The car began to make a loud noise from the engine area that sounded like a loud muffler. We took it to the mechanic near our home who diagnosed it with a failed tensioner spring on the timing belt which caused engine sludge.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

Major headache has been the recent engine damage as a result of what may be oil sludge gathered in the motor. Engine seized briefly upon switching from 1st to 2nd gear, then began "clicking" upon acceleration or deceleration to/from high rpms (upshifting and downshifting). Chrysler dealership claims the problem is broken connector rod and bearing in #2 cylinder, which necessitates a new engine. Estimated price tag: $10,000 (more than vehicle's worth). Other problems with this vehicle have included faulty passenger airbag part that required replacement; persistent dimming/flickering of instrument panel lights; multiple battery and headlight burnouts; emission leaks on two separate occasions requiring two separate repairs; and cd player skipping, requiring (according to Chrysler) a completely new stereo system. Speakers are somewhat shot and the driver-side sunvisor clip broke under slight pressure.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

Oil sludge in engine.

- Cookeville, TN, USA

Engine started to knock, shut off towed home parked ever since. $4000 to replace engine unable to afford.

- Niceville, FL, USA

These are safety/defect issues regarding my 2002 Chrysler Sebring engine: I have a 2.7 liter V6 engine and I have recently read about common problems after experiencing a knock in the engine. Just today, I had a mechanic listen to the engine noise and he speculates that it is a rod or rod bearing. This appears to be a symptom of the sludge problem that your web site has documented. I have not yet confronted a Chrysler maintenance rep and would be interested in tactics that have been documented as successful. I have been somewhat regular about oil changes, but I am not the original owner, so would have a problem proving the maintenance intervals. Steering: Last summer I first experienced a problem with the steering tightening. Basically the general feel of the steering was tight and it would not return to a 'home' position after turning. A mechanic estimated that it would take $1500 to replace the rack assembly and the power steering pump. On a hunch, I had the power steering fluid replaced and within a week the steering returned to normal. Around Oct/Nov, the symptoms returned and I had another power steering fluid replacement. This time the symptoms have been intermittent and have not completely disappeared. I have read a few complaints on the internet of other Sebring owners having similar problems.

- Leander, TX, USA

On 1/15/2002 consumer was driving at a speed of 55 miles per hour. Suddenly, the car began decelerating rapidly. Consumer pushed down on the accelerator, but the vehicle failed to respond. Instead, it continued its rapid deceleration. It felt as though the engine had simply died. There was a vehicle behind consumer which came very close to my rear end. This experience nearly caused an accident. After a few moments, consumer was able to proceed at a normal speed. Consumer contacted a local Chrysler dealership the next day, described the problem, and brought the car in for testing. The dealership was unable to recreate the problem. Jlg

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA