Skip to content
Chrysler SebringModel year report

2002 Chrysler Sebring Problems

Complaints
210filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
64,000miles, 139 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2002 Chrysler Sebring most often describe engine problems, particularly oil sludge buildup in the 2.7L V6 that is linked to knocking, stalling and engine replacement, plus rear suspension noise and broken strut mounts. Transmission harshness and steering and front-suspension wear are also common, usually appearing between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles.

  1. Engine cooling

    Engine oil sludge and engine failure (2.7L V6)

    • 47 complaints (22%)
    • median 82,451 mi at 6.0 yrs old (44 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 11 quotes)
    • filed 2004–2017

    Complaints describe a sudden loud knocking or tapping that develops into stalling or a seized engine. Several owners say a dealer or independent shop diagnosed heavy oil sludge and recommended engine replacement, and some report the warranty or manufacturer declined to cover it, sometimes citing oil change records. A number of owners say they had changed oil regularly. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 110,000 miles, with a few failures reported higher.

    What to check: Check oil condition and level, look for a fuel or burnt smell, and ask for oil change records. A pre-purchase inspection with an oil pressure check can help reveal sludge-related wear.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2002 Chrysler Sebring engine failed. Diagnosed as excessive oil sludge. Extended warranty and dealer denied claim due to inadequate oil changes. I bought car used in july, 2003. What happened: the car stopped after a loud tapping noise in the engine. I was driving in rush hour traffic when the car stopped in the middle of the street. I sent complaint letter sent to Chrysler's ceo on 9/22/04.”

    NHTSA complaint #10093041, filed 2004-09, 42,900 miles

    “My 2002 Chrysler Sebring's engine seized up when I was driving down the road one night to take my husband to work. I had it towed to my dealer just to find out that I was 32 miles out of my extended warranty and that I had apparently not changed my oil and that caused my engine to lock up. When my engine locked up I had floored it to go around a slow-moving semi on a little 2 lane highway. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10212480, filed 2007-12, 86,000 miles
  2. Suspension

    Rear strut mounts and suspension noise

    • 29 complaints (14%)
    • median 85,237 mi at 6.8 yrs old (21 state mileage)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2005–2017

    Owners describe clunking, creaking or thumping from the rear, often louder in cold weather, and in some cases the shock or spring pushing through a corroded mount. Complaints mention corrosion of the aluminum rear strut mounts, sometimes in salt-belt states, and front lower ball joint or control arm failure that allowed a wheel to come off at low speed. Reported from roughly 25,000 to 105,000 miles, often in winter or in states that use road salt.

    What to check: Have the rear strut mounts and front ball joints inspected for corrosion, cracks or play, especially on cars from salt-belt states.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Serious clunking noise upon acceleration / braking. Dealership determined the lower ball joint was loose and replaced the left front lower arm control. Glad I made it home on my 250 mile drive without killing myself or others!”

    NHTSA complaint #10151174, filed 2006-02, 26,425 miles

    “My front end control arm and ball joint collapsed, causing other parts to be damaged. Ever since this has happen my Chrysler has never been the same. My insurance company did try and fix the problem, but to my dismay nothing has been corrected. I am now being told that my car the Chrysler Sebring always have major front end suspension issues. Since this is the case, I believe Chrysler should correct the problems on these makes and model. I would like to feel safe in my car, however I do not. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10566692, filed 2014-03, 106,559 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Harsh shifting and transmission failure

    • 21 complaints (10%)
    • median 48,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • filed 2002–2015

    Complaints describe hard jerking when shifting, delayed engagement when moving from drive, harsh downshifts when slowing, and in some cases the transmission failing to shift out of first gear or needing replacement. Some owners report a check engine light appearing intermittently without a stored code, and that the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Reported from about 28,000 to 86,000 miles, including some very low-mileage vehicles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test drive from cold and through both upshifts and downshifts, and ask whether the powertrain control module has been initialized or reflashed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Recently while driving my 2002 Chrysler Sebring lx I was slowing down off an exit ramp and the car suddenly grabbed at around 32 MPH. I found out by monitoring my speeds that you have to go over 36 MPH and slow down to 32 MPH for it to grab and it does it every time. The check engine light has never came on and has been checked for working operation. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10144875, filed 2005-12, 48,930 miles

    “Since I bought my car 4/13/03 I have had brake system problems on 6/2002,9/23,11/27-3/2003,5/03,9/03,9/18,10/01/03,10/07/03 each time adjustments, repairs, replacement have been done. Now since 9/23/03 along with the brake problem that still existing I am experiencing very a heavy,vibration this is felt when the car is at a standstill car can either be in neutral or park and it feels as though there is a vibrating mechanism attached to your car. The service department says they couldn't detect anything on their scanning device.”

