2002 Chrysler Sebring Problems: 7 Known Issues
2002 model year · 1,875+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,875+ owner reports, the 2002 Chrysler Sebring has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure ($1,500-$6,000 repair), Automatic Transmission Slipping and Shifting Problems ($400-$4,500 repair) and 2.7L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Internal Water Pump Seizure ($1,200-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure with 500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
When Issues Typically Appear
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A COMPATIBILITY ISSUE BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SOFTWARE AND FUEL PUMP MODULE CAN RESULT IN THE FUEL GAUGE OVERSTATING THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chrysler Sebring problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,875+ owner reports, the 2002 Chrysler Sebring has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure, Automatic Transmission Slipping and Shifting Problems, 2.7L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Internal Water Pump Seizure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chrysler Sebring reliable?
The 2002 Chrysler Sebring has 7 known issues documented across 1,875+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure and Automatic Transmission Slipping and Shifting Problems and 2.7L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Internal Water Pump Seizure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler Sebring problems?
Repair costs for known Chrysler Sebring issues range from $50 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure, typically costs $1,500-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2001-2010 Chrysler Sebring 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Premature Failure?
The 2.7L V6 engine is highly susceptible to oil sludge buildup due to higher than average operating temperatures, insufficient oil capacity (5 quarts instead of 6), and a timing chain-driven water pump that can leak coolant into the crankcase. Engine failures have been reported a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2010 Chrysler Sebring Automatic Transmission Slipping and Shifting Problems?
The A604 (41TE) transmission used in 2001-2006 models and the 62TE 6-speed transmission in 2007-2010 models are prone to slipping between gears, hard shifts, and delayed engagement. The A604 has known OE design flaws, while the 62TE commonly experiences solenoid pack failures. Repairs typically run $400-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2010 Chrysler Sebring 2.7L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Internal Water Pump Seizure?
The 2.7L V6 uses a timing chain that stretches prematurely due to oil sludge buildup restricting lubrication. The chain-driven internal water pump can seize and cause the timing chain to jump, destroying the engine. Water pump, timing chain, guides, and tensioner are all internal… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2010 Chrysler Sebring Alternator and PCM-Integrated Voltage Regulator Failure?
The Sebring's voltage regulator is integrated into the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), not the alternator. This unusual design means a voltage regulator failure requires PCM diagnosis/replacement rather than simple alternator work. Alternators also fail prematurely around 70,000… Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1996-2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top Water Leaks and Drainage Issues?
Convertible models are prone to multiple water leak issues. The rear window can separate from the convertible top fabric as the top shrinks with age. The drain system below the convertible top can become clogged, causing water to back up into the rocker panels and interior. Weath… Repairs typically run $50-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1996-2010 Chrysler Sebring Front Suspension Control Arm and Bushing Wear?
The front suspension control arms and bushings are prone to premature wear, with over 45 reported problems specifically related to front suspension control arms. Ball joints rust and require replacement, and control arms can become loose over time. Worn control arm bushings cause… Repairs typically run $255-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 1996-2010 Chrysler Sebring Power Window Regulator and Motor Failure?
Power window regulators and motors are a common failure point across all Sebring body styles. The cable-style regulators are prone to plastic component breakage, causing the metal cable to become loose and the window to fall into the door. Cable grooves wear over time, causing fr… Repairs typically run $227-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.