2004 Chrysler Sebring Problems
- Complaints
- 220filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 39,960miles, 166 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Chrysler Sebring most often describe the engine stalling or idling badly, sometimes followed by a lurch forward at low speed when coming to a stop; this appears in complaints filed from the first hundred miles through well past 100,000 miles. Coolant leaks, airbag warning lights that come and go, and front suspension ball joint failures also recur, with the suspension reports tending to arrive at higher mileage. Many complaints note that dealers could not reproduce the stall or found no stored codes.
- Engine cooling
Engine stalls or surges when stopping
- 76 complaints (35%)
- median 16,750 mi at 1.9 yrs old (58 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2023
Complaints describe the engine dropping to very low rpm, sometimes stalling, as the vehicle comes to a stop or coasts, and then surging or lurching forward when it recovers. Several owners say it happened repeatedly at lights, stop signs and intersections, and some report rough idle and misfires alongside it. Owners describe dealers resetting the powertrain computer, running a software update, or replacing sensors and gaskets, with several saying the problem returned or that no fault code could be found. Reported at mileages from under 200 to over 180,000, with many between roughly 1,000 and 50,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the car through several complete stops and watch the tachometer for a dip and flare; ask whether the powertrain control module was ever reflashed or updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car has 5500 miles on it and has stalled three times under different circumstances. It has lunged forward on two separated occasions along with idling rough at times. I am picking it up at dealer this afternoon for the above problems. They have reset the computer. I will keep you posted. After reading this site I am worried about my safety and the safety of others.”
NHTSA complaint #10082361, filed 2004-07, 1,100 miles“I purchased my car in nov 2005 and on several occasions the car has stalled on me I started the car back up immediately. On other occasions the engine would rev up while sitting at a red light or either in a drive thru lane at a restaurant. The car was not in park it scared me to death. I don't know the reason for this. The car isn't under warranty any longer and I know the wont fix it problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10167851, filed 2006-09, 30,258 miles - Suspension
Front ball joint failure and suspension noise
- 38 complaints (17%)
- median 65,965 mi at 5.0 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2020
Complaints describe front lower ball joints separating or snapping, letting the tire collapse or turn sideways and taking away steering control, usually at low speed while turning or pulling away. Other reports mention upper control arm bolts breaking, rear shock mounts rusting apart so the spring rubs the tire, and clunking or rattling from the front end that dealers could not trace. Mostly reported between about 55,000 and 265,000 miles, often on older vehicles in rust-belt use.
What to check: Have a mechanic lift the car and check ball joint play, control arm bolts and rear shock mounts for rust before buying, and listen for front-end clunks on a slow turning test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle has a loud rattle/clunk coming from the other side of the firewall. My car has been in the repair shop twice with no results. The service manager heard the noise during a test drive with me, but now claims that there are no noises in my car out of the norm . I am concerned that this could be something serious, since no one gas determined the problem. Chrysler corporation will not get involved because they are claiming that it is a dealer problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10152071, filed 2006-03, 31,332 miles“- the contact states that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle's upper control arm broke off, on the rear passenger side tire. The tires got locked inside the body and the rear end went broadside. The contact states that his mechanic explain to him that the problem with the vehicle was the upper control arm, both bolts broke off in the rear.”
NHTSA complaint #10176608, filed 2006-12, 55,016 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on, airbags not deploying
- 32 complaints (15%)
- median 38,242 mi at 3.0 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2021
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on intermittently or staying on, sometimes returning within days of a dealer clearing the code. Complaints mention seat belt pretensioner replacement and various dealer tests without a lasting fix. Several complaints describe frontal impacts where the airbags did not deploy, and owners say the manufacturer referred them elsewhere or declined to assist. Reported from about 11,000 to 145,000 miles, including early-life complaints in the teens of thousands of miles.
Recall 15V3380001 related service bulletin
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; ask whether the passenger inflator recall was completed for this VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car cold stalls, stalls when at traffic lights, engine shakes violently, brakes squeal an grind, when starting car floods itself and cannot be turned on for a few hours, had an accident at 44-50 MPH and airbag did not deploy,gears stick and do not come out of gear at times:insurance was called at time of accident and said no reason could be identified as to why airbag did not deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326626, filed 2010-04, 78,000 miles“2004 Chrysler Sebring has a recurring air bag problem. The air bag light warning light would come on and go off numerous times while driving. A seat belt pre-tensioner was required, but that did not resolve the air bag light problem. The A/C would only blow on the highest setting. The left front window made a creaking noise when going up or down. The thermostat and gasket were replaced due to a coolant leak. The driver side mirror was loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10129120, filed 2005-07, 11,284 miles - Electrical system
Electrical gremlins: dash lights, horn, stalling
- 16 complaints (7%)
- median 19,010 mi at 2.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2021
Complaints describe dashboard lights flickering on and off while driving, the radio popping, and in some cases the engine stalling at the same time. Some owners report the horn not working or sounding in short intervals, headlights and brake lights cutting out, and dealers replacing the battery, resetting the computer, or pointing to a multi-function switch without resolving the problem. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 50,000 miles, including cars still nearly new.
What to check: During the test drive, watch the dash lights and try the horn; ask whether any module or fuse box repairs have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased the 2004 Chrysler Sebring in november of 04. Have had an electrical issue since the purchase. While driving the dash board lights will flicker on and off, the radio will make a poping noise, and the car will stall out. Has down this numerous time while driving down the interstate. Dealership has replaced the battery, reformatted the main computer and still has not solved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10142879, filed 2005-11, 14,900 miles“When driving horn will not blow. When the vehicle was not in motion, the horn blew in 2 second intervals. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer, and neither was willing to assist the consumer. They told consumer that the problem was being worked on.”
