Oil changed every 3,000 miles. Knocking started to occur. As I was driving to get it looked at, motor just stopped. 2001 Chrysler Sebring 2.7L motor. 69000 miles. Diagnosed as broken timing chain, new motor needed $6,000-$7,000. Garage had seen quite a few recently with the same problem. One option was to buy a new engine that had been modified to correct original manufacturing problem, or to purchase a new or rebuilt engine. Since rebuilt engine was $1000 less than other options went with that option.

- N St Paul, MN, USA

2001 Chrysler Sebring with a 2.7 liter engine prematurely failed at 74,000 miles. Started having problems at 64,000 miles with excessive engine noise and smoke from the tail pipe. This car was purchased new by myself and maintained per the service schedule in the Chrysler manual. The engine gave out about 4 blocks from our home while my wife was driving it, fortunately no one was injured. We have since replaced the defective motor with a jasper remanufactured engine which has several design modifications and a better warranty than the factory engine.

- New Cumberland, PA, USA

The contact stated approximately two seconds after the oil light came on the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a garage; they found sludge build up in the engine. There have been no repairs done to the vehicle. Updated 12/27/05.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

Consumer had a leak in engine, due to sludge in Chrysler Sebring. The consumer read an article which mentioned that there are at least 797,000 questionable Chrysler engine that could experience sludge problems. The consumer contacted the manufacturer but they refused to provide the consumer with any financial assistance. The dealer claimed that the sludge was the result of oil maintenance neglect.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact stated there was an irregular engine snapping sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact first thought it was a nail in the tire, but upon inspection it was determined that there was no nail in the tire. The engine first started with the snapping sound, then vibrated when the vehicle was slowing down. The noise has been the same since it started. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle, and found there was a service bulletin dealing with this problem. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer; they stated there was no recall.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

While the vehicle was on and parked, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced.

- Dale City, VA, USA

Consumer noticed a deep scratch on the wood paneling. (nar) while lowering the convertible top the vehicle's rear windshield shattered. The brakes squealed and had to be replaced at 12000 miles. The vehicle had various electrical malfunctions. When the vehicle was started the speedometer would bounce from 0 - 120 mph. The dealer was never able to rectify this problem. The radio, cd player and speakers were replaced several times. While driving the vehicle shut down with no warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the consumer that the engine had blown.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

Vehilce is a chyrsler seabring convertible (2001). Car has been maintained according to schedule. While driving, car died without warning. Clanking noise happened under hood and car stalled approximately 30 seconds later. Two mechanics have diagnosed the need to replace the motor. Quotes to repair range from $3,700 to $8,700. Called chysler customer service. Was told they will not do anything because vehicle is out of warranty. Sent letter to CEO of Chrysler usa and have not rec'd response to date.

- Tampa, FL, USA

When driving any speed, the consumer heard a tapping noise coming from under the hood. The mechanic informed the consumer that the problem was pertaining to engine sludge.

- Hudson, MA, USA

2001 Chrysler Sebring lxi 2.7L V6. Vehicle purchased April 2002 as certified 8/80. Loud knocking from engine. Engine siezed up on freeway and died. Dealer found timing chains broken, thew a rod, engine failure due to oil sludge build up. Chrysler refused to cover under warranty claiming lack of owner maint. Records. Had engine replaced for $7500.

- Maple Valley, WA, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle home. Consumer has contacted the dealer for an appointment to bring it in. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The consumer would like Chrysler to recall this vehicle due to the all the other consumer complaints about this vehicle.

- Milford, MI, USA

Premature engine failure due to sludge. While driving, the vehicle just all of a sudden stop running, there were no warning lights.

- Urbandale, IA, USA

While driving approximately 45 mph vehicle stalled. Driver managed to get vehicle out of traffic. Towed to independent shop, mechanic stated engine needed to be replaced, coolant went inside the engine.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

Engine surges and dies out. Standed on interstate, no accident. After replacement of camshaft and crankshaft sensors, determined that problem was with wiring harness. Identified recall notice from NHTSA, 00V29902. After contacting Chrysler several times, they do not have any information on the recall nor acknoledge any recalls for my vehicle.

- Tyrone, GA, USA

Engine quit at 34,000 mi, took to dealer they stated there was sludge in the engine and that the car was neglected do to lack of oil changes "voiding warranty". there appers to be a problem with the 2.7 liter engine. Oil changes were performed at regular intervals between 3K-5K miles.

- Toledo, OH, USA

The engine is gone out. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer for repairs.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Engine failed without warning while driving. Dealer was not able to determine cause.

- Columbus, OH, USA

The engine stalled, due to sludge build up. The consumer was driving when the engine started to knock and slowed down. The consumer was told the engine had blown up due to the build up. There was no warning. The vehicle had electrical problems since purchase, but had not been fixed. The interior lights had constantly come on. The interior lights had constantly went off and on, the driver door did not shut properly, made a clicking sound, was intermittent, and the latch on top was loose, the interior lights flickered from bright to dim, the radio and door lock had become inoperative, when the vehicle was turned to the right, a dinging sound was heard and the brake light would come on, and the headlights had become inoperative.

- Dothan, AL, USA

Have a brand new car and engine oil now leaking. Dealer said it is oil galley plug and cylinder head must be removed to fix.

- Desoto, TX, USA