Chrysler Sebring 2006-2010 (2006–2010)
Generation-specific owner insights from 92+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
978
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2006–2010
18
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
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
The version owners recommend
The 2.4L four-cylinder is the most favorably mentioned engine, with owners describing it as a "tank" with no power but good durability, and noting that the same engine in other applications has exceeded 200,000 miles. The 3.5L V6 is called "awesome" and a potential sleeper. The 2.7L V6 is widely condemned for oil sludge and is the least recommended. Among model years, 2009 is noted as a relatively mellow year for complaints, while 2007 is the most frequently discussed and criticized.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Solara, Honda Accord and Buick Century.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2006-2010 Sebring is overwhelmingly negative, with the car frequently described as unreliable, poorly built, and a money pit. Owners repeatedly warn against buying it, citing engine failures, electrical problems, transmission issues, and cheap interior materials. A minority of owners report that a well-maintained example with the 2.4L four-cylinder can be adequate and even durable, and a few describe it as a "perfectly adequate car" if cheap and properly maintained. The 2.7L V6 is almost universally condemned, while the 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 receive more favorable comments. Later model years (2008-2010) are sometimes noted as slightly improved, but the overall reputation remains poor.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently position the Sebring as inferior to nearly every competitor mentioned. Against the Buick Century and LeSabre, the Sebring is seen as far less reliable, with the Buick's 3800 V6 described as bulletproof. Against the Toyota Corolla and Yaris, the Sebring is called a money pit and not worth its maintenance costs. Against the Honda Accord, the Sebring is considered possibly the least reliable car one could buy. Against the Pontiac G6 convertible, owners say both are poor but the G6 sucks less. Against the Nissan Altima, owners note the Sebring's rarity on the road as evidence of its problems. The Sebring is often characterized as a rental fleet car with awful handling and no power.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2.4L four-cylinder with the four-speed automatic as the most durable choice, and the 3.5L V6 as the best-performing option. The 2.7L V6 should be avoided due to oil sludge and water pump issues. For convertibles, the 2008 and later soft top mechanism is described as needlessly overcomplicated and expensive to repair compared to earlier generations. Owners advise checking for rust, ensuring the four-speed automatic shifts smoothly, listening for steering noise, checking for fluid leaks, and verifying the heater core and air conditioning function. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.
General recommendations
This generation is recommended only for buyers who find one very cheap, can afford ongoing maintenance, and do not plan to keep it long-term. Owners advise against buying it as a primary reliable vehicle or for anyone wanting eight months of cost-free driving. The 2.4L four-cylinder models are preferred over the 2.7L V6. Buyers should budget for replacing all fluids, hoses, belts, and tires on low-mileage examples that have sat unused. Inspection should focus on rust, brake hoses, heater core, air conditioning condenser, electrical grounds, and the condition of the convertible top.
Remarks
Owners frequently note that the Sebring is rarely seen on the road anymore, which they interpret as a sign of poor longevity. The 2.7L V6's sludge reputation is a recurring theme, though one owner notes it stopped being a sludge motor after 2002 in the Sebring. The Sebring shares its platform with the Dodge Stratus, and owners of both report similar problems. Some owners note that Chrysler quality improved after 2011 under Fiat, but that does not apply to this generation. A Sebring car club is mentioned as a helpful resource for owners. Analysis based on approximately 92 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| 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 |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
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.
5 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.