2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chrysler › Sebring Convertible › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Newest first.
Federal-mogul IS recalling certain replacement control arm assemblies, part numbers k7425, 10945, fa4510x, k7427, 10946, and fa4611x, sold for use on various passenger vehicles listed above. the ball joint on the control arm assembly can fail causing the ball stud to wear through the control arm housing resulting in noise and/or separation of the ball stud…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there IS a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. the safety recall began on january 28, 2011. owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball stud from the socket of the ball joint housing would allow the control arm to collapse and the wheel to fold in causing loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. the safety recall began on november 9, 2009. owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. the recall began during april 2007. owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Owner complaints
24 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Takata recall; air bag light on dash comes on & off intermittently from startup to shutdown, anywhere - wtf?
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
Past few weeks been noticing issues with the car. 1. Sun visors hit me in the face 2. Car stalls to start 3. Lights hardly work even when you try to put on high beams 3. Fluid doesn't stay in the car 4. Car cuts off in mid driving 5. Car also can cut off when you apply brakes . Car back tire smokes. Was not in a accident with anyone car cut off on me while driving I was able to own my own bring car to stop
- Engine and engine cooling
I have a 2003 chrysler sebring convertible with a 2.7L engine. I recently started noticing problems around 88,000 miles.. I now have 92,000 miles and see engine coolant IS black.. Online it appears a common problem IS oil mixing with coolant.. Apparently I have this problem. I also have the…
I have a 2003 chrysler sebring convertible with a 2.7L engine. I recently started noticing problems around 88,000 miles.. I now have 92,000 miles and see engine coolant IS black.. Online it appears a common problem IS oil mixing with coolant.. Apparently I have this problem. I also have the 2.7L engine that IS prone to sludge and other problems. I noticed the car was using more oil recently even before my 3,000 oil change.. Now I might have the reason why... I see I'm not the only person with this problem, please help everyone who purchased a chrysler product with this 2.7L engine... *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler sebring convertible. When the vehicle was turning to the left at approximately 8 mph, the contact heard a noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the lower ball joints were replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The current mileage was approximately 7,000.
- Air bags
2003 chrysler sebring 61,000 miles defective now broken clock spring that operates air bag and horn, now steering wheel binds, vehicle unsafe to operate. This has happened to many others, mostly breaks when its cold out. How come chrysler issued a recall on the caravans for same reason but not on sebrings? Please advise. *Tr
- Wheels
I have a 2003 chrysler sebring convertible that has chrome/aluminum wheels. I noticed that I was losing substantial pressure in my tires on a regular basis. Thinking this was a problem with the tires, and the car was under warranty, I took the car back to the chrysler service center in wyckoff nj…
I have a 2003 chrysler sebring convertible that has chrome/aluminum wheels. I noticed that I was losing substantial pressure in my tires on a regular basis. Thinking this was a problem with the tires, and the car was under warranty, I took the car back to the chrysler service center in wyckoff nj where I purchased it. Upon inspection, the service technician indicated that there was nothing wrong with the wheels and that I should make sure to keep the tires properly inflated. the problem persisted and, when I brought the car to my regular (non-chrysler) mechanic, he pointed out that my rims were corroding from the inside and that this affected the bead on the tire and caused it to lose pressure. He indicated that he had called chrysler and been told the problem was not covered under warranty. I have since read that this IS a common problem with sebring rims. I sent an internet complaint to chrysler's website but received no response. my mechanic advised that all he could do, instead of total replacement, was grind down the old rims and tar over them as a stop gap solution. I experience additional loss of pressure about every other day and have taken the car back to tire dealers twice to regrind the rims. Each time they point to the corrosion and their frustration with chrysler not dealing the problem. having tires lose pressure because of a defect in the design and performance of the wheel IS a clear safety hazard. I hope nhtsa will look into this and require chrysler to stand behind its product. Thank you. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I purchased a 2003 chrysler sebring in early '07' I still owe about 5,000 on the car. For the past several months my oil light has been coming on when I come to a stop. I took it to a dealer and they said the oil sender switch was bad and leaking oil. They charged me 173.00 to replace it and when I…
I purchased a 2003 chrysler sebring in early '07' I still owe about 5,000 on the car. For the past several months my oil light has been coming on when I come to a stop. I took it to a dealer and they said the oil sender switch was bad and leaking oil. They charged me 173.00 to replace it and when I left I got about 5 miles down the road and the light came on again. Now I have been told that the engine most likely will need to be replaced. It IS the 2.7 that I now have learned IS one of the worse engines made. This last christmas I was at a party and my friend introduced me to his roommate that was going to diesel engine school,he had already received every gas automobile certification there in existence and IS one of the top mechanics in the area! We started talking about cars and he asked me what I drove, I told him I had a 2003 sebring. His reply was.."oh, I'm sorry". Now I know what he meant by that,at the time I thought he was just joking. I hope someone will start a class action lawsuit,if they don't remedy this problem I will pray daily that chrysler goes under and will bad mouth them to every person I know and meet. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Have a 2003 chrysler sebring with a 2.7 liter engine. I brought the car to a chrysler repair shop when it wouldn't start, they said it needed a new battery (the battery in it was a few months old) and a new starter. I borrowed the money to pay for them to fix it. Then after driving the car…
