CarBrief

Owners filed 352 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Sebring, and the car has 4 recalls on file[1][2]. Electrical trouble, stalling and a shifter that sticks in park all appear in the complaint samples we read.

352owner complaints[1]
4recalls[2]
18–24MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 352 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 21 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 23 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Electrical system[4] 121 3 4 2
Engine[5] 82 1 3 0
Power train[6] 65 2 1 2
Speed control[7] 47 7 0 6
Air bags[8] 33 8 0 12
Structure[9] 28 2 0 2
Steering[10] 22 4 0 5

Another 32 complaints fall under unknown or other[11].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the biggest groups. This is not a count of all owners, only what we saw in those texts.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Some complaint texts say a dealer told the owner the car was not in a recall[4]. Check your own VIN on NHTSA's recall site before you assume you are covered.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and body. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Sebring, 2.4L 4-cyl, automatic 4-speed (same for the other rows labelled Sedan and AWD sedan)[3] 21 / 30 / 24 $2,800
Convertible, 2.4L 4-cyl, automatic 4-speed[16] 20 / 29 / 23 $2,900
Sedan, 2.7L 6-cyl, automatic 4-speed[17] 19 / 27 / 22 $3,050
Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl, automatic 4-speed[18] 18 / 26 / 21 $3,200
Sedan, 3.5L 6-cyl, automatic 6-speed[19] 16 / 26 / 19 $3,550
Convertible, 3.5L 6-cyl, automatic 6-speed[20] 16 / 26 / 19 $3,550
AWD sedan, 3.5L 6-cyl, automatic 6-speed[21] 15 / 24 / 18 $3,700

The 2.7L engine is also rated for gasoline or E85 in some listings[22][23]. The 2.4L sedan is the most efficient at 24 combined MPG, and the AWD 3.5L is the thirstiest at 18[3][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings show this model year as not rated for both listed versions, C FWD and 4 DR FWD/AWD[24][25]. That means we have no star ratings to share.

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for this model year: a 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 2.7L 6-cylinder and a 3.5L 6-cylinder[16][23][20]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Convertible Limited, FWD[26] 194 in 72 in 59 in 109 in 3,957 lb
Convertible LX/Touring, FWD[27] 194 in 72 in 59 in 109 in 3,845 lb
Sedan Limited, AWD[28] 191 in 71 in 59 in 109 in 3,697 lb
Sedan Limited, FWD[29] 191 in 71 in 59 in 109 in 3,351 lb
Sedan LX/Touring, FWD[30] 191 in 71 in 59 in 109 in 3,311 lb

How 2008 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 recalls2005: 132 complaints, 3 recalls20052006: 197 complaints, 0 recalls2007: 339 complaints, 7 recalls20072008: 352 complaints, 4 recalls35220082009: 45 complaints, 2 recalls20092010: 104 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sebring model year. The 2008 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951323
19964198
19972876
19983194
19992642
20001721
20013879
20023582
2003742
20042924
20051323
20061970
20073397
20083524
2009452
20101043

NHTSA has 352 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2008 Sebring[2]. Among the 16 model years from 1995 to 2010, only three have more complaints: 1996 with 419, 2001 with 387 and 2002 with 358[2]. That puts 2008 fourth highest. The 2007 model year has 339 complaints and 7 recalls, and 2009 has 45 complaints and 2 recalls[2].

On recalls, 2008 is tied for fifth highest with 1998 and 2004, at 4 each[2]. Four years have more: 1996 (8), 1997 (6), 2001 (9) and 2007 (7)[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide for one model only.

Should you buy a used 2008 Sebring?

The data points to a car with a long complaint record. Engine shut-offs, throttle trouble and a shifter stuck in park appear in the complaint texts we read[5][7][6]. Before you buy, check the VIN for open recalls, because the TPMS wiring and radiator fan recalls both involve stalling or fire risk[12][13]. Ask whether the shifter has been repaired. We have no crash test stars for this year, so we cannot compare safety[24][25].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
Electrical system is the largest complaint group with 121 of 352 complaints, then engine with 82 and power train with 65[1][4][5][6]. In the texts we read, owners describe stalling and a shifter stuck in park.
Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring have recalls?
Yes, 4 recalls are on file: TPMS wiring 08V152, radiator fan connector 07V473, door latch 07V414 and seat track sensors 07V240[12][13][14][15].
What is the gas mileage of a 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
EPA combined ratings run from 18 MPG for the AWD 3.5L to 24 MPG for the 2.4L sedan[21][3].
Is the 2008 Sebring worse than other years?
Its 352 complaints are the fourth most of 16 model years, behind 1996, 2001 and 2002[2].
Does the 2008 Sebring have a NHTSA safety rating?
NHTSA shows it as not rated[24][25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 352 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring (21 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 23 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chrysler Sebring model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Sebring, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 121 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 82 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,371). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 65 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 47 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,680). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 33 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 28 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,596). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 22 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,406). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 32 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 08V152, filed April 2, 2008: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 07V473, filed October 10, 2007: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 07V414, filed September 12, 2007: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 07V240, filed June 13, 2007: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Sebring, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Sebring, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sebring AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sebring, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Sebring Convertible, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE LIMITED 2DR FWD: length 194 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,957 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE LX/TOURING 2DR FWD: length 194 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,845 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 191 in, width 71 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,697 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING LIMITED 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 191 in, width 71 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SEBRING LX/TOURING 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 191 in, width 71 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,311 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.