NHTSA complaint #10087623, filed 2004-08, 13,826 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant leaks and overheating
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report coolant leaks traced to the thermostat and gasket, and cooling system work such as bleeding the system after a thermostat replacement. Some complaints describe the engine overheating after a stall, a punctured radiator overflow tank spilling coolant over the engine, and repeated returns to the dealer for the same cooling problem. Reported between roughly 26,000 and 78,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Check coolant level and look for crusty residue around the thermostat housing and overflow tank, and ask whether the thermostat and gasket have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt vehicle has stalled twice, called to make an appointment to bring the vehicle in by that time it had overheated. Took vehicle to the dealer, they said thermostat was bad, and they replaced it. Then it did it again. Called a tow truck, they took vehicle to the dealer. Tthey needed to bleed the line. Got the vehicle back and the engine light came . Currently, was making funny sounds. In the book it said if the light was on it could be engine problems. The vehicle is at dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10129091, filed 2005-07, 26,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a popping noise emitted from the engine. The contact inspected the engine and noticed that the radiator overflow tank was punctured and spilling coolant over the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, where the mechanic replaced the radiator overflow tank and gasket for the upper intake valve. The failure mileage was 73,737.”
NHTSA complaint #10427753, filed 2011-09, 73,737 miles
Buying note. These reports centre on drivability and front-end wear rather than a single fixable fault, so a thorough test drive through repeated stops plus a suspension inspection are the most useful steps. Ask for service records covering computer updates, cooling system work and ball joint or control arm replacement.
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 220 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring. 166 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 39,960 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 22 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 45 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 cooling52 24%
- Air bags32 15%
- Suspension26 12%
- Electrical system23 10%
- Vehicle speed control20 9.1%
- Fuel system15 6.8%
- Brakes13 5.9%
- Seats12 5.5%
- Engine11 5.0%
Also reported: Body and structure (10), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (10), Steering (8), Seat belts (7), Other or unknown (6), Wheels (6), Tires (5), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Electronic stability control (3), Exterior lighting (3), Equipment (2), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “We took our vehicle for yearly inspection and our mechanic said that our 2004 Chrysler Sebring, with approximately 32,000 miles had a cracked resonator cap. He has already seen one Sebring with 29,000 miles with the same problem and recommended to us to call the dealership. The warranty had expired in june and they said that it would not be covered.”
NHTSA complaint #10209595, filed 2007-11, 32,000 milesAir bags: “Vehicle was purchased used with 18,455 miles on it. After vehicle was purchased we noticed a grinding noise with the brakes. We took the vehicle into the dealership and had the rotors replaced because they were warped. The vehicle continued to have the grinding sound, we brought the vehicle back to the dealership and again work was done on the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141818, filed 2005-11, 20,570 milesSuspension: “I had owned the car less than 4 years when the rear strut mount on the passenger side broke from corrosion and caused me to have to have the rear mounts and struts replaced. I emailed Chrysler and they responded that since the car was no longer under warranty for those parts that there was nothing they could do about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10234447, filed 2008-07, 66,300 milesElectrical system: “My 2004 Chrysler Sebring lt stalled out on me in the middle of in intersection in a left turn lane. Could not get car restarted immediately and was in heavy traffic. Once I had restarted the vehicle I moved over to the shoulder where it happened again, and this also happened in a parking lot. This is dangerous. If stall would have happened 2 seconds later I would've been t-boned by a pickup truck. Upon stall the car engaged the e-brake and also lit up the following warning lights : engaged ebrake, oil, battery, and engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10577776, filed 2014-04, 165,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 166 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,500 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 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.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sebring · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Sebring · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Sebring · C | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
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 2004 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sebring FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sebring FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sebring FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Sebring FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Sebring FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Sebring 4 Door FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sebring 4 Door FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sebring 4 Door FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 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
- 15V338000Jun 2, 2015Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2001–2005, Mitsubishi Eclipse 2000–2005, Eclipse Spyder 2001–2005 +1 more
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler…
- 04V336000Jul 8, 2004Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2004
On certain convertible model vehicles, the left hand rear seat belt retractor bolt may not have been properly tightened.
- 04V313000Jun 29, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2004, Dodge Stratus 2004
On certain 2-door passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
- 03V443000Nov 4, 2003Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2003–2004, Dodge Stratus 2003–2004
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Recall details for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring → · Check a 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. 45 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10230298Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10223762Jul 9, 2022Electrical system. Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 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…
- 10221686Jul 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, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body 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.
Other model years of the Chrysler Sebring
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 86 | 71,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 43 | 55,000 | 2 | — | 22 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 238 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 22 | 91 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 337 | 65,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 120 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 75 | 72,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 220 | 39,960 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 42 | 59,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 210 | 64,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 242 | 65,000 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 172 | 85,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 267 | 83,500 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 210 | 88,788 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 343 | 76,850 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 132 | 98,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring?
Owners of the 2004 Chrysler Sebring most often describe the engine stalling or idling badly, sometimes followed by a lurch forward at low speed when coming to a stop; this appears in complaints filed from the first hundred miles through well past 100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or surges when stopping; Front ball joint failure and suspension noise; Airbag warning light on, airbags not deploying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring have?
NHTSA recorded 220 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chrysler Sebring is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 52 complaints (24% of the total), followed by air bags with 32.
Has the 2004 Chrysler Sebring been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring get?
The EPA rates the 2004 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring reported?
Among the 166 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 39,960 miles and the middle half falls between 12,500 and 80,000 miles; 60% 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.