2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 121 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (31% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was parallel parking and my tire came off ?!? I only have 110000 miles on it ! Thats unexpectable . I'm could have been in a serious accident. I could have. Have been killed”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2019
“My air bag light has come on and has been on for over 3 months. I saw today on wink news that 2002 chryslers were being recalled due to air bags. I looked up my vehicle by VIN number and it says 0 recalls. Could you please let me know if auto is safe to drive.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2015
“The airbag light has come on and off for the last couple of month. I took it to the dealership and also did some research online regarding the light only to find that this is a more than common, irreparable issue. On 2/10/2015, while driving- specifically coming to a stop, I saw a swirl of what appeared to be smoke, coming out around the steering column. A woman, with only my son in the car, I was fearful, pulled the car to the side and had it towed. I have since been advised that what I saw was not smoke, rather, powder from the airbag which is apparently leaking. That has not been repaired. I resumed driving and after about a day and a half, the air bag light is back on. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Oil light comes on a lot, especially when stopped, car smells badly of oil burning and smokes a lot, scary when driving, also air and heat only work on high very annoying I would never buy a chrysler again. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the rear passenger side wheel became fractured and folded under the vehicle. Also, the contact mentioned that moments later the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the upper control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred on the rear driver's side wheel. The failure mileage was 107,000 and the current mileage was 112,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2014
“My wife was pulling out of parking lot of store, right front ball joint socket disconnected causing damage to front end of car. Though this seems to be an issue for this make/model of car, my VIN was never recalled. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2013
“In april 2011, we purchased a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible limited edition (with 2.7 engine) from a privite owner. In january 2013 it was towed to napleton chrysler dealership in kissimmee. They still have our vehicle. We had purchased an extended warranty from gold key for $2695.00 which is still in effect, but they will not cover the engine due to the sludge build up. This car was only used for leisure and we put less than 3,000 miles since we have owned it. Also, we had the oil changed using synthetic. My husband is on disability and we can not afford to pay for an engine replacement. Unfortunately, I think we will have to junk the car. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2013
“The horn doesn't work , check engine light always on, airbags light on clock spring needs to be replace, and it seems that a lot of people are having the same problem ... My car wont be able to pass the emission test... Ac compressor doesn't work . *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2012
“I was driving on freeway and engine gave out and I got stuck on shoulder, had to call a tow truck and my mechanic said my engine seized. I have my care serviced regularly and did not know of this engine/oil sludge problem. I cannot afford a new engine or to buy a new car. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2012
“Engine died due to oil sludge problem, however, we kept the car in good condition and performed maintenance regularly. *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Sebring Convertible years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Sebring Convertible by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible reliable?
NHTSA has 121 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,500 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.