Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 0700202 | 02/04/2002 | 070200 | 629131 | A vehicle may exhibit low or no cabin heat, engine overheating and / or coolant bottle damage after service has been performed on the engine cooling system. *tt | 03/27/2002 |
| 0700202 | 02/04/2002 | 070200 | 629133 | Subject regarding low or no cabin head, engine cooling system system fill procedure. *tt | 03/27/2002 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 1802701 | 11/23/2001 | 628186 | Some vehicles may exhibit moderate to severe high way speed 45-60 mph vehicle surge. *tt | 03/06/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 04/06/2012 | 118000 | ||
| I was driving on freeway and engine gave out and i got stuck on shoulder, had to call a tow truck and my mechanic said my engine seized. i have my care serviced regularly and did not know of this engine/oil sludge problem. i cannot afford a new engine or to buy a new car. | |||
| 05/12/2010 | 104244 | ||
| This complaint follows others that own the sebring conv. and the sludge buildup,.i also do reg. maint. on the vehicle and now have an engine that has siezed & failed in the middle of the highway almost causing a pileup. i have researched this vehicle and have found numerous complaints on this problem, not only on this site but several others, i also understand that a class action suit is being brought againt chrysler on the 2.7ltr engine for this fact. the oil light kept flickering took it in to have it checked out and could not find anything wrong, levels correct, it would go out for awhile and then boom.this would go on like every 3 months or so since i haved owned this car .never again chrysler.will it take a death for you to order a recall on these engines??? | |||
| 09/27/2011 | 93546 | ||
| Engine died due to oil sludge problem, however, we kept the car in good condition and performed maintenance regularly | |||
| 02/24/2011 | 56000 | ||
| I have a 2002 chrysler sebring converible, with 56k miles, with a blown engine, rod thru it due to oil sludge. oil was changed on the car every 4 months. | |||
| 02/21/2011 | 144000 | ||
| I bought the car 2 weeks ago. everything was fine. i change the oil, replaced spark plugs like i do to all cars i buy. about 2 days ago the oil light started to turn on. took it to the mechanic and he told me it might be a sensor. changed the sensor but the light still turned on. took it back to the shop & after a better inspection he told me it was the oil pump. told me not to drive it until i get it fixed and that it would cost me $1000 to replace it. i'm writting this complaint because after a search online i can see i was not the only one with this type of problem. | |||
| 10/06/2002 | 113000 | ||
| Engine | |||
| 10/22/2010 | |||
| I just bought a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. i have had the car for a month, i bought it from my mother. the oil was changed right before i bought it and i haven't driving more than 3000 miles since i bought the car. on friday october 22nd, 2010 my engine started knocking when i started it up and when i started driving it, the oil light started flickering and the engine stalled out at every stop light. the car started jerking while i was driving it and i had aaa come tow it to their auto shop and they confirmed that i will need a new engine for the car. it has approximately 92,000 miles on it and the mechanic told me about the problems the 2.7 liter engines in chryslers and dodges. i can't afford to replace the engine especially since i just paid money for this car about a month ago! i am so upset! | |||
| 09/07/2010 | 77000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while backing out of a parking space driving 2 mph the vehicle accelerated to 4000 rmps. she engaged the brake and the vehicle continued to rev. she engaged the emergency brakes and put the vehicle into park and shut the vehicle off. the failure has happen 6 times and the problem as been going on for approximately 1 month. the contact stated once when the vehicle accelerate she engaged the brakes and her forehead hit the steering wheel. the vehicle was purchased used in june 2007. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic was still working on the vehicle. the contact did stated that the engine needed cleaning. the contact did not know all of the repairs that the mechanic had to perform. the contact was unable to provide a vin. the failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 81,049. vwb | |||
| 11/16/2008 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Car takes forever for the engine to warm up, sometimes stalling & hard to start. the heater most of the time does not work in my 2002 chrysler sebring lxi, it only blows cold air. the seat heater works, however it has a loud noise on the drivers side when operating. *tr | |||
| 02/12/2009 | 55200 | 1 | |
