Before you buy
This 2003 Chrysler Sebring has 74 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2003 Chrysler Sebring Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2003 Chrysler Sebring trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2003 Chrysler Sebring Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program3 variants tested — showing 2003 Chrysler Sebring ConvertibleOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHRYSLER SEBRING 2003 has 74 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Top issues include airbag malfunctions (16), engine problems (15), and suspension failures (14). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chrysler
- Model
- Sebring
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 74
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2003 Chrysler Sebring problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2003 Chrysler Sebring?
The 2003 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to multiple serious complaint categories. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed.
Airbag malfunctions and engine problems can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. Suspension failures affect handling and ride quality.
May Suit
Budget-conscious buyers willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those unwilling to manage frequent repairs.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2003 Chrysler Sebring
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for warning lights or prior deployment.
- Check engine for unusual noises, leaks, or check engine light.
- Examine suspension components for wear, especially struts and bushings.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all airbag recalls are completed.
- Check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Chrysler Sebring, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Chrysler Sebring shows notable issues with airbag malfunctions (16 complaints) and engine problems (15 complaints). Suspension failures (14 complaints) and electrical faults (7 complaints) are also frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2003 has elevated complaints across multiple systems, particularly airbags and engine.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 16 complaints, the highest count.
- Engine problems total 15 complaints, indicating potential reliability issues.
- Suspension failures have 14 complaints, affecting safety and comfort.
- Airbag Malfunctions (16 complaints)
- Engine Problems (15 complaints)
- Suspension Failures (14 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2003 Chrysler Sebring complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving approximately 25 mph I crossed over railroad tracks in the road. There is only a very small bump going over these. The front drivers side wheel came off. The lower ball joint pulled out and pulled the front axle out. The vehicle only has 91,000 miles on it. There w…
TAKATA RECALL; AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMES ON & OFF INTERMITTENTLY FROM STARTUP TO SHUTDOWN, ANYWHERE - WTF?
PAST FEW WEEKS BEEN NOTICING ISSUES WITH THE CAR. 1. SUN VISORS HIT ME IN THE FACE 2. CAR STALLS TO START 3. LIGHTS HARDLY WORK EVEN WHEN YOU TRY TO PUT ON HIGH BEAMS 3. FLUID DOESN'T STAY IN THE CAR 4. CAR CUTS OFF IN MID DRIVING 5. CAR ALSO CAN CUT OFF WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKES . …
I WON A CAR FROM MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE CAR HAD A 2.7L V6 ENGINE IN IT THAT NADA AND KBB DO NOT LIST SUCH AN ENGINE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT I WON, SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS A DEALER SWAP PRIOR TO THE RAFFLE DRAWING, BUT THEY DENY THE SWAP WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO TURN LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BONJOY W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. …
I WAS IN A WRECK ON 11/06/2015, A WOMEN FAILED TO YIELD AND I T-BONED HER PASSENGER SIDE BY BACK DOOR/BACK TIRE, I WAS GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CITY ROAD, I HAD MY SAFETY RESTRAINT ON AND STILL MANAGED TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDOW, I HAD A LOOSE CAR S…
START CAR, WHEN IN IDLE IT SHUTS OFF WITH IN A FEW SECONDS OF HITTING GAS NOW. IT USE TO IDLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO REV A LITTLE SO IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE BIT TODAY TO BROKE DOWN. LUCKILY IN MY DRIVE WAY THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE MIDDLE OF ROAD LIKE LAST WEE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO RISE WITHOUT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
DRIVER GOING APPROX 40 MILES AN HOUR AROUND CURVE, CLOCKSPRING BROKE CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME INOPERABLE. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD HIT TWO TREES. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR IS TOTALED AND DRIVER IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION. *TR
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. THIS IS, APPARENTLY, A COMMON PROBLEM AFFECTING THE 2.7L V6 ENGINE. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TH…
DASH SEPARATING FRO VENT POSSIBLY BY THE SUN. ALSO THE FRONT BUMPER SCRAP MOST DRIVEWAYS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND IT DEFLATED A COUPLE OF HOURS AFTER. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME TYPE OF TIRE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VE…
AFTER PICKING UP VEHICLE FROM DEALER AND REPORTING "SLIPPING" ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION WAS STARTING TO BREAK UP. A NEW ONE WOULD COST $7,000, AND A REFURBISHED ONE WOULD BE $5,500, AND THERE WAS A WAITING LIST. I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT HOME AN EXPLORE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN TOWARD THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE …
I HAVE A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE WITH A 2.7L ENGINE. I RECENTLY STARTED NOTICING PROBLEMS AROUND 88,000 MILES.. I NOW HAVE 92,000 MILES AND SEE ENGINE COOLANT IS BLACK.. ONLINE IT APPEARS A COMMON PROBLEM IS OIL MIXING WITH COOLANT.. APPARENTLY I HAVE THIS PROBLEM. …
COMPLAINT OF KNOCKING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. FOUND REAR SPRING MOUNT BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. MADE OF ALUMINUM POT METAL? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT AT APPROXIMATELY 8 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,0…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring.
Safety recalls
2003 Chrysler Sebring recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring. With 5 recalls, verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Chrysler Sebring buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Chrysler Sebring reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 74 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to multiple serious complaint categories. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler Sebring?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (16 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Chrysler Sebring, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 74 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Chrysler Sebring. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. With 5 recalls, verifying all recall repairs are completed is essential before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Chrysler Sebring?▾
The 2003 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to multiple serious complaint categories. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Airbag malfunctions and engine problems can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. Suspension failures affect handling and ride quality. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Chrysler Sebring reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Chrysler Sebring based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.