Before you buy
This 2008 Chrysler Sebring has 352 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2008 Chrysler Sebring Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2008 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.
2008 Chrysler Sebring Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2008 Chrysler Sebring 4-DR. w/SABOfficial 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 2008 has 352 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Top issues include electrical faults (121), engine problems (82), and unintended acceleration (47). Buyers should inspect thoroughly. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chrysler
- Model
- Sebring
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 352
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2008 Chrysler Sebring problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
The 2008 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to numerous electrical and engine complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly.
Electrical faults and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, affecting reliability and ownership satisfaction.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher maintenance risk.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Inspection Focus
- Inspect all electrical systems, including wiring and modules.
- Check engine for common issues like stalling or misfires.
- Test transmission for slipping or harsh shifting.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical system for faults (e.g., lights, windows, starting issues).
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring shows a high volume of electrical faults (121 complaints) and engine problems (82 complaints), along with transmission issues (65) and unintended acceleration reports (47). Buyers should be aware of these patterns, though the data is consumer-submitted and not confirmed as defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2008 has elevated complaints across multiple systems, particularly electrical and engine.
Recall context: Four recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 121 complaints, the highest count.
- Engine problems total 82 complaints, a major concern.
- Unintended acceleration has 47 complaints, a safety-related issue.
- Electrical Faults (121 complaints)
- Engine Problems (82 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (65 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2008 Chrysler Sebring complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 121 | 3 | 4 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 82 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 65 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 47 | 7 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 33 | 8 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 32 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 28 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 22 | 4 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On December 15, 2025, while driving my 2008 Chrysler Sebring in Indianapolis, Indiana, I noticed smoke coming from the driver’s side near the battery. Shortly afterward, the car completely stopped responding — the brakes and steering were unresponsive — and the vehicle caught fir…
I have a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan. The radiator is leaking fluid that splashes all over the wires causing a burning smell. I later found out that this is caused by an electrical issue with the sensors. Similarly my tire pressure sensors are fried. These issues have eroded wire…
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the transmission was shifted to park(P), but after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact then noticed that the instrument panel indicated that the transmissio…
The car loss compression in the middle of driving. Try to crank it but it drains the battery. Also, I bought the car a year the buy here pay here company ripped out the lemon law page for Tennessee but kept the other pages in.
See attached document for complaint.
Engine frequently stalls while driving. I've had my car shut off while I'm driving many times, the steering wheel and brakes lock up and it makes it hard to get off the street to safety. This happens a LOT. It is very dangerous and scary. I get anxiety everytime I drive because I…
I was on my way to work. All the warning light appeared on my dash. Then all the warning light, radio, speedometer gage and all head light and tail lights went out. I was driving in the dark. My engine bogged down no power. I was barley moving. I replaced the battery no differenc…
Brakes stopped working while in drive
purchased may 15th.and now car sits in my apartment parking lot as a roadblock for all tenants since May 27th. 2008sebring started fine.drove 2 miles roundtrip, vehicle ride was rough upon turning into residence thankfully I was not on the street in traffic when the car decided…
While driving down the road the Lexus it locks the steering wheel to keep it from moving at all broke almost causing me to have an accident when making the turn it will not pass safety inspection now because of the broken piece inside the steering column that’s where I was going…
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to another dealer for assistance. The vehicl…
No incident as of yet my air bag light on a ND there is ticking from the passenger side of the compartment glove box and the drivers seat moves when coming to a stop
Ticking noise coming from passengers compartment glove box seat belt light on and seat moves when come to a stop and driver side door handle just came off on the passenger side can't open the door from outside of vehicle there should be recall for this
In February 2021 my car wouldn’t stop, tried to give it a jump and it still wouldn’t start. Replaced the battery and it started working again. In April 2021 my engine light came on. I got a diagnostic and the error code read: P2016 Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Ci…
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact waited for a while for the vehicle to cool off before being able to operate the vehicle as intended. The check engine warning light was …
My TPS light has been on for quite some time and after a short time since the first time it appeared my issue worsens everyday. My car STALLS, not only when I am stopped at a light, but even when I am driving at high speeds and the Check Engine light stays on all the time and bli…
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND WAITED FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED A…
AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT LOSS OF POWER WILL OCCUR AND MOTOR WILL SHUT OFF. ANYTIME ON THE FREEWAY OR PARKED. OCCASIONALLY AT RANDOM INTERVALS CAR WILL CRANK BUT NOT TURN OVER UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO START IT WILL TURN OVER APPROPRIATELY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V473000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). TH…
THE DOOR LOCKING MACHANIZISM HAS FAILED . THE AIR BAG LITE STAYS ON...
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring.
Safety recalls
2008 Chrysler Sebring recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Four recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Chrysler Sebring buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 352 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to numerous electrical and engine complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly. 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (121 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (82 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (65 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Chrysler Sebring, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 352 total complaints. 23 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Four recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Chrysler Sebring?▾
The 2008 Sebring is a high-risk purchase due to numerous electrical and engine complaints. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly. Electrical faults and engine problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, affecting reliability and ownership satisfaction. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
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.