10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 62,660 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The dealer advised the contact that the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 00V299002 (engine and engine cooling: Engine) was not associated with the contact's VIN. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that antifreeze leaked into the engine, causing the vehicle to stall. The failure and the current mileage was 138,000.
- Yankers, NY, USA
This was the second failure of Chrysler's 2.7 V-6 engine. Neither engine failure warranty was upheld by providers. First one was at 49000 miles and failed due to engine sludge, extended warranty was not honored due to owner neglect, even though I provided all receipts for all oil changes required. This problem seems to be common for premature failure of this engine. I purchased a new engine and 3 years and 14000 miles another failure occurred. This time no reason could be found for the failure and in spite of mechanics statement that all fluids were present at time of engine removal to be shipped for inspection, it was determined to be owner caused and warranty not honored. Currently engine is being examined by a third party independent facility to determine cause for a future legal action.
- Bellingham, WA, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving approximately 25 mph, the engine stalled without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the engine was replaced. Three years later, the identical failure recurred and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect and they were unable to provide further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
- Parkridge , NJ, USA
This is another example of the oil sludge issue with the Chrysler 2.7 L engine. I bought the car used with low miles, and had my tension arm go out a few months later due to sludge buildup. This second instance came up pretty quickly. The started knocking on hard acceleration, then 2 days later started missing badly going uphill on my way home form work. The engine dies on the downhill side of the most dangerous road in portland (germantown rd.). this is a very steep extremely curvy road and I came all too close to not being able to make the first turn with no power steering or brakes. Making my way down the remainder of the hill was a bit frightening, to say the least. After getting towed and finding out the damage was blown bearings and replace the engine, it was suggested I look online for Chrysler 2.7 L engine to find that this should have been considered a defect and the engine should have been replaced or repaired by Chrysler, but Chrysler claims the engine is fine, it's the owner's fault.
- Portland, OR, USA
While driving my newly bought 2001 Chrysler Sebring, I started hearing some rattling sounds and saw smoke coming from the engine. I was in the middle of the highway and I prayed that it would die on me as I tried to exit to the next gas station. Luckily I managed to exit and parked at the station. I quickly took out my two sons and my wife from the car because I didn't know what was going to happen. I then called a mechanic and had the car towed to a Chrysler Dodge dealership. I was told that the car needs a new engine at a cost of $5000. I am still in shock. Looking online I found out that there are thousands of people who have reported similar engine problems on this particular 2.7L engine. I think that Chrysler should be held accountable for their inadequate standards especially with this kind of engine. My family's life was in danger and I hope that you will help me resolve this issue. I don't have any money to buy a new engine. Thanks.
- Mckinney, TX, USA
I went to the local 7-11 less then 1 min. By car to get something. Car was quiet & smooth running like it should be - since I maintained my car & took extra special care of it since it is my car & has my handicap plates on it. I pulled out of the parking lot of the 7-11 - came to a red light, was 1st car at red light- light changed to green, went to apply gas, car stalled - was able to get the car restarted- when it did restart, the car was now making a funny noise coming from the front end. Went to apply gas, could feel that the car wanted to stall again - was able to slowly apply gas, and then be able to coast down the little hill to my side street & able to get the car safely into my driveway. I was very lucky I wasn't rear ended at the light- the road on which it stalled they have a 40 mph speed limit- I was also very lucky my child wasn't in the car with me. The failure of this only happened once- because the car was towed from my home to the dealership - where it still sits almost 1 year later - this engine failure is a Chrysler issue - they are the ones that are responsible to pay for the car repairs & replace the engine - considering the fact they have known of this problem with their engines for many many years & still continue from what I have read by doing google searches on this 2.7L V6 engine. You are the national highway traffic & safety commission and have the pwer to recall these engines before someone dies from driving these cars with these engines or before a child is seriously injured or worse-.
- Willingboro, NJ, USA
2001 Chrysler sebring conv - lxi, 2.7 liter 83,000 miles, water pump quit as working on it realized the pump blew most of the water in to the engine, replaced the timing idler, flushed the engine out, replaced the oil, ran the engine, then replaced to fresh oil, few day later noticed the car was showing low oil causing the light to turn on, checked the oil came out being fine 5 quarts as its supposed to have, replaced oil and filter to be sure all was 100% fine oil light kept coming on at idle moments after the engine be gone to make a very loud rattling sound, called Chrysler they said this is a typical issue with the model engine and since the car was out of warranty they were not obligated to repair or replace the engine as I researched the internet I notice I am not alone with this same issue there is a very high amount of owners of the 2.7 liter engine with the same issue of the loud rattling in the bottom of the engine, Chrysler claims it's due to improper oil changes and the engine breaks down due to sludge, I would like to let my car be used as an example for a fare recall as I have no engine sludge and have a valid track record of oil changes at 3,000 or before 3,000 miles with wal-mart here in my town my car was well maintained and has been all over the usa and never once had a major issue of any sort till the pump malfunctioned as it does in many other cars out there but since this issue has come to the car has been parked.