Have a 2003 chrysler sebring with a 2.7 liter engine. I brought the car to a chrysler repair shop when it wouldn't start, they said it needed a new battery (the battery in it was a few months old) and a new starter. I borrowed the money to pay for them to fix it. Then after driving the car about 15 miles when I got it back, and without any warning or previous symptoms the car engine blows. the chrysler shop accuses me false allegations of never changing the oil. I proved it was changed on a regular basis. They say improper maintenance caused "engine sludge" which the caused engine to fail. The car always ran quite and cool, but when it failed and I got it to start after 3 attempts, it made a loud clunking noise, the temperature gauge was all the way up (which never happens) and the engine was boiling hot. they now say they need an inspector from my warranty people to come inspect and "diagnose" the engine. They say that cost IS not covered to break down and open the engine for inspection and it costs several thousand dollars. Then if they do not cover it, I'll need to pay again to put the broken engine back together for another few thousand dollars, and additionally and above that cost, the cost to repair the engine they say IS $10, 000. chrysler pretends there has been no known issues with this engine but a google search of "chrysler 2.7 engine defective" proves otherwise. Millions of their cars have these engines and thousands of people have filed complaints about chryslers denial of this problem and systematic cover up. my fiancee and I just evacuated new orleans due t hurricanes gustav. She IS disabled and we are on the verge of being homeless, that car was the only means of transportation for us and for me to attempt to earn a living. *Tr
- Air bags · Structure
2003 chrysler sebring has issues with the air bags and a rust problem with the hood latch. *nj the consumer stated the air bag light started to beep sporadically and then would stay on all the time. The seat belt tensioner was replaced, but the problem continued. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler 2.7L engine failure. Refusal of chrysler to honor 7/70,000 drivetrain warranty or purchased extended warranty. engine seized with no warning lights. Vehicle was stopped immediately and towed. Chrysler IS following the pattern stated by other customers. Not honoring warranty, then coming back with a 50% offer with an exaggerated used engine price. Car has been on out of service for 6 weeks. *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Lack of passenger compartment heat during vehicle idle. *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
The connection for the rear window defogger has broken 4 times, fixed 3 times, and have been told by the dealer that it IS a known problem, but they can do nothing but fix it at our cost each time. it has been reconnected once, and twice at a cost of just under $100 each time. *tr
- Air bags
The clockspring that controls the airbag inside the steering column of the 2003 chrysler sebring broke in cold weather, rendering the airbag inoperable. identical problems in earlier chrysler models prompted recalls of this part, but chrysler has not reacted to the same potential deadly problem for this model year vehicle.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
Dt*: the contact stated when the convertible top was returned to an upright position, the rear defroster wire was pulled out of place. this resulted in the rear defroster being inoperable until the vehicle was taken to the dealer for reconnection. this occurred every fall.
- Suspension › Rear
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph on a street, the vehicle struck a small pothole, and a banging noise was heard coming from the right rear of the vehicle. an independent repair shop inspected the vehicle, and determined the rear suspension mounting bracket was corroded and needed to be…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph on a street, the vehicle struck a small pothole, and a banging noise was heard coming from the right rear of the vehicle. an independent repair shop inspected the vehicle, and determined the rear suspension mounting bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. additionally, the mechanic determined the corrosion was due to excessive road salts. the manufacturer was notified.
- Wheels
Dt*: the contact stated the chrome wheels became corroded due to the weather and damaged the tires. the service dealer determined the problem was weather related and could only be addressed by continuously adding air to the tires. the contact expressed that air needs to be added to the tires on a daily basis.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seats · Structure · Suspension · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Problems started even before the first payment was due. The transmission was replaced twice and still jolts when driving and slips out of gear. On the third occasion I was told by the service manager that it IS normal for the sebring's drive that way and it was not fixed. over time the fuel pump…
Problems started even before the first payment was due. The transmission was replaced twice and still jolts when driving and slips out of gear. On the third occasion I was told by the service manager that it IS normal for the sebring's drive that way and it was not fixed. over time the fuel pump has been replaced three times and still has the same problem. The roof has leaked. The doors shake. Automatic windows do not work properly. Both front seats do not lock into place. The key IS difficult to remove on occasion. I have had two alignments done but the front end shakes when driving and has a rubbing/grinding noise. The car has 43,000 miles and I consider it unsafe and unreliable for long distances. *Jb
- Air bags
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle has been to the dealership 10 times because the air bag light illuminates intermittently. the dealership replaced the air bag module, the seat belt, and the seat track and after each repair the air bag light illuminated again within two days. once the contact…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle has been to the dealership 10 times because the air bag light illuminates intermittently. the dealership replaced the air bag module, the seat belt, and the seat track and after each repair the air bag light illuminated again within two days. once the contact heard a popping noise in the dash as the light illuminated. the dealership cannot determine the reason the air bag light continues to illuminate.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump failure. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Dt*: the contact stated the engine was making a clicking noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealership. the dealership determined there was sludge in the oil because of irregular maintenance. therefore, the engine needs to be replaced. while there IS not currently a problem with the fuel…
Dt*: the contact stated the engine was making a clicking noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealership. the dealership determined there was sludge in the oil because of irregular maintenance. therefore, the engine needs to be replaced. while there IS not currently a problem with the fuel pump, there IS a nhtsa recall, # 03v443000, regarding the fuel pump. however, the vehicle IS not included due to the vin. the contact IS concerned the fuel pump recall may be related in some way to the sludge build up problem.
