9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,830
Average Mileage:
85,700 miles
Total Complaints:
115 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (27 reports)
  2. replace with new engine (22 reports)
  3. not sure (18 reports)
  4. should be a manufacturer recall (17 reports)
  5. recall needed! (6 reports)
  6. chrysler to replace engine at no cost to me (5 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chrysler dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #35

Jul 082007

(reported on)

Sebring LXI V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,250 miles

The engine should have been replaced by Chrysler. They know that there is a problem with their engine. Even when I had the car towed to Chrysler dealership 2 times the mechanics are well aware of the engine failure problems. Chrysler refused to replace the engine. They asked me for all of my oil change receipts and I provided them. Then Chrysler asked me for maintenance receipts. Again I provided them. It was as if Chrysler was looking for a reason to refuse. Finally Chrysler just plain refused to replace the engine. I will never buy another Chrysler again and I have persuaded several (at least 13 people)to not buy a Chrysler.

- Perry D., Austin, TX, US

problem #34

Aug 082007

(reported on)

Sebring LXI 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,050 miles

No warning lights, it just died while driving at 60mph on the highway. We pulled over, got it towed to Canadian tire in Barrie - they said to check out the web, thousands of complaints on the 2.7l engine. Chrysler stocks them and makes lots on their replacement.

Get this - we picked up car on friday, drove to cottage (200km) on way back - THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE DIED!!! It is in the shop and they are looking at it.

We did call Chrysler, but past the warranty. I would suggest extended warranty to anyone buying this vehicle, but i don't think i would recommend Chrysler again. Our new vehicle is a Honda.

- Ed P., Brampton, Ontario, Canada

problem #33

Apr 092007

(reported on)

Sebring 2.7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I have spent several weeks now trying to find out the knock in the Chrysler Sebring engine. I spent several hundred dollars thus far to only find out the the engine is bad. The dealership that has been working on my car has recommended that I see if I can trade it in on another type of vehicle. I have the understanding that this engine requires a certain type of oil to keep the timing gears from going bad. 92,000 miles and the engine is gone with no warning. I not sure if I am going to get it fixed or not. One thing for sure, no Chrysler products for me every again. Also If someone is even thinking about it, look at one of the other manufacturers.

- Thomas S., Toccoa, GA, US

problem #32

Mar 202007

(reported on)

Sebring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I have a Chrysler Sebring convertible 2001 at 115,000 miles. I have been religious with oil changes and yearly check-ups..... my engine blew a timing chain because of oil build up, at least that is what the mechanics said. My wife only buys Toyota or Subaru and I told her that Chrysler is a great company that makes trust worthy vehicles. Ha! I am eating my words now. It will cost me $4000 to replace the engine and still owe $5800 on the car. If I spent the money to get it fixed I would have to charge $9500 to cover my cost or try to sell the car with no engine for $5800.... which no one will do if they are smart!!! I demand that you as a company FINALLY do something about the problem with your vehicles. FYI, my wife is still driving her 1995 Subaru Legacy with 240,000 miles on it and has only had minor expenses for the last 7 years.... a little different than having one of your cars blow an engine at 25-90,000 miles. Absolutely a disgrace for an American made vehicle! I want my Chrysler to pay to have my engine fixed so that I can sell it and get myself out of debt!!

- Mark F., Cedar, MI, US

problem #31

Jul 202006

(reported on)

Sebring LXI

  • 81,000 miles

This car was maintained on a regular basis, oil and filter every 3000 miles or less. Noticed a rattle at low RPM and would disappear as RPM increased.

My daughter used the car one evening and when she returned home she informed me that the car was running very rough and stalling at stop lights. When I started the car the idle was indeed very rough and would rev up from 600 RPM to 1200 RPM and eventually stall. A loud knocking noise was also noticed. The next day the car would turn over but would not start at all. Engine code stated that cam and crank sensors not detecting. Suspected timing chain slippage and put it on the lift in a friends garage to begin repairs. After much trouble getting to timing chain, I went to internet to research and get suggestions. It was there I found the multitudes of 2.7L owners with similar stories and left in dire straits by Chrysler. I feel I will end up the same.

