2008 Chrysler Sebring: brake failure

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Electrical · IN · fire

On December 15, 2025, while driving my 2008 Chrysler Sebring in Indianapolis, Indiana, I noticed smoke coming from the driver’s side near the battery. Shortly afterward, the car completely stopped responding — the brakes and steering were unresponsive — and the vehicle caught fire in that area. I exited the car safely, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but I suspect a battery or electrical component failure. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident, except for the smoke I noticed. The incident has not yet been inspected by a dealer, manufacturer, or insurance representative. If inspection is needed, the affected parts can be examined in the tow lot, but much of the vehicle has been destroyed, and there is very little left of the car due to the fire. The safety of myself and others was at risk due to the sudden loss of braking and steering control, as well as the vehicle catching fire while on the road. The problem has not been reproduced, and I am reporting it to ensure the incident is recorded for safety monitoring and potential investigation.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Brakes · AL

Brakes stopped working while in drive

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 128,000 miles · CA

Problem: 2008 chrysler sebring engine, transmission & electrical problems. I began financing in nov 2013 from toyota of riverside, 1yr and 3 months later on feb 17, 2015 while I was exiting the freeway, my engine light came on, my car completely shutdown, I had no brakes, I was fearful and held onto the steering wheel coasted near an arco station. I was thankful I did not hit anyone or have an accident. I called aaa who towed me to toyota of riverside. [xxx] the service manager told me I needed to replace the timing belt and the engine for $1500. It took about 3 weeks for the engine to be repaired, my car was returned on march 12, 2015. However, I noticed when I received my car back the cruise control lever near the steering wheel was hanging loosely and was not attached. Weeks, later the electronic speed control light and the engine light came on along with problems shifting. I sent pictures of my engine light being on from my phone to [xxx] and [xxx] and went to see [xxx] who told me the transmission need repair and it would cost $3000 to $4000." I went to moss brothers riverside, [xxx] on 09/17/15 did a diagnostic. He told me there is an auto transmission shift lever recall and a spring hook retainer he can replace for free. He also replaced a stop lamp switch binds and reprogrammed the PCM for $290. I picked up my car on 9/22/15 it continued to stall, returned it to moss brothers [xxx] said it may be a transmission problem before we can begin we will need $1690 up to $4480 to repair it. Ihad my car towed to manuel auto center, he replaced my left tie rods for $275 in the past. He completed a diagnostic, replaced solenoid package for $800. However, my driver side window would not roll down, electrical problems and negligence at his shop. He was willing to pay $275 to repair. My car is unsafe. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 12, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 94,000 miles · TX

I lost power to my speed, my brakes failed. I was able to stop the car with my emergency brake. Once stopped I turned off my vehicle. Once I restarted the vehicle, the light did not come on however I still did not have the speed. My transmission would not shift from 3rd to overdrive. It would stay at 3000 RPM at 55 MPH. My car normally runs @ 2500rpm or less up to 60mph. I do not know what I need to deo to have this issue resolved. This is my second time experiencing this with this vehicle. I also have a 2009 chrysler pt cruiser and owned a 2006 chrysler sebring and never have experienced this.

Filed May 26, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 58,500 miles · UT · crash

While driving the check engine light came on and the engine stalled. When tested the engine code came back as electrical short. The dealership where I purchased the car did not fix the problem but cleared the engine code. A few weeks later the check engine light came back on. While traveling at 50 MPH, and coming to a stop, the engine stopped running and the brakes failed to stop the car. After going thru a red light another car broadsided my car.

Filed Feb 20, 2009 · Brakes · PA · crash

2008 chrysler sebring touring with 9,000 miles is having brake failure problems. *nj the consumer stated on 2 occasions, she experienced brake failure while backing up. On one of those occasions, she hit another vehicle.