S10 appropriate handling-letter from regarding 2001 Chrysler Sebring the consumer stated when he turned the steering wheel to the left or the right, he could hear a grinding sound. The dealer found the left lower ball joint was worn, which was the cause of the noise. Also, the front struts, oil pan and cooler lines were all leaking, and the drive belts were cracked. The heating and air condition controls were not performing as designed.

- Garland, TX, USA

Timing chain failure causing engine failure on my 2001 Chrysler Sebring my only solution is to let the car sit for the two years I owe on it because the only solution is to replace the engine because it is apparently a design flaw.

- Du Quoin, IL, USA

2001 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 liter DOHC performed routine maintenance on 9-11-05, due to a long trip. Everything was good as far as fluid levels, performed an oil change, vehicle ran fine oil was not burnt or low oil change interval was on schedule. On 9-12-05 at 9:30 a.M., at interstate speed vehicle shut down, as it shut down temp. Gauge went to the max. My wife and seven month old child were stuck on highway off-ramp. Very hot and humid day about one-hundred miles from home. Towed vehicle back to home area. Vehicle acted as if timing chain had broke. Upon removal of intake and valve cover, twelve intake valves are bent and stuck open do to the timing chain jumping or water pump failure. Have not inspected any lower in the engine yet. Vehicle has 88,374 miles on it. After researching this problem, I found that this is a fairly common problem. Made contact with Chrysler to see if their was a possible recall. Chrysler said they do not have any timing problems with this engine, but were very evasive when challenged with questions. Old parts are available.

- Fish Creek, WI, USA

While driving my Chrysler Sebring the engine just stopped. It starting making a loud noise and then the consumer heard a crunch. When the consumer opened the hood the timing chain had cut a slice out of the plastic value cover. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it was confirmed that the timing chain did break. He also told the consumer to search the internet to find out if there were any other complaints on this same motor. The consumer hasn't done any research to see if there has been any recalls on this vehicle yet.

- Winfield, IL, USA

The engine on my Chrysler Sebring (2.7) quit due to excess sludge from a defective design. I called Chrysler and was told that my vehicle was out of warranty and that they would not reimburse me any costs. I had regular oil changes and maintenance on my vehicle. The service manager at the dealership stated that they have to repair 6 or 7 cars a year due to engine failure. I had the engine rebuilt at a cost of nearly $2,500. If the dealership had performed the work it would have cost nearly $7,000 and they would have put a new, but the same defective engine in my car. A jasper engine employee documented that Chrysler has never done the updates that would have prevented the problem.

- Grand Ledge, MI, USA