2005 Chrysler Sebring Problems
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles, 66 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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 2005 Chrysler Sebring (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the horn sounding on its own or failing to work, a problem traced by mechanics to the horn switch and air bag assembly in the steering wheel. Complaints also cover front suspension and steering hardware coming apart, and transmission or fuel-delivery faults that leave the car without power. Reported mileages range widely, from a few thousand miles to well past 100,000.
- Air bags
Horn sounds on its own or stops working
- 21 complaints (28%)
- median 74,000 mi at 8.3 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2007–2021
Complaints describe the horn blowing by itself while parked or driving, sometimes for several minutes, and in other cases a horn that will not sound when pressed. Owners commonly pull the horn fuse or relay to stop it, which leaves them without a working horn. According to complaints, dealers and independent mechanics either could not find the cause or said the horn switch, clock spring, or the driver-side air bag assembly had to be replaced, with repair estimates owners describe as high. Reported from about 28,000 to 124,000 miles, with several owners noting it happens mainly in cold or winter weather.
What to check: Press the horn and listen for it sticking on, and ask whether the fuse or relay was removed or the horn was rewired. Ask whether the air bag or clock spring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've written to you people before about this problem and a girl called back and said she'd call again because you people are so busy. I never heard another word and that was last fall. The horn button in the steering wheel has stopped working and it is very dangerous to not have a horn to warn people. It has completely stopped working at all times.”
NHTSA complaint #10824179, filed 2016-02, 73,000 miles“I recently got pulled over because my horn keeps going of uncontrollably! I had to take the fuse out and I've been pulled over twice because the horn goes off and distracts drivers unintentionally. They get mad and call the cops.. Then once this fuse is pulled the gas meter goes crazy and dumb. It said once we had half tank and we ran out as soon as we pulled out the driveway! This is a safety hazard!! This need to be recalled!!”
NHTSA complaint #10663751, filed 2014-12, 81,200 miles - Suspension
Front ball joint or control arm separation
- 12 complaints (16%)
- median 83,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2022
Complaints describe a rubbing or grinding noise from the front, then the ball joint or control arm fracturing and the wheel turning sideways or detaching, sometimes at low speed. Owners report loss of steering control and towing the vehicle afterward. Several state that the dealer or manufacturer declined to cover the repair, and some note their vehicle was not included in the steering knuckle recall. Mostly reported between roughly 33,000 and 150,000 miles, often while driving at low speeds around town.
What to check: Have the front ball joints, control arms and steering knuckles inspected before purchase, and ask whether recall 04V579000 was completed for this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Steering became hard to control. When I turned the steering wheel to the left, a noise and the front right wheel was sideways therefore unable to drive. I just missed getting t-boned...scared to death. I see 3 different recalls listed for the make and model year. Per Chrysler, per my VIN, my car was not included in the recall. I find it very interesting that what happened to me is exactly what the recall description reads.”
NHTSA complaint #10731415, filed 2015-07, 89,676 miles“Purchased 2002 Chrysler Sebring in 2005. Car was making grinding sound a couple of months later from front passenger side tire or shock. Dealer replaced steering gear and tie rods. One month later, dealer again had to replace same parts. Four months later, while driving on interstate, entire upper ball joint came apart causing complete loss of steering. Dealer replaced upper ball joint and control arm on passenger side. Less than two years later, lower control arm and ball joints disintegrated. Dealer refused to repair or warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10238675, filed 2008-08, 33,403 miles - Engine cooling
Engine overheating and stalling
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine overheating within minutes of driving, the engine light flashing, and smoke or a stall that leaves the car unable to restart. Some owners were told an engine replacement was needed, and one complaint says a dealer attributed the failure to engine sludge and declined the repair. Other complaints describe repeated stalling where the dealer could not identify a cause. Reported from about 13,000 to 91,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for overheating history or engine work, and ask whether the cooling system has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact suddenly heard a dinging noise coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle and under the front driver and passenger side wheels. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle into a nearby fuel station, but it stalled. The contact had to push the vehicle to the fuel station. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282447, filed 2019-11, 83,000 miles“The contact stated the vehicles engine stalled 15 times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to locate the problem. The most recent occurrence was on august 9, 2006 where the vehicle stalled and stopped on top of a median.”
NHTSA complaint #10165148, filed 2006-08, 13,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine loses power or stalls while driving
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 61,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2019
Owners report the engine cutting out completely at speed with no warning, sometimes with the check oil light on, and the car needing a tow. Complaints also describe a burnt connector at the fuel pump and a fuel pump failure; in some cases the car restarted after the connection was repaired. The anti-theft system has also sounded the alarm while driving or sitting still. Reported between roughly 30,000 and 135,000 miles, at a mix of highway and in-town speeds.
What to check: Ask about any stalling history and whether the fuel pump and its wiring connector have been replaced; check that the gauges and warning lights work at startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving or sitting still the security alarm system (horn blows off & on) goes off. The only way to stop it is to pull over, get out of the car ,open fuse box and remove the small yellow fuse marked for the horn. Upon replacing the fuse I have driven as much as a day or up to (3) weeks before happening again. The vehicle is out of warranty so I took the car to (3) different repair facilities and they were unable to find a problem or solution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10483500, filed 2012-11, 52,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. While driving highways speeds, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power without warning. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and recommended the contact take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. Consumer stated she was on her way home from work, she entered I-75 south bound in birch run, mi. I was picking up speed, the car completely shut down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114632, filed 2018-07, 113,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission will not shift or sticks in gear
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 24,451 mi at 1.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2009
Owners describe the transmission holding low gears, revving high before shifting, or hesitating when moving between drive, park and reverse, with the check engine light coming on. Some report shaking or jerking when a gear is selected. In complaints, dealers sometimes said nothing was wrong or could not reproduce the problem. Reported from very low mileage (under 1,500 miles) up to about 57,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the car through all gears from a cold start and check for delayed or harsh shifts; ask whether transmission codes were read and any powertrain control module updates applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been very pleased with my car and it's performance, till one day about two weeks ago I noticed the RPM's running a bit too high at 65 MPH. I turned the radio down and the engine sounded like it was working to hard on a flat straight plain. I tried to downshift the transmission into 4th from drive(5th) but it did not change. So the trans. Will not go into 5th gear and on cold days it will rev up to 4 to 5 k before it will shift from 3rd to 4th gear at about 30 to 40 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182196, filed 2007-02, 15,500 miles“I've been a chrsyler person all my life. One day about two months ago I noticed my transmission not shifting properly, it stuck in low gear and after I gave the vehicle more and more gas it then finally shifted into second gear. After parking on a slight grade on a hill something with my fluid level was not proper. I checked my fluid and all was good. I have a associate degree in mechanics. So, after another week went by my transmission again would not shift properly after leaving work on day. This time I was parked on a level parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10235420, filed 2008-07, 49,067 miles
Buying note. These are older cars with a wide range of reported mileages, so a pre-purchase inspection of the front suspension and steering hardware is the most useful step. Ask for records on the horn, transmission and cooling system work, and confirm whether any open recalls apply to the specific vehicle.
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 75 consumer complaints for the 2005 Chrysler Sebring. 66 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,500 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 48 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.
- Air bags21 28%
- Electrical system21 28%
- Engine cooling8 11%
- Steering7 9.3%
- Brakes6 8.0%
- Engine6 8.0%
- Suspension6 8.0%
- Fuel system5 6.7%
- Seat belts3 4.0%
Also reported: Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The horn goes off at any given time of the day. The horn randomly goes off when the car is powered on and in motion (on the highway or on a street), sometimes while stationary and powered off in the driveway - the vehicle being vacant. This is a reoccurring issue, almost every day. I've only had the car for 14 months. Following some online research, I discovered that there are hundreds of other complaints posted to various forums by other owners experiencing the same problem. The only proposed permanent solution being to replace the clock switch, a costly repair (est $1100). …”
NHTSA complaint #11338778, filed 2020-07, 124,000 milesElectrical system: “I have had to disconnect the horn on my 2005 Sebring, because it was going off anytime anywhere and it was causing huge problems for me. It just started for no reason one day. Does so randomly with no warning. It does this when I am parked or driving, makes no difference. It?s been doing this for months. The temporary fix was just to have it disconnected, but then I am left without a horn. The estimates to fix it are quite pricey. I have been informed that the horn is made with the wires too close. If you tap on it when it?s going off it will stop beeping. …”
NHTSA complaint #10332378, filed 2010-05, 90,000 milesEngine cooling: “My vehicle was involved in an accident july 2010, damage was to the front driver's side. Upon picking up car I complained of an engine knock and axle noise. Geico determined this was not due to the accident. I was told to take my car back to where the axle was replaced in april 2010 by pep boys. While waiting to be seen by an adjuster from geico, my vehicle would not start. I then had my battery and starter replaced by pep boys. My vehicle still had engine knock which geico said was not cause by accident. I then had my car taken to a repair shop where they diagnosed an oil pump problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10359885, filed 2010-10, 135,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Six months after purchasing a used Chrysler Sebring 2005 from a local dealership, a large stream of oil began (and continued) to pour out of the drive shaft seal when the engine was running. The car was taken to a service center where the problem was diagnosed as a bad drive shaft that had ruined the engine block and drive shaft seal. The only fix they offered was an engine replacement (which would cost more than the original cost of the vehicle).”
NHTSA complaint #10522002, filed 2013-06, 104,637 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 66 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,000 and 96,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 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 · C | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
| Sebring · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Sebring · sedan | not rated | 5 / 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 2005 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 | 27 | 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 |
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…
- 04V579000Dec 9, 2004Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › ArmCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2005, Dodge Stratus 2005
On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle may have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.
- 04V532000Nov 2, 2004Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2005, Dodge Stratus 2005
On certain sedans, the left and right rear outboard retractor and turning loop bolts on the seat belts may not have been properly tightened.
Recall details for the 2005 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. 48 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10220840Mar 31, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 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 2005 Chrysler Sebring?
Owners of this model year most often describe the horn sounding on its own or failing to work, a problem traced by mechanics to the horn switch and air bag assembly in the steering wheel. The issues reported most often: Horn sounds on its own or stops working; Front ball joint or control arm separation; Engine overheating and stalling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Chrysler Sebring have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2005 Chrysler Sebring as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Chrysler Sebring is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 21 complaints (28% of the total), followed by electrical system with 21.
Has the 2005 Chrysler Sebring been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chrysler Sebring get?
The EPA rates the 2005 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 2005 Chrysler Sebring reported?
Among the 66 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,500 miles and the middle half falls between 43,000 and 96,000 miles; 30% 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.