Problems · by component

2008 Chrysler Sebring electrical system problems

121 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2008 Chrysler Sebring cite electrical system, 34% of all 352 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
121
34% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“Engine frequently stalls while driving. I've had my car shut off while I'm driving many times, the steering wheel and brakes lock up and it makes it hard to get off the street to safety. This happens a LOT. It is very dangerous and scary. I get anxiety everytime I drive because I'm scared of it happening again. My car once turned off in the middle of a busy intersection while trying to turn. It came on after about 45 seconds but it was terrifying. Battery often dies (just replaced it). Horn would go off randomly without stopping for a long time. I had to disconnect the horn (on both sides) because it would keep randomly going off with no way to stop it. Cruise control stopped working one day. Sometimes it comes up when I press cruise control but it turns off when I try setting a speed. Drivers window broke inside, I think something snapped inside the door. I've had it replaced 3 times but it keeps breaking. A/C makes an awful grinding noise sometimes, but it goes away if I turn the A/C off then back on. Also with the A/C, a door or something inside the dash will get stuck every so often and it makes a LOUD clicking like noise but it goes away after about 20…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11589060
“I was on my way to work. All the warning light appeared on my dash. Then all the warning light, radio, speedometer gage and all head light and tail lights went out. I was driving in the dark. My engine bogged down no power. I was barley moving. I replaced the battery no difference. I replaced the alternator worked for 3 minutes and then the car was back to the same as before. I contacted a nearby mechanic facility they told me that it was most definitely the fuse panel under the hood. That's its not a recall but a lawsuit replacement. I notified the manufacturer and they told me my Vin number was not under recall. I'm confused on what to do not. I'm in no way able to purchase a new vehicle at this time. Nor spend hundreds or thousands in repairs. Please help.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11563938
“purchased may 15th.and now car sits in my apartment parking lot as a roadblock for all tenants since May 27th. 2008sebring started fine.drove 2 miles roundtrip, vehicle ride was rough upon turning into residence thankfully I was not on the street in traffic when the car decided to stop ,the windows were down I still have not been able to get them rolled up .lights instrument panel lights went haywire flashing,ding chime sound continuous. the backdash illuminate light has never worked. wont accept jump from cables,has power in areas under hood, charged to 12v on charger able to get code (DTC-U1403 implausible fuel level signal. Just like the recall of the wiring issue it's similar. The week this happened the tire pressure indicator in the lower left corner of Dash was lit up and the cruise control light would come on but when engaged it would not drive at the limit set only reduce is speed the stereo CD changer didn't work I thought it was just because it was old the cigarette lighter which I used for my power source the light on that device would flicker in and out showing it wasn't getting a good connection the key would get stuck in the ignition or do a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11526510
“In February 2021 my car wouldn’t stop, tried to give it a jump and it still wouldn’t start. Replaced the battery and it started working again. In April 2021 my engine light came on. I got a diagnostic and the error code read: P2016 Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Bank 1. I didn’t get it fixed. Shortly after, I began hearing a faint crackling noise and noticed when I would drive on turn pikes my a red brake symbol would briefly pop up on my dash board and then go away. In May 2021 my horn stopped working and front right turn signal light stopped working. I tried to get a new one installed it wouldn’t work. I was told it could be an electrical issue. In July 2021 my right low beam head light stopped working. I tried to get a new bulb installed and it still wouldn’t work. At this time I was told the same thing, that it seems like there may be an electrical issue. This month, November 2021, a few days ago on Monday November 1st, I began noticing an acceleration issue in the morning. I would press the accelerator and it wouldn’t pick up until a few seconds later, it was like a delay. Later that day while I was driving on the free way a red…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 6, 2021Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11439587

Showing 6 of 121 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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