2003 Chrysler Sebring Sedan LX 2.4 DOHC

Summary:

Good styling and comfort, poor quality electronic sensors

Faults:

From 50,000 to 86,000, I've replaced the cam sensor X3, crank sensor, throttle position sensor, 4 rotors and two pads. Also replaced the evaporate emissions canister.

The car never left me stranded or refused to start. But it's been one dumb, cheap little thing or another, never more than 5,000 miles since the last repair.

I bought this car, because my wife's car, a 2004 PT Cruiser has been a pretty good car. I thought I bought the same 2.4 automatic trans. But this 2.4 has a different head, different piston and crank, and the oil filter goes on horizontally; the Cruiser's is vertical. Same oil filter and ignition system though.

General Comments:

Good styling and comfort, poor quality electronic sensors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2010

2003 Chrysler Sebring Sedan LX 2.7

Summary:

I hate this car

Faults:

Radiator went bad and car kept overheating, cost over $400 to fix.

Brakes shake when you stop

Had a leak in the transmission, rough shifting, $180 to get fixed

Oil Pressure light problem, had sending unit replaced, didn't work. Need new oil pump, will cost $1200 to fix.

All this in a span of less than two years.

General Comments:

Will never buy another Chrysler again, nothing but problems when it gets over 80000 miles or so.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th May, 2008

2003 Chrysler Sebring Sedan LX 2.7

Summary:

I will walk before I buy another Chrysler!

Faults:

Steering Wheel Harness became disconnected while turning, cost $200 to fix it.

Brakes always shake.

Loud whistling noise at around 50 MPH.

Power Train Control Module replacement, replacement defective, replaced with a 2nd Power Train Control Module. Did not fix transmission problem. replaced Transmission Control Module next.

Broken Speedometer.

Huge dashboard blinds the driver on sunny days. Bad design.

General Comments:

If you do your research on the internet, you will find that Chrysler is known for faulty transmissions. Another thing I have found both on the internet and by personal experience is that the people at Chrysler will not help you at all. It is impossible to find anyone outside of your dealer to talk to at Chrysler. They do have their "Customer Hotline" but believe me, they are not there to help you. They would not give me the name of the Regional Service Manager, and told me that he does not speak to customers! Imagine that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th July, 2005

18th Feb 2006, 01:18

"If you do your research on the internet, you will find that Chrysler is known for faulty transmissions."

And if you do even more research, you'll find out it's because Chrysler trannys require a certain type of fluid, which is why you hear lots of horror stories about Chrysler transmissions.

22nd Apr 2006, 01:25

Interesting to hear...I'm about to buy a 2005 Chrysler Sebring Touring tomorrow... is this particular fluid something I should know about before I damage my new car???

4th Jun 2006, 00:31

Yes, Chrysler recommends that you use ATF +4. DON'T USE DEXRON OR YOU WILL RUIN THE TRANSMISSION! Can't stress that enough...

2nd Aug 2006, 03:51

What strikes me is how many people there are out there on the Internet that think they know better. This transmission fluid comment is a perfect example of this, since with your comment, you indirectly assume that the reviewer is less than intelligent. You do not know that the wrong fluid was added in this instance! Besides most people have their vehicles serviced professionally (at leat for newer autos), and still I've heard about transmissions, not only on Chryslers though, that fails after a few years. And this has nothing to do with the wrong fluid being added to the trans.

16th Aug 2006, 19:56

With a Chrysler transmission, it has EVERYTHING to do with the kind of transmission fluid you put in. Everybody knows the horror stories associated with not putting the right fluid in. You obviously haven't owned a Chrysler recently.

27th Aug 2009, 15:50

I'm 100% sure that it is negligent owners who to not service their vehicles. 2003 Sebring LXi, 2.7l 188k miles, original engine and transmission. Preventative maintenance is the key.

23rd Mar 2011, 23:31

Regardless, it should not take some extra special or "extraterrestrial" type of transmission oil for a cheap car like this. In the end it should be an easy/cheap to maintain vehicle.

We are not talking Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar here, are we?

2003 Chrysler Sebring Sedan LX Plus 2.7L V6 200 hp

Summary:

Definitely a really good car for the price

Faults:

Nothing wrong yet. Still brand new. Not even 5000 km (3000 miles).

General Comments:

Great performance even if it is an automatic transmission. I made 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 7.2 seconds (proof on video).

Handling is not bad, but a stiffer suspension would have been appreciated (even with the sport package).

Very large sunroof with one-touch opening.

Huge trunk! Can contain 2 mountain bikes easily.

Lots of space for people (not only kids) sitting on the rear seat.

Takes obviously more gas than a 4-cylinder engine, but very economic compared to other V6 engines. 36 mpg on highways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2003