2008 Chrysler Sebring: fire, smoke or burning smell

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 Sep 12, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · AZ

I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C and Cruise Control systems to malfunction. My power windows have issues sometimes I can't get them to roll up or down. My internal lights in my car flickering on and off. The mess from the radiator is also causing my engine to overheat. I am now having issues with oil pan leaks as a result of too much pressure from the engine. I see that only certain VINS were added to the recall list. I strongly suggest that the federal safety agency add other VINS to the recall list, especially mine, since I'm having those exact same issues. I see that there are complaints about this year make and model as recent as last year. Why hasn't the recall list been updated? Please update the recall list. Please and thank you!!

Filed Jan 4, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 160,000 miles · WV · fire

My 2008 chrysler sebring has been in the shop since november 9, 2019. Defective tipm. The starter has caught fire 3 times. Vehicle stalls out and leaves you in the middle of the road. Battery has been replaced. Ignition switch is getting hot when keys are in and the key gets stuck in ignition. Tipm was replaced. Car is still not running due to dealership not knowing what new parts to try. Have also had several problems with cooling systems/fan not working properly.

Filed Mar 25, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 59,000 miles · TX · fire

Cab wires to battery caught on fire with family riding in vehicle part was order and replace two months later causing the alternator going out tire pressure light cuts off and on and engine light cuts off and on dealer told me it was still under factory warranty took it to the chrysler dealer told them about the four recalls I found on the car and the dealer is saying the VIN number doesn't match but my car is have all the descriptions of all four recalls.

Filed Jul 30, 2008 · Engine · 600 miles · TX · fire

Brand new (2 months old) chrysler sebring convertible caught fire while driving down a residential street. I have now discovered that there is a safety recall that was issued october 2007 for this but I was sold the vehicle in may 2008 and never notified of the safety recall. Car was a total loss.