2008 Chrysler Sebring Problems
Compared with other Chrysler Sebring years
More complaints than typical for this model
91/100 2.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.6× that of a typical Chrysler Sebring year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 37 of its 238 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Electrical gremlins from the power module (TIPM) (69 complaints, median 77,221 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 238filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 184 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.7L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 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 stalling, electrical oddities (warning lights, horn sounding on its own, dead batteries) and transmission trouble, with many complaints filed between roughly 60,000 and 150,000 miles. A recurring theme is intermittent, hard-to-reproduce behavior that dealers could not duplicate, plus unwelcome-throttle or limp-mode events while driving.
- Vehicle speed control
Electronic throttle warning, loss of power or unintended
- 48 complaints (20%)
- median 70,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (43 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2021
Owners describe the electronic throttle control light coming on with a loss of power, an inability to accelerate past a certain speed, or high RPMs with no response, often requiring a restart to clear. Others report the engine revving or the car surging forward while stopped with the brake applied, and some describe the accelerator sticking in a parking lot. Dealers often could not find a cause, and some vehicles had a throttle body or computer replaced. Reported from about 4,000 to 138,000 miles, appearing both early in ownership and past 90,000 miles.
What to check: During a test drive, watch for a throttle or lightning-bolt warning light and any hesitation or surge. Ask whether the throttle body or electronic throttle components have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Backing out of my driveway the engines suddenly shut down but restarted without an issue. Later that day the red warning light came on and the engine started to have no power and then staled I was able to move to the side of the road and saw the throttle position sensor light was on (witch I looked up in owner manual. …”
NHTSA complaint #11054126, filed 2017-12, 137,998 miles“While at a stop light, the car engine and RPM increased. Luckly I had my foot on brake. Had the car looked at no problem found. Including a major tune up. It has happened several more times, including when my daughter was driving my car. This time I had another person in the car when it happened last month. It occured again while at a red light the car was in drive and my foot was on the brake. It rpms went up and it cause the car to jump forward bearly missing the car infront of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10577742, filed 2014-04, 58,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalls while driving or at idle
- 59 complaints (25%)
- median 67,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2024
Complaints describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving at various speeds or while idling at a light, sometimes requiring a wait of 30 to 45 minutes before it restarts. Several owners link the stalling to the electrical wiring recall and say they were told their vehicle was not covered; others had batteries, starters, alternators or the integrated power module replaced without the stalling going away. Dealers reportedly could not duplicate the failure in some cases. Reported from about 4,000 to 186,000 miles, with many around 60,000 to 150,000 miles and no clear seasonal pattern.
Recall 08V1520002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the electrical connector recall (08V152000) was performed and whether the battery, charging system and wiring have been checked. Note any history of stalling or repeat no-start repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“About 2 years ago my TPMS sensor on my driver side stop working, not even a month later my car started stalling. I would be at a light, stop sign, or pulling out into traffic and it would just stall. So I had the alternator replaced at not even 70,000 miles which solved the stalling issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991393, filed 2017-05, 95,000 miles“At any given moment loss of power will occur and motor will shut off. Anytime on the freeway or parked. Occasionally at random intervals car will crank but not turn over until after repeated attempts to start it will turn over appropriately.”
NHTSA complaint #11405461, filed 2021-03, 185,954 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Shifter stuck in Park or transmission in limp mode
- 52 complaints (22%)
- median 70,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2025
Complaints describe the gear selector refusing to move out of Park after starting the car, and in other cases the transmission locking into a lower gear at highway speed so the car will only run at high RPM. Some owners mention a warning light or check engine light; several had no diagnosis or repair, and some report that a restart temporarily restores normal shifting. Reported from about 7,000 to 174,000 miles, with many between 50,000 and 160,000 miles.
What to check: Test shifting through Park, Reverse and Drive repeatedly when cold and warm, and listen for harsh engagement. Ask about any prior shift interlock or transmission repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Just had got off work and car has been park for over 6 hours. When I got inside of the car I went to crank it up and everything was fine. After I tried to switch to reverse to back up the gear would not allow me to pull it back out of park. Tried turning it off and on but that didn't work.”
NHTSA complaint #10347381, filed 2010-08, 7,100 miles“I took off from stopping at a red light my 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible shifted the first gear and then locked up in 2nd gear I can only cruise at 35 miles per hour at 3000 RPM I pulled over turn the key switch off it started it back up it shifted fine until I got did the third red light then it locked up again they're calling this limp mode I have searched the internet and found that the sebrings have major problems but yet there is no recall something needs to be done my car only has 140,000 original miles on it 11 year old cars are …”
NHTSA complaint #11310992, filed 2020-02, 140,052 miles - Electrical system
Electrical gremlins from the power module (TIPM)
- 69 complaints (29%)
- median 77,221 mi at 7.1 yrs old (50 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2008–2025
Complaints describe a cluster of electrical faults traced by owners or mechanics to the totally integrated power module: horn sounding by itself, windows stopping or dropping into the door, headlights and dashboard lighting switching on and off, no-crank conditions, and fuel pump wiring issues. Owners who replaced the module reported that the symptoms stopped. Reported from about 35,000 to 180,000 miles, most commonly past 75,000 miles.
