Research · Midsize Cars

2009 Chrysler SebringRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 45 owner complaints for the 2009 Chrysler Sebring. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and power train (8). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20–24mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Feb 2009
Owner complaints
45
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Fuel system

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A COMPATIBILITY ISSUE BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SOFTWARE AND FUEL PUMP MODULE CAN RESULT IN THE FUEL GAUGE OVERSTATING THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.

Fuel system, otherReported Feb 4, 2009NHTSA 09V047000

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

Power trainReported Oct 9, 2008NHTSA 08V528000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

45 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2009 – Dec 2023
  1. Electrical system10
  2. Power train8
  3. Air bags6
  4. Service brakes4
  5. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  6. Engine4
  7. Exterior lighting3
  8. Vehicle speed control3
  9. Steering3

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
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

10 reports1 fire
“DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT COME ON AT ALL AND AT NIGHT I AM UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST I AM GOING WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR A FINE”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2021Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11414866

Power train

8 reports
“The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no trouble code was retrieved. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 18, 2023Power trainODI 11560613

Air bags

6 reports1 crash
“THE 2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING HORN STARTS TO BLOW AT ALL HOURS AND I HAVE TO GO OUT AND HIT THE HORN PAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD IT GO OFF IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST HAD A GUY IN A ROAD RAGE SITUATION UNTIL I TOLD HIM WHAT HAPPENS TO THE HORN. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SAFETY FOR SURE. I SEE WHERE THERE ARE MANY MORE COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2015Electrical system, Air bagsODI 10760106
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Compact 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
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 Nov 10, 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$2,600370
Sebring Convertible
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202923$2,700386
Sebring
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,850404
Sebring Convertible
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182621$2,950423
Sebring
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162720$3,100444
Sebring Convertible
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162720$3,100444
  • Sebring
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    18 city · 26 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 27 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Sebring Convertible
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 27 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 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 2009 Chrysler Sebring as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5154Vehicle 5153
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

2009 Sebring questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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 2009 Chrysler Sebring problems?

Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), power train (8), air bags (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Chrysler Sebring get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Chrysler Sebring at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026