2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Problems
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles, 55 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Reports for this model year cluster around two things: the 2.7L V6, which owners describe seizing or failing — sometimes with oil sludge blamed, sometimes with coolant getting inside — and the heated seats, which several owners say burned through the upholstery or started smoking. Front-end suspension noise and a flashing airbag light are also reported often, typically at higher mileage.
- Engine
Engine seizure / oil sludge (2.7L V6)
- 18 complaints (29%)
- median 77,500 mi at 5.9 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $5,750 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2007–2016
Owners describe the engine knocking, bucking, smoking, or stopping outright while driving, with little or no warning light beforehand. Mechanics reportedly found heavy oil sludge or coolant inside the engine and said a replacement engine was needed. In some cases owners say the dealer declined warranty help, attributing the failure to oil-change records. Reported across a wide range, from about 15,000 to over 130,000 miles, with several under 60,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition and ask for oil-change records; an intermittent flickering oil light is a sign owners mention. A compression or leak-down check and an inspection for sludge under the oil cap are worth doing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle has died for no reason on several occasions, and then recently started knocking. I had it towed to the dealer and was told that the engine was ruined with sludge. It is still under warranty. We have done a few of the oil changes ourselves, and had some done at auto services other than Chrysler so they do not wish to warranty the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10235775, filed 2008-07, 38,500 miles“Car stopped running when stopped at red light. Towed to dealer. Informed it needs new battery and transmission solenoid pack. I authorized the repairs and also requested oil change. Dealer called back stated engine has sludge, engine very very bad , making knocking noise, may need new engine. I purchased the car from the same Chrysler dealer 2 yrs ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10311573, filed 2010-02, 41,355 miles - Seats
Heated seat burns through upholstery
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 82,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2018
Owners report the seat heater burning holes in the seat cushion or backrest, in some cases with smoke or a small fire, sometimes with the heater on a low setting and sometimes with it not switched on at all. Dealers reportedly could not find a cause or told owners there was no recall for the seat heater. Reported from about 25,000 to 120,000 miles, in warm weather as well as with the heater in use.
What to check: Inspect both front seats, especially the passenger seat, for scorched spots or small holes, and test the heaters briefly on each setting. Ask whether the seat heating elements have ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2004 Sebring Convertible touring edition with 25,700 miles. Leather interior with heated seats. While sitting in the parking lot of my son's school, my son felt something hot on his back. The heated seats were on 1, the heating element burnt through the cushion and leather seat back and also burnt a hole into his coat. The cushion or the polyester fill in his coat was in a black molten form and burnt the tip of his finger and he jumped out of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224531, filed 2008-04, 25,706 miles“Heated seat on drivers side has burned two holes in the seat; now burns my thigh if I dare to turn the seat heater on. I was advised by my local service manager that there are no recalls as to the heater in the seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10369906, filed 2010-12, 80,000 miles - Suspension
Front-end noise and control arm / ball joint wear
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 89,500 mi at 8.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2016
Owners describe creaking, rattling or shaking from the front end, and in some cases a ball joint separating or a control arm breaking, which left a wheel and brake assembly hanging. Repairs reported include tie rods, ball joints, control arms and rear struts; several owners say the manufacturer told them their vehicle was not covered by a related campaign. Mostly between roughly 30,000 and 115,000 miles, often noticed first as noise over bumps.
What to check: Have a shop check the lower ball joints, control arms and tie rods for play, and listen for front-end creaks on a test drive over uneven pavement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This was a mater of severe injury and property damage and could have been death or maiming. Traveling to a normal stop at an intersection traffic light, being the first car to the light on flat pavement, the car's front passenger side lower ball joint came out of its socket and the car skidded to a halt on the pavement riding on the undercarriage of the vehicle frame with the whole tire and brake assembly dangling by the brake line hose outside the wheel well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514704, filed 2013-06, 100,200 miles“Front-end noises were reported to the selling dealer when the vehicle was under warranty. After three shop visits to a cary, nc, dealer during which the technicians could not replicate the problem, we decided to just live with the noises. After moving from north carolina to florida, the noises got worse. A clermont, fl, Chrysler deal charged us $100 to check out the problem and couldn't find anything, but they did offer to replace the ball joints and control arms for about $1100. By that time, of course, it was out of warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413232, filed 2011-07, 30,000 miles - Fuel system
Unexpected acceleration or lurching
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 69,400 mi at 9.1 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2017
Owners describe the car surging or accelerating on its own when shifting into drive, leaving a stop, or while using cruise control, and say braking sometimes did not slow it; they stopped it by shifting to neutral and switching off the ignition. Some report the vehicle stalled at low speed in hot weather. Dealers reportedly found nothing wrong in several cases. Reported from about 25,000 to 85,000 miles, several times after highway driving with cruise control in use.
