NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Chrysler Sebring Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2003 Chrysler Sebring has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 42 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chrysler dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Chrysler Sebring owner complaints

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Chrysler Sebring, describing incidents dated December 26, 2002 to July 10, 2021.

Most-cited components

Engine 9 complaints
Suspension 8 complaints
Air Bags 7 complaints
Service Brakes 6 complaints
Structure 4 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints

Of the 42 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 42 complaints, owners report 5 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11424319 · Filed July 11, 2021
While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There was no warning that…
ODI #10957747 · Filed March 1, 2017
I WON A CAR FROM MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE CAR HAD A 2.7L V6 ENGINE IN IT THAT NADA AND KBB DO NOT LIST SUCH AN ENGINE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT I WON, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS A DEALER SWAP PRIOR TO THE RAFFLE DRAWING, BUT THEY DENY THE SWAP WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. WHEN I WON…
ODI #10885516 · Filed July 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY WAS FRACTURED IT…

Read all 42 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Chrysler Sebring in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE02-082: SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Closed April 23, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Sun Visor May Detach During Air Bag Deployment

NHTSA #15V338000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 2, 2015 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 443,442 vehicles

Repair completion: 3.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign SR-15-005 (FCA R30) · Owners notified July 20, 2015 · Vehicles built April 17, 2000 – February 21, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS/SEPARATION

NHTSA #09E056000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported October 9, 2009 · QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE LLC

Potentially affected: 5,787 vehicles

Owners notified November 9, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY CHRYSLER.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING

NHTSA #03V443000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported November 4, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 5,911 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign C38 · Owners notified December 15, 2003 · Vehicles built June 11, 2003 – July 25, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. C38.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2003 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

2003 Chrysler Sebring 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

42 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring.

Power Train; Wheels

ODI #11424319

Incident: July 10, 2021 · Filed: July 11, 2021

While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There was no warning that this was going to happen. I was driving in normal traffic. And was unable to move the vehicle out of the traffic lane. Vehicle had to be towed. This happened yesterday 7/10/21. I have seen other reports of problems with this but vehicles have higher mileage than mine. Is there not a recall for this?

Engine

ODI #10957747

Incident: December 28, 2016 · Filed: March 1, 2017

I WON A CAR FROM MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE CAR HAD A 2.7L V6 ENGINE IN IT THAT NADA AND KBB DO NOT LIST SUCH AN ENGINE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT I WON, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS A DEALER SWAP PRIOR TO THE RAFFLE DRAWING, BUT THEY DENY THE SWAP WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. WHEN I WON IT, LAST JUNE IT HAD LIKE 181,000 MILES ON THE CAR, UNKNOWN MILEAGE ON THE ENGINE, BUT I HAD IT FROM JUN TO DEB 2016 AND DROVE IT MAYBE 9000 MILES MAX AND IT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. I CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3000 TO 4000 MILES, SO LIKE 2-3 TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR AND IT HAD NO INDICATION OF ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS PRIOR TO SPONTANEOUS AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE MY CARS SERVICES REGULARLY FOR TIRE ROTATIONS, CAR INSPECTIONS ETC. NOTHING COULD HAVE WARNED ME ABOUT THIS AND I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE CLASS ACTIONS LAW SUITS PERTAINING TO THIS EXACT ENGINE UNTIL MY ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I CLIMBING TH INTERSTATE ON RAMP WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE RPM'S ON MY CAR CONTINUED TO RISE WHILE MY CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN, IN ESSENSE IT WAS REVING AS I ACCELLERATED, BUT MY CAR WAS SLOWING, SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHEN IT GOT BACK TO THE SHOP, THE CAR STARTED BACK UP AS NORMAL, BUT I LEFT IT ANYWAY, BECAUSE IT CLEARLY HAD AN ISSUE. IT WAS DISCOVERED AFTER THE MECHANIC DROVE IT THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THERE WAS PLENTY OF GOOD OIL IN THE TANK, WHEN IT WAS CHECKED AND BASED ON THE LEVEL THERE WAS NO NEED TO ADD OIL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZING UP DUE TO OIL SLUDGE AND THAT MY ONLY FIX IS A NEW ENGINE.

Suspension; Wheels

ODI #10885516

Incident: July 17, 2016 · Filed: July 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY WAS FRACTURED IT CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,389.

Air Bags

ODI #10810468

Incident: June 2, 2015 · Filed: December 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ

Air Bags

ODI #10789703

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: November 6, 2015 · Filed: November 10, 2015

I WAS IN A WRECK ON 11/06/2015, A WOMEN FAILED TO YIELD AND I T-BONED HER PASSENGER SIDE BY BACK DOOR/BACK TIRE, I WAS GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CITY ROAD, I HAD MY SAFETY RESTRAINT ON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDOW, I HAD A LOOSE CAR SEAT IN FRONT THAT HIT THE PASSENGER DASH, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WAS HEADED NORTH AND I WAS HEADED WEST, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WHEN I HIT HER, SO IT FELT LIKE A BRICK WALL AT 30 MPH, I ENDED UP IN THE ER WITH A SPRAINED WRIST, MY LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD WAS SWOLLEN, AND I'M HAVING ISSUES IN MY BACK(DOCTOR SAID NECK AND BACK PAIN IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO WHIPLASH, I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH BACK PAIN. FROM ALL THE INFORMATION I'VE FOUND ON RECALLS, THERE IS NOT ONE FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS ON MY CHRYSLER LXI....

Suspension; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #10723312

Incident: June 3, 2015 · Filed: June 3, 2015

START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEEK. WHY IS MY CAR DOING THIS?

Structure

ODI #10681608

Incident: June 1, 2014 · Filed: February 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO RISE WITHOUT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine

ODI #10598249

Incident: May 15, 2014 · Filed: June 13, 2014

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING THE 2.7L V6 ENGINE. *JS

Air Bags

ODI #10544391

Incident: September 5, 2013 · Filed: September 19, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Structure

ODI #10536601

Incident: June 1, 2012 · Filed: August 21, 2013

DASH SEPARATING FRO VENT POSSIBLY BY THE SUN. ALSO THE FRONT BUMPER SCRAP MOST DRIVEWAYS. *TR

Other Chrysler Sebring model years

Check your 2003 Chrysler Sebring VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chrysler Sebring at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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