Although no sludge was located under valve covers I have not pulled heads off to inspect and will progress with repairs however daunting. This must be the most poorly engineered and user unfriendly motor ever made. I like others still owe $10,000 on this car and am thinking I'm stuck with a total loss. Was a loyal Chrysler customer, but never again.

- Desmond D., Hudson, FL, US

problem #30

May 252006

(reported on)

Sebring LXI

  • 118,000 miles

My engine failed. The engine started losing horsepower on the freeway and then smoke started pouring out. They asked if I had used Penzoil Oil. They told me Penzoil was bad for my engine. I asked where that was in the manual.

- Craig W., Lafayette, CO, US

problem #29

Mar 052007

(reported on)

Sebring LXI 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,618 miles

Finding that other people have had this same problem has both ticked me off at Chrysler and vindicated my claims to various mechanics that "Yes, I have had my oil changed." So, I hit a deer and take my lovely car into the body shop to get nearly $3000 in bodywork done. Thank-heavens for comprehensive insurance, but I was still out the $500 deductible. I'm driving my car away from the body shop and only get 2 miles down the road when the car just completely quits on me -- the oil light and engine light both come on about 10 seconds before the engine locks up. The body shop tows my car back and checks my battery, starter, etc. and hauls the car to their suggested mechanic. The mechanic takes pity on me an only charges $35 to tell me that my engine is completey frozen solid and full of sludge. He then shoots accusing comments my way about not changing my oil recently. I admit not faithfully changing my oil every 3000 miles, but I've never let it go longer than 5000. He quotes me a price of $3800 to fix with a used engine. The dealership where I bought the car quotes me $5800 with no apologies or mention of the fact that this is a common problem. I return to the cheaper mechanic who is candid enough to say that if it was his car he'd cut his losses and run. So I did. I just bought a used, but much better built 2004 Honda Accord. They wouldn't take the Sebring as a trade in -- smart people. So now it's towed back to my yard and I'm trying to sell it (with little success). It'd be nice to get the $1400 I still owed on it when it died, but I'm not even holding out too much hope for that. There goes my grad school money down the drain. Boy was I looking forward to a paid-off car. Seems like I picked the wrong company for that.

HAS ANYONE HEARD WORD ON A LAWSUIT??? I want to join! I'm 20,000 miles over warranty, so there was never any hope there. But with engines going out at only 24,000 miles shouldn't there have been a recall????? This is pathetic, disgusting, and upsetting. This is why the company is in a slump.

- lisa at the lake, Canyon Lake, TX, US

problem #28

Mar 062007

(reported on)

Sebring Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,500 miles

This is my second Chrysler Sebring Convertible.. I was extremely diligent in having the oil changed.. I took VERY good care of my car.. My daughter bought the car from me when she turned 16.. She loves this car, washes it religously, has the oil changed on her own, keeps the copy of the bills in the car so I know it has been done. The oil light came on about 5 minutes after she left the house - then froze up on her on an extremely busy highway at 7:30 pm. There was oil in the car - we had just checked the car before she left the house. I was SHOCKED to learn we would need a new engine. We replaced the engine ($6100.00) because the body of the car is in GREAT shape. I'm so disappointed in Chryler vehicles now - I was planning on buying the 2008 Sebring Convertible - but will probably buy the Toyota instead.

- Kathy S., Evansville, IN, US

problem #27

Oct 102006

(reported on)

