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2002 Chrysler Sebring Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 210 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chrysler Sebring, most often about the engine (28% of complaints, typically around 82,500 miles). It is 5th of 12 Sebring model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2002 Chrysler Sebring problems
Engine
59 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 82,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
The 2.7 liter engine in my Sebring acquired a load knocking noise. I took the vehicle to a repair shop and found out that this engine has a chronic sludge problem that caused this failure. The repair shop replaced the engine at a cost of $4,895.09.
Sludge build up in the engine, there is coolant like into the oil line. Which has made the oil spit out from under the head gasket and spit out on top of the motor cover. The water pump and time change needs to be replace when they notice the sludge in the oil pan of the car. They in turn took of the top of the engine…
Suspension
37 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
: the contact stated there was a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined the rear passenger side strut bracket fractured and penetrated the tire. The strut bracket and tire were replaced.
: the contact stated at various speeds, a noise was heard coming from the rear section of the vehicle. An independent repair shop determined the driver side rear strut mount was corroded and fell apart. The part was replaced. The vehicle was located in a salt belt state.
Transmission
28 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline.
: the contact stated the vehicle would not switch gears. The non service dealer determined the vehicle needed a new transmission to correct the issue.
Recently while driving my 2002 Chrysler Sebring lx I was slowing down off an exit ramp and the car suddenly grabbed at around 32 MPH. I found out by monitoring my speeds that you have to go over 36 MPH and slow down to 32 MPH for it to grab and it does it every time. The check engine light has never came on and has…
Steering
22 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion, linkages, steering wheel/handle bar, column.
The consumer is experiencing problems with the rack and pinion. When making a left turn, the steering is binding. The driver would turn the steering wheel and it would stick making turning very difficult. Provide further details.
Consumer complained about a rack and pinion steering problem. When making a left turn the steering was binding. Driver would turn the steering wheel and it would stick, making turns very difficult.
Wheels and tires
17 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: rim, tread/belt.
: the contact stated all 4 rims on the vehicle are corroding. The aluminum is shredding off the rims, which is causing the tires to loose air pressure. The left rear tire seal will not hold air at all. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. A representative from the manufacturer inspected the rims and…
Dt: the consumer states that at approximately six or seven weeks ago he noticed air leaking from a tire after checking the tire with a gauge. The consumer took the tire to a tire repair company, and was told that there was a problem with the aluminum rim. They stated that the chrome flakes off and doesn't allow the…
Air bags
16 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Airbag/clock spring broke while making a right hand turn into a parking space. This failure made the airbag light come on and the steering to make a clicking sound while turning. I contacted the selling dealership and was advised to bring the car in as soon as I could. The airbag could deploy on it's own or may not…
The contact owned a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a crash. The air bag on the driver side exploded. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The driver had metal fragments in the arm as a result of the explosion. Both the driver and passenger received medical…
Electrical
15 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, instrument cluster/panel, starter assembly.
First I had continuous oil leak so the pan or some part was ordered and installed. The oil is still leaking out of that pan or part? That was a couple hundred bucks including checking the constant flickering oil light which now just flickers and I pay it no attention. The second issue was a computer chip or something…
2002 Chrysler Sebring conv. Experienced complete loss of electrical system and engine shut-off. Towed to dealership, tested, but no repeat of symptoms. Owner requested Chrysler repair personnel actually drive car. Upon doing so, all symptoms appeared with total loss of all electrical systems and non-starting engine.…
Brakes
13 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
Since I bought my car 4/13/03 I have had brake system problems on 6/2002,9/23,11/27-3/2003,5/03,9/03,9/18,10/01/03,10/07/03 each time adjustments, repairs, replacement have been done. Now since 9/23/03 along with the brake problem that still existing I am experiencing very a heavy,vibration this is felt when the car…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Chrysler Sebring recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began july 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 chrysler sebring and dodge stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Safety belt cinching latch plate
Summary
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
Questions about the 2002 Chrysler Sebring
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler Sebring?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (59 complaints, typically around 82,500 miles); suspension (37 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles); transmission (28 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 3, 2016 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Chrysler Sebring?
- It is 5th of 12 Sebring model years by number of complaints, with 210 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.