- Air bags
The airbag light has come on while driving many times over the past two years. I have taken the car to the dealer several times. each time the dealer stated that there wasn't a code stored and that they could not get the airbag light to come on. finally, in late june of this year the light came…
The airbag light has come on while driving many times over the past two years. I have taken the car to the dealer several times. each time the dealer stated that there wasn't a code stored and that they could not get the airbag light to come on. finally, in late june of this year the light came on and stayed on, I took the carn to the dealer and they said the seat belt tensioner needed to be replaced. when I picked up the car after having the seat belt tensioner replaced the light wa off. now, less than a month later the airbag light IS on again. currently the vehicle IS undern warranty, but the warranty will be up in a couple of months. I can't seem to get this problem fixed, and I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments · Structure › Body › Roof and pillars · Suspension · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
The vehicle's roof leaked, the windows shook, and the steering wheel rubbed. then, the wheel bearings went out, the driver's door was loose, and gas gauge broke. also, the suspension was defective. *ak the steering rack was replaced, both door panels were replaced, the rear windows would…
The vehicle's roof leaked, the windows shook, and the steering wheel rubbed. then, the wheel bearings went out, the driver's door was loose, and gas gauge broke. also, the suspension was defective. *ak the steering rack was replaced, both door panels were replaced, the rear windows would shake when opened and closed, the regulator cable was knotted, the left 1/2 regulator was replaced, the front tires were rubbing, the front end displayed a clunking noise, the backing plate was bent, the key did not come out at times, but no repair was needed at the time, the check engine light stayed on, a tire blew out and the wheel bearings were replaced. the fuel sending unit volts were too high per engine light and the fuel gauge was not moving. wiring was found open in the fuel pump module which was replaced. *sc
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Driver's seat belt anchor broke off in driver's hand while buckling seat belt. The anchor came completely off the car. This IS obviously a safety hazard, since the seat belt IS now unusable, and what's more, had been offering no protection for some time, while appearing to be intact. Mileage on car…
Driver's seat belt anchor broke off in driver's hand while buckling seat belt. The anchor came completely off the car. This IS obviously a safety hazard, since the seat belt IS now unusable, and what's more, had been offering no protection for some time, while appearing to be intact. Mileage on car IS 34,500 miles. Breakage occurred in stranded metal between the buckle receptacle, and the base of the anchor. This looked like a metal-fatigue type of problem where individual strands of the stranded cable had weakened and broke over time.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
There were problems with the wheel bearing and brake caliper bolts falling out. (it was a new vehicle) the manufacturer was contacted by mail and the consumer had no response. the dealer was contacted and stated there was no explanation as to why this happened to the vehicle. *ak there was a humming noise coming from the front end and the transmission had become inoperative. *scc *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10229181Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10221515Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10220489Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1021645482212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10189392MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10130081Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.
- 1013008005182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10130079Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10129047Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129046Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129045CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 16 September, 2016.
- 101290441NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129043Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129042Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA. Replacement part number is 55372082AF w hich is in stock and available. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
- 10129041P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached. Replacement part can be obtained by ordering the same part number (CBSZR068AA) Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 02 September, 2016.
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10121832Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or WBF00021A$ 05102881A$ = WBRW0011A$
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10002079Do not replace the air bag cover if the owner complaint IS that the vehicle horn actuates by itself. Refer to tsb 08-024-02 to reprogram the bcm.
- 10002048When cycling door glass up and down, a clicking noise can be heard when the window travel changes direction on various models including the 2004 sebring sedan and sebring convertible.
- 10002045Delayed or temporary loss of transmission engagement after initial start up on various models including the 2004 pacifica, sebring convertible, sebring sedan, intrepid and 2003 SX2.0.
- 10001531Crankshaft oil passage mis-machined.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 10000833Lower steering column click sound.
- 10000590Incorrect fasteners at the rear attachment for the front stabilizer bar bushing clamp.
- 10000329Delayed transaxle engagement after initial start up.
- 10000316A malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may illuminate with erroneous diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0016, p0335, p0339, p0340, p0462, p0498, p0499, p0622, p1604, p1681, p1686.
- 10000307Erratic fuel gauge reading above 1/4.
- 635680Information on diagnosing rattle / squeak from the center ofthe lower instrument panel.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
Every Chrysler Sebring Convertible model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.