| This was a properly maintained vehicle which had sudden engine failure at just over 55,000 miles. the oil pressure light flashed on and within seconds, the engine began to lose power. like many other registered complaints (on this site and other sites), investigation revealed oil sludge and excess oil burnoff which led to catastrophic engine failure. i was quoted a minimum of $3500 for engine replacement, though research suggests that the engine for the vehicle is flawed (though chrysler has apparently refused to address ongoing issues with oil sludge and engine failure). *tr | |||
| 11/15/2008 | 65000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while driving approximately 70 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and the vehicle spontaneously stalled. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician speculated that the oil pump locked up, which may have caused the failure. the technician also stated that he needed to replace the engine at the cost of $4,700. the contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the manufacturer was unable to assist. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 65,000. | |||
| 08/27/2008 | 64000 | 1 | |
| A fuel pump was replaced in the car. after the repair the car ran bad and the engine light was on. dealer advised it was only oil sludge and it was okay to drive. the car experienced a complete engine failure while driving on the interstate. *tr | |||
| 07/30/2008 | 52500 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while driving approximately 50-55 mph, the contact heard a knocking sound while braking and accelerating. the noise persisted for three days. on the fourth day, while braking to stop the vehicle, the engine shut off. in order to restart the vehicle, she had to shift the gear into park. later the same day, the vehicle lost power while driving approximately 55 mph. the contact was able to drive to a local repair facility and a diagnostic indicated that the map sensor was defective, and the oxygen in the fuel injection was not operating properly. the mechanic advised her that the part would be available the following day; however, she was later informed that there was a national back order. this meant that they had no idea when the part would be available. the contact is unable to reach the manufacturer. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 53,000 and failure mileage was 52,500. updated 10/30/08. *lj the consumer stated the vehicle would stall at various times. updated 10/30/08. *jb | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 103000 | 1 | |
| I bought the car brand new, added the extended warranty and had several things go wrong. just to name a few: engine shut down without warning and had to be replaced when it was just over the 100,000 mile warranty even though oil changes and regular maintenance was done 3-4000 miles, transmission pan had metal shavings in it which resulted in poor performance, control arm had to be replaced after chrysler dealership told me the problem was the motor mounts(i did not need the mounts replaced and the repair was not done under warranty), water pump & thermostat housing(was told both weren't covered and should have been), rear window defroster replaced and/or fixed three times, driver power window regulator replaced(glass had to be replaced because of damage from the regulator, which i paid), visor vanity light-part ordered but too late when tried to have it replaced(was not notified that part was in), dash lights-on & off, headlights replace several times, hub seal replaced, passenger seat adjust arm broken, lighter inoperative, check engine light on first month i had the car! *tr | |||
| 07/25/2007 | 98000 | 1 | 07/15/2006 |
| I purchased a 2002 sebring convertible limited edition one year ago. i maintained the car, changed the oil regularly, and put 20,000 miles on the car before it threw a rod. i had changed the oil 2 days prior to this event. the car has under 100,000 miles total. the dealership quoted me $8000 to repair the engine. they will only give me $1000 on a trade, leaving me in too much negative equity (-$6400) to afford another vehicle. they are unyielding in every aspect and refuse to help me get into another vehicle or to repair what is clearly a common problem with these engines. it didn't take much research to learn these engines are junk. now i am renting a vehicle and still do not know what i am going to do. they are forcing me into a repo situation, which will absolutely ruin my credit. not to mention, i cannot get into another car with that one still in financing. since i had the oil changed at another shop, they blamed the shop and said they did something wrong. funny, the same shop and same guy has been changing my oil for 20 years and i've never had any problems before. i was almost hit when the incident occurred as i could not safely get off the freeway. this has been a nightmare! and still, i have no vehicle. *jb | |||