Sebring

  • 80,000 miles

I can't believe a car can be running absolutely fine one day and need a new engine the next, with absolutely no warning (ie. no gauge, warning light, etc). Interestingly, as soon as my local mechanic saw it was a 2.7 he began discussing how people had been having a lot of trouble with sludge in the engine and had to have engines replaced. He changed the oil, did a computer diagnostic and road tested and said it was running fine again . While it was there I decided to let him tune it up (total bill $229). It was finished the next day, started right up. Sounded fine. Three miles down the road and it was ready to throw a rod! Had to have it towed back ($15). He wouldn't touch it. I had it towed to the dealer ($15) and raised questions about the sludge problem, engines needing to be replaced, etc. He acted like he didn't know what I was referring to. Said they would diagnose it ($59.00). A day later he is calling to say it needs a replacement engine (new: $6300-three year warranty, used $5300-one year warranty). I asked if the new engine is an improved version of the 2.7? He said it is. I asked if Chysler is doing anything to help customers with this problem as it is obviously a matter of poor engineering. He gave me a number to call (1-800-992-1997). I asked if they've actually helped people resolve this problem. He said its been hit and miss. Has anyone initiated or considered a class-action lawsuit to force Chrysler to make amends for this fiasco?

- Mike D., Akron, OH, US

problem #26

Feb 272007

(reported on)

Sebring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

My Sebring has always been maintained especially with changing the oil - out of the blue while driving my car to be dropped off for a check up - white smoke suddenly appeared out of the exhaust - i immediately pulled over - but it was too late - engine was shot -cracked head - i was asked repeatedly if i ran the car without checking my oil - this irritated me because this is the one thing that was always kept up on - but, with my extended warranty i was lucky enough to receive a new engine with no cost to me.

- terrih831, Discovery Bay, CA, US

problem #25

Nov 192006

(reported on)

Sebring V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

The engine made a clanking noise. Had towed to dealer in Lexington, NC. He charged me $120 to pull valve cover and advise engine is shot and for $6000 + he recommends new engine. I advised it was under 5 years and under 50,000 Miles. He said it was engine neglect. I change oil every 3500 to 4000 miles but did not have all but last 12 months receipts. He said too bad, Chrysler requires all. I also purchased Warranty by Net and contacted them. They advised too bad because it is engine neglect in maintenance. I advised I had previous 12 months receipts for maintenance. He said too bad they require all.

I hired an individual maintenance shop owner and he replaced it with rebuilt NAPA engine. Runs better than when new. Cost $4,600. Wanted to burn it in front of dealership but would only make my life more uncomfortable. I will never buy another Chrysler product and certainly don't recommend anyone else does, but to each their own.

I had hoped that Chrysler dealer would have taken more interest in my situation but guess they are trained not to care. I always thought Americans should buy American made products but that is hard to do when foreign made cars hold up much better and if there is a problem, they stand behind their product with assistance.

Very disheartening to say the least but life continues after CHRYSLER!

- bjs306, Thomasville, NC, US

problem #24

May 112006

(reported on)

Sebring LXI

  • 97,000 miles

I have never in my life let a car run low on oil. When I took the car in they told me that it was my fault because I must have let the car get low on oil. That in itself made me mad. Then when I called to find out how much the motor cost and found out that this is one of the most requested motors and that thousands of complaints have been filed, I really got mad. I think that Chrysler should have to recall the motor and replace them at no charge to buyer. I know one thing, I will never again buy a Chrysler.

- eppes, Clinton, AR, US

problem #23

Dec 132006

(reported on)

Sebring LX 2.7 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

I am in the process of attempting to understand how a 6 year old vehicle with 24,000 miles could possible have a sludge buildup so bad that it has caused engine faliure. This vehicle was driven a short distance daily to work (under a mile) and basically parked on the weekend unless the weather was extremely nice since its a convertible. The oil was changed as required by the manufacturer and of course the warranty has expired leaving me with a large repair bill. As soon as this vehicle is repaired I plan on trading it in and I will never purchase a Chrysler product again.

- rcooper, Mentor, OH, US

problem #22

Nov 182006

(reported on)

Sebring 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

This Sebring we purchased 20 months ago dies one morning while my wife was on her way to work. As far maintenance on the car, i had a mechanic friend of mine doing oil changes on it for the time we had this vehicle. He wrote a detailed letter to my warranty company explaining the mileage and when he changed the oil. We had only put on about 19k in miles since owing the car and had 5 oil changes.

The warranty company denied my claim citing that the oil in the engine was all sludgy and I most likely hadn't had any oil changes since i had the vehicle........ which is BS.