- Cocoa, FL, USA
On 7/27 before leaving home, car was serviced by palmer Dodge (roswell, ga ). explained that I was going on trip from alpharetta, ga-ossining, NY (2000 miles roundtrip). Told dealer car had approx. 85,000 & was willing to rent a car. "please go over car & tell me if I was your wife...would you have me rent a car or take my 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible ltd. To NY & back."left the dealership with an oil change & a 24 point safety check w/no concerns about car. We arrived in NY on 7/29 safely (9 yr. Old twins & maltese arrived in NY). On July 31 we drove from the hotel in tarrytown to ossining visited my mother, father graves. While at the last grave the oil light flickered while the car sat running. I pressed gas pedal it went out. We started back to hotel via route 9., a narrow, 2 lane highway. Got about 3 miles to briarcliff manor when I heard the car make a tapping sound. Despite traffic and no warning...no oil light, engine light etc. I make a sharp turn to side street & turned off car. My children are crying, my sister & dog are freaked out & there we are stranded with 1.5 hrs before my nephews baby dedication. I start the car back up & put the flashers on /drive the car mostly in neutral praying all the way to the entrance to sleepy hollow automotive who quickly told me the engine is shot & the car which I thought was worth at least $5000 was not worth fixing. I called jenkin engines & was told me there are 3 major problems with this Chrysler 2.7 engine and it would cost $3600 for a reman. Engine & $1800 for labor (minimum)- 3 weeks to fix... I was now stranded in NY, vacation ruined, children freaked out. I have read hundreds of other complaints. How in 2010 can an engine "die" with no warning" this is recall cand. & NHTSA should make Chrysler repair or reimburse car owners. My car is still in NY...ga dealer not returning calls. Recom oil too thin? oil sludge" easy to blame owners for oil changes when Chrysler this is your fault. Be responsible.
- Alpharetta, GA, USA
On Friday June 11, 2010, I was involved in an automobile accident. My car, a Chrysler 2001 Sebring lxi failed to stop when the brakes were applied. I steered the car away from rear-ending the vehicle in front of me avoiding a crash. However, I steered my car between two lanes of stationary traffic.while going into traffic exiting off highway 270. I tried to apply the brakes but the car wouldn't stop. The engine revved up and the car wouldn't stop. My car made contact with a mini van. My passenger side view mirror struck the mini van causing damage to both the mini van and my car. I contacted my insurance company immediately. The driver of the mini van and I exchanged information and I called a tow truck to tow my car to my home. The following Wednesday June 16, 2010.. farmers insurance adjuster paul gallagher contacted me. I received a rent-A-car from enterprise leasing. Today, June 16, I contacted the Chrysler coporation to voice my complaint and I was told that a contact investigator would contact me within 3 days. I told them I need authorization for a rent-A-car while they investigate the crash. I asked that a supervisor contact me to advise about the rent-A-car. Shortly after, I was contacted by the supervisor and he told me to get my car fixed and I would not receive any assistance from Chrysler. I went online and contacted your Agency and found that Chrysler knew that my 2001 Chrysler Sebring lxi, was on the recall list since November 2000. I would like your assistance with this matter because my granddaughter, the driver of the mini van, and myself could have been seriously hurt. I need cooperation from Chrysler corporation. I will contact my adjuster to inform him of the recall notice that I discovered on your website. I'm afraid to drive that car and my car only has 68,000 miles and is in mint condition. I have records of every oil change and other repairs that have been made. I need help.
- St. Louis, MO, USA
The engine failed on my 2001 Sebring convertible. The oil light flickered on and off and then the car stopped running. The car was towed to the local dealer who kept the car for 2 weeks in Dec, but could not find any thing wrong with the car. Three weeks later the motor has major damage from a oil pump failure.
- Richmond, VA, USA
Was driving home from a local store. Was at a traffic light, light turned green, I applied gas, car stalled ( was almost rear-ended). Was able to get the car started, but now a loud noise is coming from the front end, and when I go to apply gas, the car wants to stall out. Was able to coast downhill and pull onto a residential street and drive at 5 mph and get car into my driveway. That week, while waiting for my new extended warranty papers to come in, left car in driveway, tried starting it but noise still there, so let the car sit. Had car towed to dealership, opened engine, was told car needs a new engine. Nothing has been done, because warranty company will not replace engine. Had to pay for a new battery to be installed since when I left car sitting in driveway, the battery died. To open the engine up for the warranty company to show that I maintained engine also cost around $400. Since November, my car with my handicap plates on it sits at the dealership. I see that their is a class action lawsuit going on for the 2.75 liter V6 engine put in these cars by Chrysler, but this is a serious condition, I was just lucky I wasn't rear-ended and it didn't happen on the highway with my child in the car.
