VehicleVerdict

2004 Chrysler Sebring problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Chrysler Sebring sits mid-pack among Sebring years: 304 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 229, with 7 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 41 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (65), airbags (32), and electrical system (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

304

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

41

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sebring years?

See all Sebring years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chrysler Sebring problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6521%
Airbags3211%
Electrical System289%
Suspension279%
Transmission269%
Speed Control207%
Fuel System165%
Brakes145%
Seats124%
Visibility & Wipers114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Body & Structure103%
Steering83%
Seat Belts72%
Other72%
Lighting52%
Latches & Locks41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

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

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.

04V336000Seat BeltsJuly 8, 2004 · 312 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CONVERTIBLE MODEL VEHICLES, THE LEFT HAND REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT BEING IMPROPERLY RESTRAINED IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE LEFT SIDE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR BOLT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V313000Fuel SystemJune 29, 2004 · 8,108 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.

Consequence

BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

03V443000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2003 · 5,911 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

CAR COLD STALLS, STALLS WHEN AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ENGINE SHAKES VIOLENTLY, BRAKES SQUEAL AN GRIND, WHEN STARTING CAR FLOODS ITSELF AND CANNOT BE TURNED ON FOR A FEW HOURS, HAD AN ACCIDENT AT 44-50 MPH AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY,GEARS STICK AND DO NOT COME OUT OF GEAR AT TIMES:INSURANCE WAS CALLED AT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 2008 · crash

AFTER BEING STRUCK HEAD ON AT 40 MPH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK DRIVING CAR DOWN ON PRINCETON ROAD IN HAMILTON. OHIO REACHED POSTED SPEED WHICH WAS 45 MPH SUDDENLY BRAKES LOCKED, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED AN OLDER MODEL CAR, CUTLASS SUPREME DOING ABOUT 40 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 1, 2004 · crash

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE WIRING. ALSO, TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS, SUCH AS DOWN SHIFTING. WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD GO INTO A LOWER GEAR AND REMAIN THEIR FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD OF TIME. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 2, 2005 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BALL JOINT SNAPPED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT BENEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 19, 2015 · crash

LOOSE BRAKES, TRANSMISSION SLIPS, ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IT TAKES A LONG DISTANCE TO STOP. BRAKES ARE NOT ABS. 9/11 TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME, STOMPED ON BRAKE, WHEELS DID NOT LOCK, CAR DID NOT STOP ROLLING AND I HIT THE VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION ALWAYS SLIPS, ESPECIALLY AT 30 MPH. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 11, 2003 · crash

2004 Chrysler Sebring — common questions

Is the 2004 Chrysler Sebring reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sebring: 304 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Sebring problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (65 complaints), airbags (32 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chrysler Sebring. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.