Before you buy
This 2004 Chrysler Sebring has 291 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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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2004 Chrysler Sebring Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 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. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Chrysler Sebring Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program3 variants tested — showing 2004 Chrysler Sebring 2-DR.Official 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 2004 has 291 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Engine problems (86) and airbag malfunctions (42) are top issues. Suspension failures (39) and electrical faults (27) also reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chrysler
- Model
- Sebring
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 291
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Chrysler Sebring problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring?
The 2004 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to frequent engine and airbag issues. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed.
Engine and airbag problems can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. Suspension and electrical faults further impact reliability and ownership costs.
May Suit
Budget-conscious buyers willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation or those unwilling to manage frequent repairs.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Chrysler Sebring
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of stalling, overheating, or oil leaks.
- Check airbag warning lights and recall status.
- Examine suspension components for wear or damage.
Before You Close the Deal
- Pre-purchase inspection focused on engine problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring shows a high volume of engine problems (86 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (42 complaints). Suspension failures (39) and electrical faults (27) are also notable. With 7 recalls and 27 crash-related complaints, buyers should proceed with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Data for other years is not provided, so no comparison is available.
Recall context: Seven recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 86 complaints, the highest count.
- Airbag malfunctions total 42 complaints, a significant safety concern.
- Suspension failures appear in 39 complaints, affecting ride and handling.
- Engine Problems: 86 complaints
- Airbag Malfunctions: 42 complaints
- Suspension Failures: 39 complaints
Full breakdown
All 2004 Chrysler Sebring complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 86 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 42 | 18 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 39 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | — | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 27 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 23 | 4 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 8 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 20 | — | 14 | — | |
| Fuel System | 14 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | 7 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 11 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Driving on [XXX] in Indiana my rpm’s began to accelerate and I hit my breaks and once I got to 30 mph my breaks went out. I looked online and one after another of complaints for exactly this has been posted in rooms. It was towed to our mechanic and hopefully he can figure out wh…
Random stalling upon deceleration with no warning lights after stalling (as if the engine thinks it is still running). Occurs at low speed. Sometimes the engine will surge when the rpm drops off instead of stalling. I have almost run into other cars when the surging happens. …
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with smoke coming from underneath the hood. Smoke then entered the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the odom…
Car will start sometimes and then will not. Replaced 20 amp fuse and it will start. Maybe 10-15 times it will start and then it will not. My wife drives the car and is very concerning to her. Have looked at other complaints on your site about this and no one has had it resolved!!…
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while her fiancée was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle seemed as if it was running out of gasoline. The check engine and a fuel warning light were illuminated. The driver pulled over at a service station a…
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ON. MEANING AIR BAG IS NOT OPERATIONAL.
DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY. TIRE SEPARATED FROM CAR AND AXLE SEPARATED FROM TRANSAXLE. APPROXIMATE SPEED LESS THAN 6MPH. NO CONTOL OF CAR AFTER INCIDENT.
I HEARD A POP THE A LOT OF SMOKE CAME IN THE CAR, I PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BY THE FIREWALL, THE FUEL RLN HAD CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
THIS CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE HAD THE LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE LOCATION HAPPENED ON SMOOTHLY PAVED SPRING R…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS FLASHING, WHICH INDICATED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN NEEDED. THE DEA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE TURNED SIDEWAYS. THE VEHICLE SWERVED ON THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER…
BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE LEAVING FROM IN FRONT OF MY HOME LUCELY
AS I DRIVE MY SEBRING, EVERY DIP, HOLE OR CREVASSE MY CAR HITS(GOING 30 AND UP ITS DANGEROUS) SENDS IT WAY TO THE SIDE, DOESN'T HAVE AN EXACT SIDE EITHER. DOES IT BOTH WAYS. I BELIEVE IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY LOWER BALL JOINTS SO POSSIBLY MY CONTROL ARMS AND I WAS TOLD IT W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE VEHICLE TO WARM IT UP, SHE LEFT AND NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE UPON HER RETURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SMOKING AND CONTAINED A HOLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEE ANY …
"TAKATA RECALL" THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY. MY DAUGHTER ALSO HAS A SEBRING CONVERTIBLE AND HER DOES THE SAME THING ONLY IT IS A 2002. THIS SEEMS MORE THAN A COINCIDENCE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLES ARE IN MOTION. SOMETIMES A WARNING SOUND HAPPENS AND SOM…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND STRUCK A GUARDRAIL TWICE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. T…
HAD FUEL PUMP REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. THEN AT GAS STATION WOULDNT START AT ALL, HAD A TOW TRUCK TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC AND THAT MECHANIC TAPPED ON GAS TANK AND IT STARTED AND SAID FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACE SO I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE THE NEW FUEL PUM…
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WITH BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND HUB BROKE OFF CAR, LUCKILY ON A SUBURBAN STREET
WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. (FORCEFULL), SO MUCH THAT I HIT SOMEONE THAT WAS 5+FT INFRONT OF ME I DO NOT HAVE PICTURES WITH ME. BUT I CAN PROVIDE THEM AND ALSO THE REPAIR BILL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A RAINY DAY, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND FRACTURED THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESID…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring.
Safety recalls
2004 Chrysler Sebring recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Chrysler Sebring. Seven recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs are completed 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Chrysler Sebring buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Chrysler Sebring reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 291 owner complaints, 27 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to frequent engine and airbag issues. 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 2004 Chrysler Sebring?▾
#1: Engine Problems (86 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (42 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Chrysler Sebring, NHTSA complaints include 27 crash-related reports and 21 fire reports out of 291 total complaints. 29 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Chrysler Sebring. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Seven recalls indicate a need to verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Chrysler Sebring?▾
The 2004 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to frequent engine and airbag issues. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are addressed. Engine and airbag problems can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. Suspension and electrical faults further impact reliability and ownership costs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems 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 2004 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.