YearToAvoid

2009 Chrysler Sebring Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2009 Chrysler Sebring has a Complaint Index of 50 with 43 complaints and 2 recalls, earning a Caution verdict — better than 2007 and 2008 (both rated Avoid) but worse than 2005 and 2006. Brakes are the top problem area, with 11 complaints and a median failure mileage of 58,000.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
50/100
#5 of 9 Sebring years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
43
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
3
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
6
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
2005
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21.5
18.5 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Top 2009 Chrysler Sebring problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes11 (26%)
  2. Electrical System10 (23%)
  3. Engine8 (19%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain8 (19%)
  5. Airbags6 (14%)
  6. Fuel System3 (7%)
  7. Steering3 (7%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (7%)
  9. Other2 (5%)
  10. Structure & Body2 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Brakes reportedly lock up or fail to stop the car in time, in some cases leading to rear-end collisions.
  • Airbags did not deploy in at least one rollover crash despite an existing recall related to the airbag sensor.
  • Interior lights and wiring have produced smoke while driving at low speed, raising fire concerns.
  • Safety sensors and warning lights activate unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by the car losing power or stalling.
  • Seat belts have reportedly disengaged on their own while driving at very low speed.
2009 Chrysler Sebring complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2009Dec 2010Oct 2012May 2014Aug 2015Oct 2017Sep 2020
43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2009 to Dec 2023; peak Nov 2013 (2).

2009 Chrysler Sebring recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 09V047000Feb 4, 2009Fuel System91 vehicles

    Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Transmission & Powertrain712 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2009 Chrysler Sebring fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18.5 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,025
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.

2009 compared with other Sebring years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Avoid100337722
2008Avoid88238421
2009Caution5043221.5
2010Avoid7586321.5
2011No verdict2531—

All Chrysler Sebring years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Chrysler Sebring reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2009 Sebring a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, meaning it has more reported problems than the 2005 and 2006 model years but fewer than 2007, 2008, and 2010.
What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Chrysler Sebring?
Brakes are the top complaint area, accounting for 11 of 43 complaints (26%), with a median failure mileage of 58,000 and two related crashes.
Does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls: one for a fuel pump module/instrument cluster software issue and one for a powertrain control module manufacturing defect.
What year Chrysler Sebring should I avoid?
NHTSA complaint data rates 2007, 2008, and 2010 as Avoid years, with 2007 having the highest Complaint Index at 100.
How many complaints does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring have?
NHTSA lists 43 complaints for the 2009 Sebring, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.