2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible problems
The Chrysler Sebring (/ˈsiːbrɪŋ/ SEE-bring) is a line of mid-size automobiles that was sold from 1995 through 2010 by Chrysler. Three generations of convertibles, two generations of sedans, and two generations of coupes were produced. Although the coupe shared the same name and some styling cues, it was mechanically unrelated to the other Sebring models.
The Sebring line was introduced in 1995 with the Chrysler Sebring coupe. It was the replacement for the Chrysler LeBaron coupe. In 1996 the convertible was introduced, replacing its LeBaron counterpart as well. For 2001, both body styles were redesigned and a sedan version was offered, replacing the Chrysler Cirrus. The coupe was discontinued after 2005 with no replacement model planned.
The redesigned sedan was introduced for 2007, and a convertible the following year. New options included all-wheel drive on sedans and an available retractable metal top for the convertible. All Sebring models were replaced by the Chrysler 200 for the 2011 model year.
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Common 2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible problems
The Chrysler Sebring convertible, produced in 2003, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include engine sludge, transmission problems, and various mechanical and electrical faults.
Engine Sludge
One of the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler Sebring is engine sludge. This issue affects both the 2001 and 2002 models, with oil leaks causing engine sludge that eventually leads to complete engine failure. The sludge is formed when engine oil is continuously exposed to high heat, causing it to oxidize and break down. This sludge then covers the engine, making it work less efficiently and leading to engine failure. This problem often goes unnoticed until it's too late, with many owners realizing the issue only after severe engine damage has occurred.
Transmission Problems
The 2003 Chrysler Sebring also experiences transmission problems, particularly with the 41TE transmission. These issues are caused by the use of the wrong transmission fluid, such as Dexron instead of ATF+4, and can result in the transmission going into "Limp Home Mode" and only utilizing 2nd gear.
Mechanical and Electrical Faults
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the 2003 Chrysler Sebring has various mechanical and electrical faults. These include issues with the air conditioner and heater, such as the blower fan not working unless it's set to high, loud noises from the air conditioner or heater, and water pooling on the floor.
The 2003 Chrysler Sebring has several common problems, including engine sludge, transmission issues, and various mechanical and electrical faults. These problems can be costly to repair and may lead to complete engine failure. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when deciding whether to purchase a 2003 Chrysler Sebring.
What years of Chrysler Sebring to avoid?
Worst Issues
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2001 Sebring. 115.
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2002 Sebring. 114.
- horn goes off by itself in the 2006 Sebring. ...
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2004 Sebring. ...
- horn malfunction in the 2005 Sebring.
Is 2003 Chrysler Sebring a good car?
chrysler sebring LXI -best car I've ever owned
This car has been a joy to own. It has needed little other than routine maintenance. It rides great, the interior is loaded and the engine has had no issues. Even as the mileage crept up, it has started like a charm in cold weather and handled well in bad weather.
Is a Chrysler Sebring a good car?
Ride and handling also leave much to be desired. Playing in one of the most competitive segments of the automotive marketplace, the Chrysler Sebring is pitted against some of the best cars offered--period. Though handsomely styled for most of its tenure, the long-running Chrysler Sebring was never a very good car.
How many miles do Chrysler Sebrings last?
Chrysler Sebring drivers typically report a maximum mileage in the 250,000 range. If you can find one in good condition, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to hit a quarter million miles. Higher numbers have been reported, but the really expensive repairs will start to mount past 250,000.
Is 2003 Chrysler Sebring a good car?
chrysler sebring LXI -best car I've ever owned
This car has been a joy to own. It has needed little other than routine maintenance. It rides great, the interior is loaded and the engine has had no issues. Even as the mileage crept up, it has started like a charm in cold weather and handled well in bad weather.
Is Chrysler Sebring expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Chrysler Sebring is $428.
What years of Chrysler Sebring to avoid?
Worst Issues
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2001 Sebring. 115.
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2002 Sebring. 114.
- horn goes off by itself in the 2006 Sebring. ...
- oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the 2004 Sebring. ...
- horn malfunction in the 2005 Sebring.
What is the value of a 2003 Chrysler Sebring?
Used 2003 Chrysler Sebring Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| LX Sedan 4D | $19,930 | $2,379 |
| LXi Sedan 4D | $21,295 | $2,598 |
| LX Coupe 2D | $21,560 | $2,529 |
| LXi Coupe 2D | $23,835 | $2,646 |
2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
- Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
- Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Chrysler Sebring convertible problems:
2003 Chrysler Sebring Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Top 2003 Chrysler Sebring Problems · Automatic Transmission May Have Shifting Problems · Sensor Failure Inside Distributor May Cause Stalling/Starting Issues.
Q&A: 2003 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 Engine Problems - JustAnswer
Feb 19, 2008 ... The 2.7L chrysler engine has several known problems resulting in low oil pressure and eventually locking up. The water pump was poorly designed ...
2003 Chrysler Sebring | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
Reliability I'd say is the biggest downfall of owning a Chrysler Sebring. Since it is a convertible I love it. But mechanical issues are a huge factor in owning ...
Q&A: 2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Problems - Oil Light ...
Aug 5, 2009 ... These engiens are known for sludge problems but as long as you keep up on your oil changes and maybe get the occasional engine flush you should ...
2003 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: I had owned the car for barely a year when the transmission blew and I had to have new one put in. Since then I have ...
Other years of Chrysler Sebring convertible
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