VehicleVerdict

2009 Chrysler Sebring problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring is among the quieter years of the Sebring on NHTSA's books: 64 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (14), transmission (8), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Sebring years?

Sebring NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sebring years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Chrysler Sebring problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1422%
Transmission813%
Brakes711%
Airbags69%
Engine58%
Tires & Wheels46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Fuel System35%
Lighting35%
Speed Control35%
Steering35%
Seats23%
Child Seat12%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%

Does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

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

09V047000Fuel SystemFebruary 4, 2009 · 91 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V528000TransmissionOctober 9, 2008 · 712 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR LIGHTS. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 22, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,600. THE VIN WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 2014

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT YESTERDAY.THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME.THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED & GOT STUCK.I ENDED UP HTTING 2 CARS.I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL.I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 MONTHS.I HAVE TO LOOOK ONLINE TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL.I WNNA KNOW WHAT IS GONNA BE DONE ABOUT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 13, 2016 · crash

“VEHICLE HIT BLACK ICE, FLIPPED AND ROLLED A FEW TIMES. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED! CHRYSLER WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED AND STILL NO RESPONSE. RECALL ON AIRBAG SENSOR, YET NO RECALL ON AIR BAGS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 13, 2014 · crash

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT YESTERDAY.THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME.THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED & GOT STUCK.I ENDED UP HTTING 2 CARS.I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL.I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 MONTHS.I HAVE TO LOOOK ONLINE TO FIND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL.I WNNA KNOW WHAT IS GONNA BE DONE ABOUT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 13, 2016 · crash

2009 Chrysler Sebring — common questions

Is the 2009 Chrysler Sebring reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 64 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sebring year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Sebring problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 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.