I suggest no one ever buy a Sebring and no one go through the warranty company because they make you feel like a second class citizen. Now I'm out almost 5k....... buy American...... BS....... they suck!!!!!!!

Thanks.

- chrisp, Clifton Park, NY, US

problem #21

Nov 162006

(reported on)

Sebring LX 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

I have had the same problem - bought the car used and had it less than a year. Had the oil changed constantly and last oil change was told by mechanic the engine was going - knocking . . . said there are no engines available for this model/make because they are replaced often because of an engine problem. Why isn't this investigated and a recall issued. I will never purchase another Chrysler product as well. Very unhappy, dissatisfied and I am still making payments on the car that doesn't run. I am debating whether to get it looked at and get an estimate. Can anyone recommend a place for this repair that will warranty the work?

- shirleyroderick, Wilmington, MA, US

problem #20

Nov 092006

(reported on)

Sebring LXI 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Bought the 2001 Sebring LXi at Butler Auto Auction in Butler, Pa. two months ago. My daughter had been driving it with a temporary registration and I still have yet to recieve the Title!!!! Just glad I didn't pay retail for the POS car. BTW just changed the oil and coolant for her at 83000 and it died at 84400! The engine just seized up on her. Just read a website that has a 3.2 liter conversion. I might have to try that to salvage total loss. What are you supposed to do, pass the problem on to the next unsuspecting customer. First and last Chrysler product I will ever own.

- Michael Cardwell 1., Beaver, PA, US

problem #19

Nov 132006

(reported on)

Sebring LX 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,500 miles

I had really enjoyed the car until now. My engine failed without warning and I consistently got my oil changed at 3,000 miles.

- carterrobert, Cedar Park, TX, US

problem #18

Oct 302006

(reported on)

Sebring LX 2.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This problem occurred with no warning and with an oil change only days before. Contacted Chrysler about this problem as I replaced the engine, and then was told that I needed a new computer also as it was not compatible. They told me that it was too bad and so sad, no satisfaction at all. I plan to make sure everybody that wants to hears about this issue and the treatment I received.

- Peter K., Dartmouth, N. S, Canada

problem #17

Sep 282006

(reported on)

Sebring LE 2.7L V6

  • 70,000 miles

Well, I purchased the extended warranty on my vehicle which covered the cost of the engine and I was responsible for the rest, which was still costly. I just wish I had found this website when I was fighting with the warranty to cover the full thing. They, like Chrysler said it was lack of proper maintenance. Unlike like Chrysler (which I never thought to approach but according to the other complaints) covered the cost of the engine as mentioned before. I do have my car back, but am definitely glad I found this website in case of future issues with my new used engine.

- gruenesmurf, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #16

Sep 162006

(reported on)

Sebring 2.7L V6

  • 100,000 miles

I don't know how to relay everthing that has gone wrong in my life this year, but now I don't have a car. If you can think of a problem in somebody's life, I probably have been through it this year. The only thing I haven't been BLESSED with this year is cancer. Now that I've setup my life which is totally off track right now since the most recent problem is that I just lost my job a week ago, let's talk about my car. Due to a problem with the engine, not due to negligence, I am now without a car. I have no money to fix the problem and even if I did, the cost of repair would be $4,700 which would put me upside down in my loan exceeding the value of the car. If there is a class action lawsuit for this problem, tell me where to sign. I have lost everything in my life this year and I'm ready to take a stand on something and fight for what is right. Chrysler should be ashamed of their product. This obviously is not the fault of the owner and a mechanical defect. I am now on foot because of this problem. The engine is a 2.7 L and is known for this problem, but Chrysler will not compensate me for it. I will never recommend, buy, market, talk about or enjoy another Chrysler product. Like I said earlier, I have nothing left lose in my life since I have lost everything and I'm waiting to hear that I have cancer. If there is information about this problem that I don't know about, please tell me. In the mean time, I'm walking to where ever I need to go.

- Kyle K., Kansas City, MO, US

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