2008 Chrysler Sebring Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Chrysler Sebring has a Complaint Index of 88, the second-highest of 9 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners most often reported Electrical System (38%), Engine (33%), and Transmission & Powertrain (20%) problems, backed by 4 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 88/100
- #2 of 9 Sebring years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 238
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 19
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 20
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 20 / 0
Top 2008 Chrysler Sebring problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System90 (38%)
- Engine78 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain48 (20%)
- Airbags26 (11%)
- Other24 (10%)
- Brakes22 (9%)
- Structure & Body19 (8%)
- Fuel System15 (6%)
- Steering15 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe unintended acceleration where the engine surges despite tapping the brakes, sometimes ending in a crash into trees or poles.
- Some report the brakes failing to stop the car at low speeds, including one incident backing up and another crashing into a curb at 40 mph.
- Electrical wiring near the battery has reportedly caught fire, in one case with the family inside the vehicle.
- A newer convertible caught fire while being driven, which the owner later linked to an unaddressed recall.
- Side and curtain airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a side-impact crash despite significant vehicle damage.
- Steering has reportedly gone loose or seized while changing lanes, causing loss of control.
2008 Chrysler Sebring recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V152000Apr 2, 2008Electrical System180,963 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Chrysler is recalling 180,963 my 2007-2008 sebring and dodge avenger vehicles equipped with a standard tire pressure monitoring system (tpms). Unused electrical connectors for the tpms may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions including engine no-start, dead battery, an inoperative cruise control or remote start system, and/or engine stalling.
Risk: Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will seal the wires for the tpms free of charge. The recall began on april 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 07V473000Oct 10, 2007Engine102,042 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Risk: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on november 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 07V414000Sep 12, 2007Structure & Body72,333 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing possibly causing the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative.
Risk: Driving a vehicle with an unlatched door can result in an unbelted front seat occupant falling out of the vehicle or being ejected in a crash, causing increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will add a secondary retention feature to both front doors. This action will supersede and expand a previous safety recall (please see 07v-104). The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2008 Chrysler Sebring fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Sebring years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Sebring ranks 2nd worst out of 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 88, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Sebring years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System issues made up 38% of complaints, Engine issues 33%, and Transmission & Powertrain issues 20%, with median failure mileages around 73,259, 79,453, and 70,000 miles respectively.
- Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Sebring covering the electrical system (TPMS wiring), engine coolant connectors, front door latches, and airbag seat track sensors, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2008 Sebring compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's Complaint Index of 88 is worse than 2005 (38), 2006 (63), 2009 (50), and better only than 2007 (100), which is the worst year on record.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
- EPA rates the 2008 Sebring at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.