| 06/28/2006 | 70000 | 1 | 09/07/2001 |
| I was on my way to work on june 28th the car began to knock and shake wildly. my engine just blew, i had oil changes regularly. after doing some research and working to find me a new engine, my mechanic said that this engine is notorious for blowing and they usually go at 50,000 miles. at least i got 70,000. it is sitting in his shop right now, i can't pay for it. this car cost $30,000. new. i leased it now it will cost $36,000. and i will have nothing to show for it come december! *jb | |||
| 09/29/2006 | 47000 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph on a dry smooth highway, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. the vehicle started back, but there was a very loud noise coming from the engine. there were no problems prior to this incident. the contact maintained oil changes every 3,000 miles. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the engine failed and needed to be replaced. the mechanic informed the contact this was an ongoing problem with this motor. | |||
| 11/16/2005 | 74484 | 1 | |
| My car quit in the middle of the street because the engine failed. cost of repair is $3,600. *jb | |||
| 09/20/2005 | 1 | 03/01/2004 | |
| Dt: the contact stated the engine started to knock, it was taken to a chrysler dealership, and they stated the crankshaft needed to be replaced. the dealership then called and said it needed a new engine, and chrysler would provide a rebuilt engine. according to the dealership, the problem was due to the contact's negligence. he changed the oil himself, and had no proof to show it was maintained properly. therefore, chrysler was not going to fix the vehicle under warranty. *ak | |||
| 01/03/2005 | 75000 | 1 | 04/18/2003 |
| I followed the maintenence schedule on my 2002 chrysler sebring with regular scheduled oil changes, yet i am now faced with replacing the engine because of oil sludge build up in my 2.7 engine. i understand that this is a well known and common problem. the quote from the chrysler service dept is 10k for replacement.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 09/11/2008 | 63000 | 1 | |
| The engine died. taken to repair shop, no compression, engine shot. 63,000. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 08/28/2009 | 54974 | 1 | |
| I recently purchased a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible from a private individual and after a few weeks had the car in the garage for a quick checkup. my mechanic said the engine with only 50,000 original miles looks like it is from a vehicle with 150,000 miles because of the sludge buildup. i am afraid to purchase a used engine (which is hard to find to begin with) because it may fail because of the problem with these engines from sludge and also the timing chain problem i have discovered after much research of the 2.7l engine on the internet. instead i have to pay over $5000.00 to have a remanufactured engine installed in my used vehicle. *tr | |||
| 12/23/2008 | 112000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway. the road conditions were not a factor. the failure occurred while exiting off of the highway. the contact struggled to maintain control of the vehicle. he was informed that a new engine would be needed at the cost of $3,000. the failure occurred without warning. the contact did not want to restart the engine because there was too much oil all over the engine and hood of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic and he stated that the failures were caused by a jump timing and faulty parts. there were no crashes, injuries, or property damage done to the vehicle. the vehicle is still at the repair shop, but no repairs have been made. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 112,000. | |||
| 10/27/2008 | 90500 | 1 | |
| Premature engine failure, 2.7 liter chrysler no warning lights leading up to inevitable engine failure. 10/27/08, 6:30 p.m. heater abruptly stopped working. 10/28, 2 miles into a.m. commute; stopped at red light, turned right once traffic clear. upon acceleration engine hesitates, nearly causing driver behind to rear end me. pulled off street to check that car was running ok, seemed fine. 9 miles into commute. oil light flickers, pulled into gas station within 4 blocks, scared engine would lock up or blow. checked oil, dry dipstick! purchased 2 quarts, added 1 & barely registered on dipstick. added 2nd, now registered over filled (oil in engine was held back due to sludge, & released while adding new oil?). oil light stops flickering & is off. 1 more mile to work. engine hesitated a couple of times during a.m. & p.m. commutes. 9:58 p.m., 11 miles into p.m. commute stop at gas station, check oil. before opening hood, noticed antifreeze odor, couldn | |||
| 07/30/2008 | 117000 | 1 | |
| 2.7 liter engines my mechanic said they are bad designs he has had alot ofcome in his shop with rods knocking. *tr | |||
