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Chrysler Sebring Convertible engine failure problems

74 of the 733 owner complaints about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible describe engine failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
74
worst model year
2001
typical repair cost reported
$6,000
typical mileage
72,615
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

What owners say

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 Feb 22, 2013 · Engine · 80,000 miles · OH

Car started making engine noise so it was pulled over and then would not restart. I was told by my mechanic it needs a new engine.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Engine · 92,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and after inspecting the failure, the mechanic advised that the engine was destroyed because there was not enough oil in the engine. The engine oil had become sludge as a result of oil build-up. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they could not replace the engine and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000. The VIN was not available.

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 Mar 12, 2012 · Engine · 15,500 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 to 30 MPH the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,500.

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 Aug 10, 2011 · Engine · 95,678 miles · UT

Purchased 2004 sebring convertible memorial weekend 2011. During delivery from utah auto gallery oil light flickered. Dealer cheated oil and said was ion. Oil change in july with synthetic oil. Vehicle engine seized while on mountain highway i80, out side of salt lake city. Discovered via internet that 2.7 engines defective. Dealer not returning call. Research says the sign that the engine is starting to seize is the flicker of the oil light. Vehicle sold with the potential of a catastrophic engine failure, which happened a month and a half after vehicle sold. Car has only been driven 922 miles since purchased.

Filed Jun 2, 2011 · Engine · 56,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler sebring convertible. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the engine stalled without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the engine was replaced. Three years later, the identical failure recurred and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect and they were unable to provide further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed May 26, 2011 · Brakes, Engine · 74,000 miles · OR

This is another example of the oil sludge issue with the chrysler 2.7 l engine. I bought the car used with low miles, and had my tension arm go out a few months later due to sludge buildup. This second instance came up pretty quickly. The started knocking on hard acceleration, then 2 days later started missing badly going uphill on my way home form work. The engine dies on the downhill side of the most dangerous road in portland (germantown rd.). This is a very steep extremely curvy road and I came all too close to not being able to make the first turn with no power steering or brakes. Making my way down the remainder of the hill was a bit frightening, to say the least. After getting towed and finding out the damage was blown bearings and replace the engine, it was suggested I look online for chrysler 2.7 l engine to find that this should have been considered a defect and the engine should have been replaced or repaired by chrysler, but chrysler claims the engine is fine, it's the owner's fault.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible engine failure

Which Chrysler Sebring Convertible years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (34 complaints), 2002 (22 complaints) and 2004 (12 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 24 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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