirs and overheating
- RecurrentBrake issues, including contaminated hoses and calipers hanging up
- RecurrentCamshaft and crankshaft position sensor failures causing stalling
- IsolatedShift interlock or shifter solenoid failure preventing shifting out of park
- IsolatedIgnition switch faults causing no-start or limp mode
- IsolatedInterior quality problems such as sagging headliners and peeling paint or clearcoat
- IsolatedAir conditioning refrigerant leaks and condenser failure
Is a 2000–2007 Sebring right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2007, 2004Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Chrysler Sebring years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 104 | 3 | air bags |
| 2009 | 45 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 352 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 339 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 138 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 82 | 6 | air bags |
| 2004 | 291 | 7 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2003 | 74 | 5 | air bags |
| 2002 | 234 | 5 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 | 277 | 12 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2000 | 181 | 8 | seat belts |
| 1999 | 277 | 12 | power train |
| 1998 | 329 | 13 | structure |
| 1997 | 326 | 11 | seat belts |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices109 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2010 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
2010 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 10V475000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
2010 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 10V009000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
2009 · fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge systemcampaign 09V047000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A COMPATIBILITY ISSUE BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SOFTWARE AND FUEL PUMP MODULE CAN RESULT IN THE FUEL GAUGE OVERSTATING THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.
2009 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 08V528000
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.
2008 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 08V152000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.
2008 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assemblycampaign 07V473000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.
2008 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 07V414000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
2008 · air bags:frontalcampaign 07V240000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
2007 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 08V152000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.
2007 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assemblycampaign 07V473000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.
2007 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 07V414000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
2007 · structure:body:hoodcampaign 06V431000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER MAY BREAK AND ALLOW THE HOOD TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING.
2007 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac systemcampaign 06V494000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (ATC) ONLY, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) MODULE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING FUNCTIONS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
2007 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 06V493000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
94 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: JS
3.5i V6
3.5L 6-cylinder · 235 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2007–2010