    NHTSA complaint #10047150, filed 2003-11, 3,421 miles
  4. Steering

    Steering rack, tie rod and ball joint problems

    • 32 complaints (15%)
    • median 65,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (21 state mileage)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2018

    Owners report popping or clunking felt through the steering wheel, uneven or outside tire wear, and play in the rack and pinion or tie rods. Complaints mention rack and pinion or lower control arm replacement, and in one case a seized steering wheel while turning. Mostly reported between about 22,000 and 56,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check for steering play or popping on a drive, look for uneven tire wear, and ask whether the rack or tie rods have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Popping felt in steering. Tires starting to wear on outside. Dealership replaced rack and pinion assembly (warranty) but I had to pay for the alignment needed after the replaced.”

    NHTSA complaint #10151173, filed 2006-02, 25,127 miles

    “The contact owned a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 25 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized and caused the vehicle to crash into a concrete divider. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was not sure if a police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11092498, filed 2018-05, 107,000 miles

Buying note. For this model year, a thorough engine inspection and maintenance records matter most, given how often owners describe sludge-related engine failure. Also check rear strut mounts, front suspension and steering for wear or corrosion, and confirm the air bag recalls are done before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 210 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. 139 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 15 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 33 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.

Also reported: Other or unknown (8), Vehicle speed control (8), Equipment (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Fuel system (4), Seat belts (4), Tires (4), Seats (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).

Example complaints

Engine cooling: “My 2002 chryslersebring was sitting in the shop right now gettung a new timing chain at 64,000 miles. My outside extended warranty will not cover a new enginge because they know that Chrysler has this as a defect. It's not right, and Chrysler should be held accountable. We all have had the same exact issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10185707, filed 2007-03, 64,000 miles

Suspension: “On february 10,2012 I just got off the express way and came to a complete stop at a traffic light when suddenly I heard a loud popping sound up front. I got out to look and found that my wheel on the passenger side was turned all the way to the right. After I had it towed to the shop the mechanic informed me that the control arm broke. I had to pay $450 to get it replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10464744, filed 2012-07, 142,349 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “My wonderful father brought me this convertible Sebring lxi on 04/17/2014. After my chevy impala/2002 stalled due to transmission/ignition switch the total cost is $3100.00. So my dad pays cash for the convertible Sebring lxi. On 05/03/2014, I was driving on the interstate attempting to attend a barbecue. It was a very nice day out. The car starts to overheat and the car stalls and slows down. I pulled over to the side of the road. The very next day, sun may 4,2014. I had the car taken to a mechanic and the engine had jump time and the engine had sludge build up. …”

NHTSA complaint #10596524, filed 2014-06, 155,000 miles

Steering: “At 41,000 miles my 2002 Chrysler Sebring lxi 4 door sedan required the replacement of right outer tie rod. I was told at that time if it had failed it would have caused a major and possibly deadly accident. One year to the day - at 47,000 miles the left outer tie rod required replacement. There were no accidents nor events which lead up to these failures.”

NHTSA complaint #10209712, filed 2007-11, 41,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

42% of the 139 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,250 and 90,049 miles.

4%0–1010%10–2527%25–5019%50–7522%75–10014%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (139 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 64,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’03’0632’09’12’15’18’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Sebring · C not rated3 / 3———
Sebring · coupe not rated4 / 4———
Sebring · sedan not rated5 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2002 Chrysler Sebring version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Sebring FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual192722$3,050
Sebring FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192621$3,200
Sebring FWD3.0L 6-cyl5-speed manual182621$3,200
Sebring FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182620$3,350
Sebring FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172620$3,350
Sebring FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182520$3,350
Sebring FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182520$3,350
Sebring 4 Door FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192722$3,050
Sebring 4 Door FWD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182621$3,200
Sebring 4 Door FWD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182521$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

Recall details for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

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. 33 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 33 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chrysler Sebring

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20108671,5003—2250 · TypicalFalling
20094355,0002—2230 · FewerFalling
200823870,0004—2291 · MoreFalling
200733765,0007—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200612070,0000—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20057572,5003—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200422039,9604—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20034259,0002—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200221064,0002—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200124265,0009—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20009380,0001—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199917285,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199826783,5003—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199721088,7885—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199634376,8507—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199513298,0003—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Chrysler Sebring model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler Sebring?

Owners of the 2002 Chrysler Sebring most often describe engine problems, particularly oil sludge buildup in the 2.7L V6 that is linked to knocking, stalling and engine replacement, plus rear suspension noise and broken strut mounts. The issues reported most often: Engine oil sludge and engine failure (2.7L V6); Rear strut mounts and suspension noise; Harsh shifting and transmission failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring have?

NHTSA recorded 210 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2002 Chrysler Sebring is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 48 complaints (23% of the total), followed by suspension with 37.

Has the 2002 Chrysler Sebring been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Chrysler Sebring get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Chrysler Sebring (Sebring, 2.4L 4-cyl) 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 2002 Chrysler Sebring reported?

Among the 139 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 34,250 and 90,049 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.