CarBrief

Owners filed 292 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Sebring, and the biggest group is the engine, with stalling and rough idle described in the texts we read[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, including a 2015 recall that adds a strap to the passenger sun visor[3][4].

292owner complaints[1]
4recalls[3]
20–24MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 292 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 29 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 86 50,786
Air bags[6] 42 39,999
Suspension[7] 39 93,000
Power train[8] 27 33,129
Electrical system[9] 27 23,120

Engine. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the car stalling when coming to a stop, idling roughly and surging or revving at low speed. Several say the dealer could not fix it or could not reproduce it[2].

Power train. Owners in our sample describe rough or clunking shifts in the automatic transmission. Others describe the car lurching forward at idle or when they let off the brake[8].

Suspension. In the sample, owners describe rear upper strut mounts that corroded and broke, and some say replacement parts were hard to find[7].

Air bags. Some owners in the sample say the air bags did not deploy in a crash. Others describe the air bag warning light coming on[6]. The air bag group has 18 crashes and 20 injuries in its complaints[6].

Other groups. Seats have 20 complaints and 14 of them mention a fire[10]. The electrical system has 27 complaints, 4 mentioning a fire[9]. Speed control has 23 complaints, 4 mentioning a crash[11]. Brakes have 20 complaints, 8 mentioning a crash[12]. We did not read the texts for these groups, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first.

Three of these recalls apply only to certain vehicles, such as convertibles or 2-door cars[13][14][15].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the Sebring for this year. Combined ratings run from 20 to 24 MPG[5][16]. The best is the 2.4L manual at 24 combined[5]. The lowest is the 2.7L convertible with a manual at 20 combined[16].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[5] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Sebring[17] 19 / 26 / 21 $3,200
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Convertible[18] 20 / 27 / 22 $3,050
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, 4 Door[19] 20 / 27 / 22 $3,050
2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Convertible[16] 17 / 25 / 20 $3,350
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium[20] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,900
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium[21] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,900

The EPA also lists 2.7L automatic versions with Gasoline or E85 fuel at 21 combined[22][23]. The 3.0L engine uses premium fuel[20]. Its estimated yearly cost is $3,900, the highest in the table[20]. EPA costs use current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings are not rated for the 2-door, the 4-door or the convertible[24][25][26]. We have no crash test stars to report for this model year.

Engine and size

The EPA lists 2.4L 4-cylinder, 2.7L 6-cylinder and 3.0L 6-cylinder engines for this year[17][16][20]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Body style Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Convertible[27][28][29] 193 in 69 in 55 in 106 in 3,355 to 3,448 lb
4-door sedan[30][31] 191 in 70 in 55 in 108 in 3,172 to 3,228 lb

Weight depends on the trim level. The convertible Base is 3,355 lb[27], Touring is 3,419 lb[29] and Limited is 3,448 lb[28]. The sedan Base or Touring is 3,172 lb and the Limited is 3,228 lb[30][31].

How 2004 compares with other years

1995: 132 complaints, 3 recalls19951996: 419 complaints, 8 recalls1997: 287 complaints, 6 recalls19971998: 319 complaints, 4 recalls1999: 264 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 172 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 387 complaints, 9 recalls20012002: 358 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 74 complaints, 2 recalls20032004: 292 complaints, 4 recalls29220042005: 132 complaints, 3 recalls20052006: 197 complaints, 0 recalls2007: 339 complaints, 7 recalls20072008: 352 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 45 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 104 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sebring model year. The 2004 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951323
19964198
19972876
19983194
19992642
20001721
20013879
20023582
2003742
20042924
20051323
20061970
20073397
20083524
2009452
20101043

Across the 16 Sebring model years from 1995 to 2010, 2004 sits in the upper middle for complaints[3]. It has 292 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. Six years have more complaints: 1996 (419), 2001 (387), 2002 (358), 2008 (352), 2007 (339) and 1998 (319)[3]. That makes 2004 the seventh highest of 16[3].

On recalls, 2001 has 9, 1996 has 8, 2007 has 7 and 1997 has 6, so 2004 is below those[3]. 1998 and 2008 also have 4[3]. For comparison, 2003 has 74 complaints and 2 recalls, and 2006 has 197 complaints and no recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Should you buy a used 2004 Sebring?

This model year has a real record of owner complaints, and engine stalling and rough idle show up in the texts we read[1][2]. Rear strut mount corrosion also appears in the suspension sample, so it is worth having a mechanic look at the rear suspension[7]. Ask whether the 2015 sun visor recall was done, and check the VIN for the fuel pump and seat belt recalls on the 2-door and convertible[4][13][14]. The 2.4L versions are rated 21 to 24 combined MPG[17][5]. Crash ratings from NHTSA are not available for this year[24]. A clean inspection and a service history matter here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chrysler Sebring?
The engine group has the most complaints at 86[2]. In the sample we read, owners describe stalling and rough idle. Air bags have 42 complaints[6] and suspension has 39[7].
Does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four: 15V338 (passenger sun visor), 04V336 (rear seat belt bolt on convertibles), 04V313 (fuel return fitting on 2-door cars) and 03V443 (fuel pump pressure)[4][13][14][15].
How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Chrysler Sebring get?
EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 24 MPG depending on the engine and transmission[5][16]. The 2.4L manual gets 21 city, 29 highway and 24 combined[5].
Is the 2004 Chrysler Sebring a good year?
It has 292 complaints and 4 recalls, which puts it seventh highest of 16 model years for complaints[3]. Six years have more complaints[3].
What are the dimensions of the 2004 Chrysler Sebring?
The convertible is 193 in long on a 106 in wheelbase[27]. The 4-door sedan is 191 in long on a 108 in wheelbase[30]. These are Canadian-market specifications.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 292 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring (27 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 29 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 86 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,786). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chrysler Sebring model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 15V338, filed June 2, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Sebring, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 42 complaints name the air bags component group (18 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,999). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 39 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 27 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,129). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,120). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 20 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 14 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 23 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,757). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 20 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,925). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 04V336, filed July 8, 2004: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 04V313, filed June 29, 2004: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 03V443, filed November 4, 2003: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Sebring, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Sebring 4 Door, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sebring, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sebring, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Sebring 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING 2DR CONVERTIBLE FWD /BASE/GTC: length 193 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,355 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING 2DR CONVERTIBLE FWD /LIMITED: length 193 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,448 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING 2DR CONVERTIBLE FWD /TOURING: length 193 in, width 69 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,419 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING 4DR SEDAN BASE/TOURING: length 191 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,172 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING 4DR SEDAN LIMITED: length 191 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,228 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.