Recall 08V1520002 related service bulletins
What to check: Check that the horn, windows, wipers and interior lights behave normally, and ask whether the power module or its connectors have ever been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car has a faulty totally integrated power module (tipm). This caused several problems including: the car stalling suddenly while driving at about 50 MPH on a straight road, the horn going off intermittently and uncontrollably both while the vehicle was stationary and while it was moving, and a check engine light that would not clear. I replaced the faulty tipm at my own expense and it resolved all these problems. Chrysler has issued recalls for tipms, but they have never recalled the 2008 Sebring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10849892, filed 2016-03, 76,000 miles“I purchased this vehicle used last november from a private seller. Since then I have had to replace the airbag clock spring, battery cables, and now I am experiencing problems with my windows and coolant temperature sensor. My passenger side window has fallen into the door several times do to a faulty track. My driver side window has completely stopped working do to a faulty button. And lastly, my coolant temperature sensor failed on me 2 months ago. I cannot drive any further than a mile without my car redlining. …”
NHTSA complaint #11112617, filed 2018-07, 177,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light stays on
- 25 complaints (11%)
- median 97,000 mi at 7.7 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2022
Owners report the air bag warning light illuminating and staying on, sometimes flashing while driving. Dealers reportedly diagnosed seat track position sensors or the air bag module, and in one case replacement did not stop the light from returning. Some complaints also note air bags not deploying in a collision. Reported from about 14,000 to 154,000 miles, often past 90,000 miles.
What to check: Confirm the air bag light comes on and then goes out when the car is started, and ask whether the front seat track sensor recall (07V240000) was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Airbag light on dash panel starting flashing on and off. I was driving at the time. I stopped and turned off the engine to see when I restarted if it would stop but it did not. Still flashing ever few seconds and then goes off. Not sure the reason or it their has been a recall I was unaware of.”
NHTSA complaint #11245428, filed 2019-08, 154,040 miles“While I was sitting in my car at the traffic light which was red at the time. A dwi truck driver speeding and hit a moving car and push the car into my car and the drunk truck driver hit my car next at the same time cause another ca my car and the speeding dwi driver in the truck hit my car and my car was total out and I receive serious life time injury from the wreck .the dwi driver was given a traffic ticket and was taken to jail,however my air bags did not go off.I wastold by the doctor if my bag would have deployed I wouldn't have been …”
NHTSA complaint #10512925, filed 2013-05, 14,000 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a fairly steady stream of electrical and stalling complaints that are often intermittent and hard to diagnose, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on wiring, the power module and throttle behavior is worthwhile. Confirm which of the listed recalls were completed and get service records for any transmission or electrical work.
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 238 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. 184 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 20 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 74 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Chrysler Sebring model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 91 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Electrical system88 37%
- Engine42 18%
- Vehicle speed control34 14%
- Air bags26 11%
- Other or unknown24 10%
- Fuel system15 6.3%
- Steering15 6.3%
- Body and structure13 5.5%
- Brakes12 5.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (11), Electronic stability control (10), Engine cooling (10), Seat belts (7), Tires (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Seats (4), Suspension (4), Wheels (4), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “After I received work done on the electrical-recall, my car keeps on stalling. This can be very scary and has almost caused several accidents. My car should not be shutting off while driving. I did not have this problem until after the recall was fixed on my car. This needs to be fixed before someone gets hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10450671, filed 2012-03, 84,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Automatic transmission shifter connection is plastic and cracked. Once this piece cracks, the gear shift will not engage. I parked my car, and the next time I tried to leave, the gear shift would not engage. The part has to be replaced. After doing a little research on the internet, it appears to be a very common issue with this particular part.”
NHTSA complaint #10334622, filed 2010-06, 41,022 milesEngine: “My car cranks and starts, then dies about 2 seconds later. After several tries, it usually starts. However, I have had it into a Chrysler dealer twice without them finding anything wrong. It usually decides to run just fine while in the shop. It will often go for a few months, then start repeating this scenario. This has been on-going for about a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11351816, filed 2020-08, 83,500 milesVehicle speed control: “My husband and I are experiencing problems recently with the car stahling out and or getting stuck in low gear while driving on the hwy, it was terrifying! We are currently not at home and have a 10 hour drive back home while driving this extremely unstable car and am honestly scared to death we are going to get in an accident! This is the 3rd battery swap we've done in 3 months but only have last 2 receipts. We have done research and this car has had electrical recall for this problem however apparently our VIN dont match up to the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342023, filed 2020-07, 98,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 184 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 98,000 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 2008 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 FWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Sebring · sedan FWD/AWD | 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 2008 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 | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sebring FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sebring FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sebring AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sebring FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sebring Convertible FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V152000Apr 2, 2008Electrical system › WiringCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2007–2008, Dodge Avenger 2007–2008
Chrysler is recalling 180,963 my 2007-2008 sebring and dodge avenger vehicles equipped with a standard tire pressure monitoring system (tpms). Unused electrical connectors for the tpms may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of…
- 07V473000Oct 10, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assemblyCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2007–2008, Dodge Avenger 2007–2008
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
- 07V414000Sep 12, 2007Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2007–2008, Dodge Avenger 2007–2008
On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing possibly causing the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative.
- 07V240000Jun 13, 2007Air bags › FrontalCovers: Chrysler Sebring 2007–2008, Dodge Avenger 2008
On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly.
Recall details for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 74 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11017445Apr 2, 2025Other or unknown. Actuator - a/c and heater
- 11017435Apr 2, 2025Other or unknown. Actuator - a/c and heater
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 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…
- 10221831Aug 19, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
- 10180221Aug 19, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Engine, Electrical system. (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
- 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.
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 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
Owners of this model year most often describe stalling, electrical oddities (warning lights, horn sounding on its own, dead batteries) and transmission trouble, with many complaints filed between roughly 60,000 and 150,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Electronic throttle warning, loss of power or unintended; Engine stalls while driving or at idle; Shifter stuck in Park or transmission in limp mode.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring have?
NHTSA recorded 238 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 88 complaints (37% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 48.
Has the 2008 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chrysler Sebring (Sebring, 2.7L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Chrysler Sebring reported?
Among the 184 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 98,000 miles; 28% 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.