VehicleVerdict

2002 Chrysler Sebring problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Chrysler Sebring sits mid-pack among Sebring years: 261 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 229, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (59), suspension (39), and transmission (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

261

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

16

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sebring years?

Sebring NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted534 complaints1995: 229 complaints1996: 481 complaints1997: 295 complaints1998: 357 complaints1999: 231 complaints2000: 141 complaints2001: 322 complaints2002: 261 complaints2003: 53 complaints2004: 304 complaints2005: 107 complaints2006: 181 complaints2007: 534 complaints2008: 388 complaints2009: 64 complaints2010: 140 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints
Sebring NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sebring years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chrysler Sebring problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5923%
Suspension3915%
Transmission2811%
Steering239%
Electrical System187%
Tires & Wheels177%
Airbags166%
Brakes135%
Body & Structure125%
Other104%
Speed Control83%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Seat Belts42%
Fuel System42%
Seats21%
Lighting10%
Latches & Locks10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V401000AirbagsJune 3, 2016 · 16,315 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

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.

15V338000AirbagsJune 2, 2015 · 443,442 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

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.

09E056000SuspensionOctober 9, 2009 · 5,787 units

Defect

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 SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07E023000BrakesMarch 29, 2007 · 13,128 units

Defect

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 FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. FOR MORE THAN THREE WEEKS, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING ON A PART TO REPAIR HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS OVER FIVE HUNDRED ORDERS WAITING FOR THE MAPPING SENSOR, WHICH IS THE MASS AIR FLOW PRESSURE SENSOR, THAT ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO START. WITHOUT THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2008 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING . IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE FUMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 20, 2015 · fire

“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT GRADE , THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. THERE WERE NO FATALITIES, BUT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000. *AK *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 10, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 3, 2018 · crash

“I HAVE HAD MY 2004 NIACIN MAXIMA FOR 1 MONTH AND HAVE THE SWITCH CONTROLLING THE SUN ROOF NO LONGER WORKS. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR AND THEY ORDERED THE PARTS FROM NISSAN. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 3 MONTHS AND THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN. NISSAN SAYS THEY ARE ON BACKORDER AND HAVE NO IDEA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2003 · fire

2002 Chrysler Sebring — common questions

Is the 2002 Chrysler Sebring reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sebring: 261 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Sebring problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (59 complaints), suspension (39 complaints), transmission (28 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chrysler Sebring under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Sebring years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sebring years to avoid are 2007, 1996, 2008, 1998. The cleanest record among Sebring years belongs to 2013.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.