- Willingboro, NJ, USA
I own Chrysler Sebring convertible, 2001. The engine got broken on the highway as a result of oil sludge.
- Redwood City, CA, USA
I have a 2001 chry sebring convt limited with a 2.7 engine. It was purchased from a dealer with 38,000 miles and now has 72,000 miles and I had no ideal that when getting in my car to go to work one morning that it would not start. The motor would only lightly turn but not fully turn over. I made sure of the regular oil changes as with any other car I've had in the past. The motor is sludge like I've never changed the oil since I've had it. I paid 11,000 cash and very disappointed ! I too am disappointed and upset that Chrysler isn't standing up to this problem. It's a very pretty car but that doesn't get me to work being pretty.so I'm going to try to repair it. For around 3,000. I believe if we stand together those who believe will pray jesus will change Chrysler to do a recall. We'll all feel better. Oh, this was my third Chrysler vehicle a 1997town & country and a 1999 sebring convt. I'm at this point afraid to get any other. Even to repair it may lock up it seems in two years reading others complaints. I really hate that I've lost alot of hard working cash only to put out more. I don't want another use motor due to my findings with the 2.7. I couldn't even do the clunker deal. I'm glad no one at this time has gotten killed or hurt.
- Knightdale, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving 75 mph on the freeway, the engine shut off and the vehicle lost all power. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to an independent mechanic. After inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic noticed sludge build-up. He also observed leaks in the head gasket and radiator, and engine and transmission failure. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because a crash could have occurred on the freeway. The current and failure mileages were 98,000.
- Thorton, CO, USA
My son bought his fist car, a used 2001 Chrysler Sebring with the 2.7 engine. Day two of driving the car he blew the motor. Dealer says he can't find a replacement motor so I talked to my mechanic about it and he said the 2.7 Chrysler motor has a problem with oil sludge that causes the motor to fail. It is a very common problem. Now my son is making car payments on a car that isn't fixable.
- Fort Dodoge, IA, USA
Driving vehicle, no sign of problems no lights on or check engine display, vehicle started tapping noise. Towed to dealership, said need new engine. Had maintenance records of oil change every 4000 miles while owners manual states do every 7500 under normal cond. Vehicle was bought used in June 2009 with 50,000 miles on it, 9 months later with 65,000 miles this happened. Had an extended warranty bought at dealership got the best coverage called total care and they will only cover a partial part of the repairs. Vehicle has the 2.7 engine and there are numerous complaints of this same nature and Chrysler and the warranty companies blame the consumer and will not pay for repairs.
- Denton, MD, USA
I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring lxi 2.7L V6 sedan. On February 28, 2009, engine overheated and failed on highway I-77 North. I pulled out of traffic as asap. Engine locked up and would not start. Engine ruined. Car had to be towed from hwy. Car ran perfectly before going on the hwy. I have service records to prove the oil was changed with synthetic oil every 3,000 miles. I have a receipt to prove I topped off the coolant prior to the engine failure. My extended warranty denied the claim on March 3. I found that extended warranties either reject these claims automatically or pay them and then cancel your coverage. After denial, I researched the problem and found that this Chrysler model has had numerous complaints due to engine and cooling defects, including the engine itself, the water outlet/coolant arm, and head gasket. Engine failure happens frequently to consumers driving 60 mph or faster (highway conditions). Consumers report that this problem occurs despite proper maintenance of the car. There is no warning prior to engine overheating and failure. You don't know there's a problem until smoke starts. My car smoked long before the temperature gauge showed red hot. The hand was still in the middle when smoke first started. Local mechanics, salvage yards, and even Chrysler master techs confirmed these problems and that you cannot foresee them. Chrysler should have issued a recall regarding these problems but never did. The only engine-related recall actually issued was for the harness for the crankshaft position sensor. Obviously, Chrysler has tried to avoid such costly replacements. A new, remanufactured engine (without the original defects) costs around $6200 in my area. My problem came from Chrysler defects. Chrysler should be required to install a brand new, remanufactured engine and all other damaged parts at no charge to me. Chrysler should also pay for the towing of my car to a Chrysler service shop and reimburse me for the previous tows.
- West Columbia, SC, USA
2.7 liter engine in my Chrysler sebring seized - no warning of low oil or an oil leak.
- Summerfield, FL, USA
Complete engine failure at 78, 895 miles due to oil sludge build up (December 2004). Had a remanufactured engine put in 2/21/2006 when I could finally afford it and Chrysler would do nothing about it. I used only synthetic oil in the replacement engine and had it changed every 3000 miles and yesterday (9-1-2008), it started making a funny noise. I had it towed to a repair shop today to be safe, and the verdict is I need a new engine - again due to oil sludge.
- Wadsworth, OH, USA
- Long Beach, MS, USA