2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: engine failure

Filed Mar 2, 2013 · Engine · 96,000 miles · FL

In april 2011, we purchased a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible limited edition (with 2.7 engine) from a privite owner. In january 2013 it was towed to napleton chrysler dealership in kissimmee. They still have our vehicle. We had purchased an extended warranty from gold key for $2695.00 which is still in effect, but they will not cover the engine due to the sludge build up. This car was only used for leisure and we put less than 3,000 miles since we have owned it. Also, we had the oil changed using synthetic. My husband is on disability and we can not afford to pay for an engine replacement. Unfortunately, I think we will have to junk the car.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Engine · 118,000 miles · CA

I was driving on freeway and engine gave out and I got stuck on shoulder, had to call a tow truck and my mechanic said my engine seized. I have my care serviced regularly and did not know of this engine/oil sludge problem. I cannot afford a new engine or to buy a new car.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Engine, Suspension · 104,244 miles · KY

This complaint follows others that own the sebring conv. And the sludge buildup,.I also do reg. Maint. On the vehicle and now have an engine that has seized & failed in the middle of the highway almost causing a pileup. I have researched this vehicle and have found numerous complaints on this problem, not only on this site but several others, I also understand that a class action suit is being brought against chrysler on the 2.7ltr engine for this fact. The oil light kept flickering took it in to have it checked out and could not find anything wrong, levels correct, it would go out for a while and then boom. This would go on like every 3 months or so since I have owned this car .never again chrysler. Will it take a death for you to order a recall on these engines???

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Engine · 93,546 miles · MO

Engine died due to oil sludge problem, however, we kept the car in good condition and performed maintenance regularly.

Filed Mar 7, 2011 · Engine · 56,000 miles · FL

I have a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible, with 56k miles, with a blown engine, rod thru it due to oil sludge. Oil was changed on the car every 4 months.

Filed Oct 24, 2010 · Engine · VA

I just bought a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. I have had the car for a month, I bought it from my mother. The oil was changed right before I bought it and I haven't driving more than 3000 miles since I bought the car. On friday october 22nd, 2010 my engine started knocking when I started it up and when I started driving it, the oil light started flickering and the engine stalled out at every stop light. The car started jerking while I was driving it and I had aaa come tow it to their auto shop and they confirmed that I will need a new engine for the car. It has approximately 92,000 miles on it and the mechanic told me about the problems the 2.7 liter engines in chryslers and dodges. I can't afford to replace the engine especially since I just paid money for this car about a month ago! I am so upset!

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 55,200 miles · LA

This was a properly maintained vehicle which had sudden engine failure at just over 55,000 miles. The oil pressure light flashed on and within seconds, the engine began to lose power. Like many other registered complaints (on this site and other sites), investigation revealed oil sludge and excess oil burnoff which LED to catastrophic engine failure. I was quoted a minimum of $3500 for engine replacement, though research suggests that the engine for the vehicle is flawed (though chrysler has apparently refused to address ongoing issues with oil sludge and engine failure).

Filed Dec 26, 2008 · Engine · 112,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway. The road conditions were not a factor. The failure occurred while exiting off of the highway. The contact struggled to maintain control of the vehicle. He was informed that a new engine would be needed at the cost of $3,000. The failure occurred without warning. The contact did not want to restart the engine because there was too much oil all over the engine and hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and he stated that the failures were caused by a jump timing and faulty parts. There were no crashes, injuries, or property damage done to the vehicle. The vehicle is still at the repair shop, but no repairs have been made. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Dec 11, 2008 · Engine · 86,000 miles · NJ

Sludge in engine makes loud noise nees new engine.

Filed Nov 20, 2008 · Engine · 65,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and the vehicle spontaneously stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician speculated that the oil pump locked up, which may have caused the failure. The technician also stated that he needed to replace the engine at the cost of $4,700. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2008 · Engine · 90,500 miles · IN

Premature engine failure, 2.7 liter chrysler no warning lights leading up to inevitable engine failure. 10/27/08, 6:30 p.m. Heater abruptly stopped working. 10/28, 2 miles into a.m. Commute; stopped at red light, turned right once traffic clear. Upon acceleration engine hesitates, nearly causing driver behind to rear end me. Pulled off street to check that car was running ok, seemed fine. 9 miles into commute. Oil light flickers, pulled into gas station within 4 blocks, scared engine would lock up or blow. Checked oil, dry dipstick! Purchased 2 quarts, added 1 & barely registered on dipstick. Added 2nd, now registered over filled (oil in engine was held back due to sludge, & released while adding new oil?). Oil light stops flickering & is off. 1 more mile to work. Engine hesitated a couple of times during a.m. & p.m. Commutes. 9:58 p.m., 11 miles into p.m. Commute stop at gas station, check oil. Before opening hood, noticed antifreeze odor, couldn't tell if coming from my car or others nearby. Oil still registered on dipstick as overfilled. Noticed steam coming from engine near mid front of car, passenger side, could not find exact location. Purchased coolant just in case. Final 2 miles of commute, temp gauge registered higher than normal. 10/29, 8:00 a.m. Take car to dealership. Drip marks on driveway from evening before. Arrived at dealership service, informed me they were no longer chrysler dealership/service as of oct. 1, (sign outside & cars in the lot had not been taken away). Diagnosis: replace water pump, oil, AC & power steering belts, oil sending unit, timing chain & gears, tensioners & upper connectors. Estimate: $1,548. 2nd opinion: replace water pump, valve cover gasket, thermostat, belts, & oil for $1,371. Also suggested replacing timing chain, total $2,500. However, the shop had 15-year former chrysler service veteran on staff who suggested I not make repairs because the engine will seize soon, and I'd be wasting money. Still making payments on car.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 64,000 miles · OR

A fuel pump was replaced in the car. After the repair the car ran bad and the engine light was on. Dealer advised it was only oil sludge and it was okay to drive. The car experienced a complete engine failure while driving on the interstate.