Chrysler Sebring brake failure problems

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 Feb 19, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 99,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chrysler serbring. While making a turn, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred intermittently. In addition, while driving 35 MPH, the brakes failed to respond when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power control module and the brake hydraulic pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 10v009000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 10v475000(steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

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 May 6, 2014 · Brakes · 77,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while driving at no particular speed, the rear brakes failed causing the rear wheels to seize independently. The failure was intermittently recurring over a five month span. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ecu, hcu and the traction control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 57,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

On may 31, 2013, I was traveling to visit family for easter. My twenty-month-old son was also in my vehicle. Driving at approximately 30-35 miles per hour, less than 2 RPM, around a curve when I lost all power steering out of nowhere and could not steer. Also my brakes went all the way to the floor and would not work. I was unable to control my vehicle. The vehicle went off the embankment uncontrollably, almost flipping and hitting concrete plates head on and that quick the vehicle came to a stop. During impact I smacked my face off of the steering wheel, suffering a bloody broken nose. My son thankfully received no injury. Prior to the accident I noticed my brakes were shaking when applied, I made an appointment to check them for the following week. My car received damage to the front bumper and back bumper as well as a tire pressure sensor and a popped tire, totaling $419.00. On thursday april, 4, I went to go pick up my vehicle. The mechanic took the vehicle for a test drive for the first time since the accident to test the new tire. He notified me that I had no power steering and ruled my car unsafe to drive and documented his experience. I contacted my dealership where I bought the vehicle and they picked the car up and declared that my power steering pump failed and so far I have no received notice on the condition of the brakes. Also on thursday, I called chrysler to examine further into the possibility of my vehicle being ones recalled. They informed that my VIN was not under the recall and a special investigator will be in touch. No contact has yet been made.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Brakes · 51,079 miles · IL · crash

Brakes failed causing single vehicle collision with light pole.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Brakes · 51,079 miles · IL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chrysler sebring. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact attempted to decelerate but the brakes failed to respond. The contact had to swerve to avoid a collision and then crashed into a light pole. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v009000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 51,079.

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.