Research · Midsize Cars

2008 Chrysler SebringRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 352 owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Most complaints involve electrical system (121) and power train (65). The EPA rates it 18–24 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–24mpg
EPA · 9 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Apr 2008
Owner complaints
352
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

Electrical systemReported Apr 2, 2008NHTSA 08V152000

Engine and engine cooling: radiator assembly

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

Engine and engine coolingReported Oct 10, 2007NHTSA 07V473000

Latches

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Sep 12, 2007NHTSA 07V414000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

352 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2007 – Dec 2025
  1. Electrical system121
  2. Power train65
  3. Engine57
  4. Vehicle speed control47
  5. Air bags33
  6. Structure28
  7. Engine and engine cooling25
  8. Steering22
  9. Electronic stability control (esc)14

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sebring model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996433
1997294
1998319
1999263
2000172
2001269
2002234
200374
2004291
200582
2006138
2007339
2008352
200945
2010104
Crashes reported
21
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
23
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

121 reports3 crashes4 fires
“On December 15, 2025, while driving my 2008 Chrysler Sebring in Indianapolis, Indiana, I noticed smoke coming from the driver’s side near the battery. Shortly afterward, the car completely stopped responding — the brakes and steering were unresponsive — and the vehicle caught fire in that area. I exited the car safely, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but I suspect a battery or electrical component failure. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident, except for the smoke I noticed. The incident has not yet been inspected by a dealer, manufacturer, or insurance representative. If inspection is needed, the affected parts can be examined in the tow lot, but much of the vehicle has been destroyed, and there is very little left of the car due to the fire. The safety of myself and others was at risk due to the sudden loss of braking and steering control, as well as the vehicle catching fire while on the road. The problem has not been reproduced, and I am reporting it to ensure the incident is recorded for safety monitoring and potential investigation.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherFire reportedODI 11706433

Power train

65 reports2 crashes1 fire
“I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wires causing my A/C and Cruise Control systems to malfunction. My power windows have issues sometimes I can't get them to roll up or down. My internal lights in my car flickering on and off. The mess from the radiator is also causing my engine to overheat. I am now having issues with oil pan leaks as a result of too much pressure from the engine. I see that only certain VINS were added to the recall list. I strongly suggest that NHTSA add other VINS to the recall list, especially mine, since I'm having those exact same issues. I see that there are complaints about this year make and model as recent as last year. Why hasn't the recall list been updated? Please update the recall list. Please and thank you!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11686814

Engine

57 reports1 crash1 fire
“The car loss compression in the middle of driving. Try to crank it but it drains the battery. Also, I bought the car a year the buy here pay here company ripped out the lemon law page for Tennessee but kept the other pages in.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11675841
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

9 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sebring
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213024$2,700370
Sebring Convertible
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202923$2,800386
Sebring
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, GAS 370 · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900404
Sebring
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900404
Sebring Convertible
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, GAS 350 · Front-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050423
Sebring Convertible
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050423
Sebring
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162619$3,400468
Sebring Convertible
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162619$3,400468
Sebring AWD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152418$3,550494
  • Sebring
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, GAS 370
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, GAS 350
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    18 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 26 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 26 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring AWD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 24 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 2640Vehicle 2180
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 Sebring questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring have?

4 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Chrysler Sebring problems?

Owners filed 352 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (121), power train (65), engine (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Chrysler Sebring at 18–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026