Total Complaints
304 filings
CHRYSLER SEBRING · model year
304 NHTSA complaints, 36 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2004CHRYSLERSEBRING carries 304 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 36 crashes, 14 fires, 41 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 SEBRING is engine and engine cooling with 24 filings, followed by air bags (21) and power train:automatic transmission (19). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 88 investigation files overlapping the 2004 SEBRING, and 7 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
304 filings
Crashes Reported
36 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 24 |
| AIR BAGS | 21 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 19 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 19 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 19 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16 |
| SUSPENSION | 13 |
| ENGINE | 11 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 9 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 8 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER | 7 |
| STEERING | 7 |
| STRUCTURE | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 5 |
| TIRES | 5 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE S
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
ON CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE MODEL VEHICLES, THE LEFT HAND REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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, 200
Driving on [XXX] in Indiana my rpmâs began to accelerate and I hit my breaks and once I got to 30 mph my breaks went out. I looked online and one after another of complaints for exactly this has been posted in rooms. It was towed to our mechanic and hopefully he can figure out why INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving on [XXX] in Indiana my rpmâs began to accelerate and I hit my breaks and once I got to 30 mph my breaks went out. I looked online and one after another of complaints for exactly this has been posted in rooms. It was towed to our mechanic and hopefully he can figure out why INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving on [XXX] in Indiana my rpmâs began to accelerate and I hit my breaks and once I got to 30 mph my breaks went out. I looked online and one after another of complaints for exactly this has been posted in rooms. It was towed to our mechanic and hopefully he can figure out why INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Random stalling upon deceleration with no warning lights after stalling (as if the engine thinks it is still running). Occurs at low speed. Sometimes the engine will surge when the rpm drops off instead of stalling. I have almost run into other cars when the surging happens. The stalling occurs randomly and is becoming more frequent. A scan of the internet shows many others with same issue. No CEL.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with smoke coming from underneath the hood. Smoke then entered the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the odometer was inoperable. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that her daughter had asthma; however, the contact and her two children did not receive medical attention. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to their location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
Car will start sometimes and then will not. Replaced 20 amp fuse and it will start. Maybe 10-15 times it will start and then it will not. My wife drives the car and is very concerning to her. Have looked at other complaints on your site about this and no one has had it resolved!!!!
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while her fiancée was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle seemed as if it was running out of gasoline. The check engine and a fuel warning light were illuminated. The driver pulled over at a service station and became aware of gasoline pouring from the fuel return. The driver parked the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Mileage: 95,000
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ON. MEANING AIR BAG IS NOT OPERATIONAL.
Mileage: 79,120
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ON. MEANING AIR BAG IS NOT OPERATIONAL.
Mileage: 79,120
DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY. TIRE SEPARATED FROM CAR AND AXLE SEPARATED FROM TRANSAXLE. APPROXIMATE SPEED LESS THAN 6MPH. NO CONTOL OF CAR AFTER INCIDENT.
Mileage: 265,000
I HEARD A POP THE A LOT OF SMOKE CAME IN THE CAR, I PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BY THE FIREWALL, THE FUEL RLN HAD CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
Mileage: 193,000
THIS CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE HAD THE LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE LOCATION HAPPENED ON SMOOTHLY PAVED SPRING RUN ROAD EXTENSION LOCATED IN PENNSYLVANIA, ALLEGHENY COUNTY,IN MOON TOWNSHIP. THE TIME OF THIS EVENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 6:15 A.M.
Mileage: 102,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE TURNED SIDEWAYS. THE VEHICLE SWERVED ON THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILIZED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,021.
Mileage: 109,021
BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE LEAVING FROM IN FRONT OF MY HOME LUCELY
Mileage: 5
AS I DRIVE MY SEBRING, EVERY DIP, HOLE OR CREVASSE MY CAR HITS(GOING 30 AND UP ITS DANGEROUS) SENDS IT WAY TO THE SIDE, DOESN'T HAVE AN EXACT SIDE EITHER. DOES IT BOTH WAYS. I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY LOWER BALL JOINTS SO POSSIBLY MY CONTROL ARMS AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THIS SPECIFIC CAR HAD ISSUES WITH THE CONTROL ARMS. THE WAY THE CAR DRIVES RIGHT NOW IS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS AND I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF THIS CAR DID ACTUALLY HAVE A RECALL OR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
AS I DRIVE MY SEBRING, EVERY DIP, HOLE OR CREVASSE MY CAR HITS(GOING 30 AND UP ITS DANGEROUS) SENDS IT WAY TO THE SIDE, DOESN'T HAVE AN EXACT SIDE EITHER. DOES IT BOTH WAYS. I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY LOWER BALL JOINTS SO POSSIBLY MY CONTROL ARMS AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THIS SPECIFIC CAR HAD ISSUES WITH THE CONTROL ARMS. THE WAY THE CAR DRIVES RIGHT NOW IS SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS AND I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF THIS CAR DID ACTUALLY HAVE A RECALL OR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL TWICE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT TWO INSPECTORS TO EXAMINE THE DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT WAS AN INSURANCE ISSUE AND THEY WERE NOT LIABLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Mileage: 145,000
WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. (FORCEFULL), SO MUCH THAT I HIT SOMEONE THAT WAS 5+FT INFRONT OF ME I DO NOT HAVE PICTURES WITH ME. BUT I CAN PROVIDE THEM AND ALSO THE REPAIR BILL
Mileage: 63,000
WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. (FORCEFULL), SO MUCH THAT I HIT SOMEONE THAT WAS 5+FT INFRONT OF ME I DO NOT HAVE PICTURES WITH ME. BUT I CAN PROVIDE THEM AND ALSO THE REPAIR BILL
Mileage: 63,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS REALLY HOT AND HAD TWO BURN HOLES. THERE WAS ALSO A HOLE IN THE CONTACT'S JEANS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS ALSO BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT COVER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
Engine Stall With Intermittent Restart
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.