What to check: On a test drive, try cruise control and check that it disengages cleanly when braking. Ask whether the throttle body, cruise control servo or transmission has been serviced for surging or lurching.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible which has a problem with lurching forward and unable to stop (no brakes). This has happened 3 times and we feel it is a very dangerous situation. It has now been diagnosed as a transmission problem. We feel we should not be responsible for this defect but Chrysler has refused to fix the problem. When we contacted Chrysler, we were told we had an extended warranty but now are told we do not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10325391, filed 2010-04, 69,400 miles“After accelerating from a stop at a traffic light, the car accelerator or throttle began to stick and accelerate intensely, going up to 80mph with the brake engaged. I pulled off the main road, continuing to brake as hard as I could until I was able to safely shut down the car. I had no control over the car and narrowly avoided a serious accident. Prior to this incident, my car has had every service recommended by the manufacturer manual.”
NHTSA complaint #10486405, filed 2012-11, 80,500 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light flashing
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 39,999 mi at 4.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2007–2019
Owners report the airbag light blinking or staying on, sometimes intermittently while driving. Dealers reportedly reset it, replaced seatbelt tensioners, or could not identify the cause; one owner was told to cycle the ignition many times as a workaround. Reported from about 26,000 to 150,000 miles.
What to check: Confirm the airbag light behaves normally through the ignition self-test and ask whether the seatbelt tensioners or airbag sensors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible 2.7 liter engine failure. This engine seized while I was driving luckily it I was only going 35 MPH and I had time to pull the vehicle off the road. This vehicle has had an air bag light on since I bought it and no dealership has been able to solve the problem there has been numerous issues with the car throughout the three years I have owned it. I am a single parent who is without a car for over two months now but paying $350.00 a month on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217598, filed 2008-02, 80,000 miles“Takata recall the airbag warning light comes on frequently. My daughter also has a Sebring Convertible and her does the same thing only it is a 2002. This seems more than a coincidence. This happens when the vehicles are in motion. Sometimes a warning sound happens and sometimes not on both vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11090157, filed 2018-04, 150,000 miles
Buying note. Service records for the 2.7L V6 matter most here: look for regular oil changes and any history of engine work, and budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering the engine, front suspension and seat heaters. Airbag light behavior is easy to check on a test drive and worth confirming before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 55 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling15 24%
- Suspension10 16%
- Air bags9 15%
- Seats8 13%
- Brakes6 9.7%
- Fuel system5 8.1%
- Engine4 6.5%
- Electrical system3 4.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 4.8%
- Body and structure2 3.2%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Exterior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The engine on my 2004 Sebring Convertible gts blew while driving down I 95 toward miami going 75 MPH. I lost all control and power to vehicle. Luckily I was able to coast off exit 129 in ft pierce to a gas station. Only to have car towed to firestone where they informed me that my engine had blown and that it was a very known and common problem in this engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10360946, filed 2010-10, 61,000 milesSuspension: “On my 2004 Chrysler sebring touring conv., while parked I observed the passenger rear tire leaning out at the bottom and leaning in at the top of the tire. It was very noticeable that something was wrong. I dropped the crossmember frame from the rear of the vehicle and found out that both bolts were broke off on the passenger rear upper control arm. Fortunately I was able to remove the broken bolts pieces without any problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10449472, filed 2012-02, 70,000 milesAir bags: “Traveling on the interstate two cars got into a fender bender another crashed into them and I was traveling behind the third vehicle when I applied the brakes and sent into a skid. My car slid a good distance until it crashed right into the back of the third vehicle which was a volvo in which their air bags deployed. My sebring did not stop nor did the air bags deploy. I was traveling around 30-40 MPH when the impact happen. Will not have confirmation until tomorrow but it appears that the car will not be salvageable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10245474, filed 2008-10, 66,000 milesSeats: “Driving the freeway on 91 degree day and right front passenger seat catches fire due to seat heating element which was not turned on. Car was turned off and police used dry chemical extinguisher. The heat element continued to produce significant heat until unplugged by the fire department.”
NHTSA complaint #10218835, filed 2008-02, 42,331 milesMileage when problems were reported
31% of the 55 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,331 and 86,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10121832Nov 16, 2016Equipment. Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$…
Other model years of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 39 | 55,173 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 62 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 24 | 48,115 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 121 | 68,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 120 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 78 | 81,163 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 92 | 75,112 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 52 | 73,200 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 77 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 68 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler Sebring Convertible model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible?
Reports for this model year cluster around two things: the 2.7L V6, which owners describe seizing or failing — sometimes with oil sludge blamed, sometimes with coolant getting inside — and the heated seats, which several owners say burned through the upholstery or started smoking. The issues reported most often: Engine seizure / oil sludge (2.7L V6); Heated seat burns through upholstery; Front-end noise and control arm / ball joint wear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 15 complaints (24% of the total), followed by suspension with 10.
Has the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible (Sebring Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible reported?
Among the 55 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,331 and 86,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.