| 04/08/2008 | 75600 | 1 | |
| Motor failed at 75,600 miles when the oil had been changed every 3-4,000 miles. *tr | |||
| 03/01/2008 | 72000 | 1 | |
| I am yet another owner of a chyrsler sebring with the 2.7l motor going bad do to engine oil sludging that chrysler refuses to address with a recall. it is in a 2002 ith 72,000 miles on the engine. brian kleshinskio od *tr | |||
| 12/14/2007 | 81000 | 1 | 06/01/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while driving 50 mph, the engine stalled. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that there was oil sludge in the engine that caused the engine to fail. no repairs were made. the current and failure mileages were 81,000. updated 03/18/08. *lj the consumer stated the vehicle is still under warranty. updated 03/18/08 *tr | |||
| 08/06/2007 | 78000 | 1 | 07/24/2007 |
| Driving on the morning of august 6, 2007 and my car's oil came on, which it has in the past and nothing could be found wrong. a few miles down the road my car's engine began to knock and smoke. when i opened the engine the car was completely out of oil. and there was no leak. when i got the car to a local dealership i was told that my engine was gone. *tr | |||
| 11/16/2006 | 95000 | 1 | 04/01/2005 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring convertible. while driving 50 mph the vehicle suddenly decelerated and shut off. the contact waited five minutes, and was able to restart the vehicle. approximately ten minutes later the vehicle shut off again without warning. the contact opened the hood, and noticed oil and antifreeze leaking throughout the engine. the mechanic stated that fluids backed up into the engine. the roads were wet due to rain, however there was no water found in the engine. the mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. no additional failures have occurred. the current and failure mileages were 95,000. *ak | |||
| 10/28/2006 | 43195 | 1 | 07/22/2002 |
| Driving on i-295 in the evening when engine suddenly, dramatically and without warning lost power and started stalling. my wife was very nearly struck by traffic from behind due to the sudden loss of power while on a major highway. we were informed by a local mechanic that the engine is blown and needs to be replaced. *nm | |||
| 06/28/2006 | 69000 | 1 | |
| I was on my way to work on june 28th the car began to knock and shake wildly. my engine just blew, i had oil changes regularly. after doing some research and working to find me a new engine, my mechanic said that that this engine is notorious for blowing and they usually go at 50,000 miles. at least i got 70,000. it is sitting in his shop right now, i can't pay for it. this car cost $30,000. new. i leased it now it will cost $36,000. and i will have nothing to show for it come december! *nm | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 27000 | 1 | |
| While driving 20 mph driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. suddenly, the vehicle jerked and vibrated. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 12/24/2003 | 28000 | 1 | 05/30/2002 |
| Auto was running normal.. then heard noise from car.. started to feel hesitation as i pressed on gas pedal. it would run ok for a few minutes then hesitation felt again. drove to chrysler dealership nearby..days later i was calledto be told a new engine is required..dealership and chrysler refusing to honor warranty, despite fact that car has been maintained properly..told by dealership car is too dangerous to start or drive without new engine..had to have it towed off their lot april 04..fearful to even turn the ignition ..it sits in my garage..owned car for 18 months at time of failure with less than 28,000 miles.. please help.. edc. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2004 | 35762 | 1 | 10/21/2002 |
| Automobile was running normally, suddenly there was a loud clacking sound from the engine, oil light went on, car shut off as i slowed down and pulled off of the turnpike. chrysler is refusing to honor warranty, despite fact that car has been maintained properly. a new engine is required (this is the infamous 2.7 chrysler/dodge engine). *ak | |||
| 09/07/2002 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway she heard a noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle started shaking and she lost power. vehicle completely shut down. the dealership is aware of the problem. mr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 03/19/2008 | 72500 | 1 | 08/31/2002 |
| The car began to make a loud noise from the engine area that sounded like a loud muffler. we took it to the mechanic near our home who diagnosed it with a failed tensioner spring on the timing belt which caused engine sludge. *tr | |||
| 11/30/2007 | 74500 | 1 | 06/15/2003 |
| Major headache has been the recent engine damage as a result of what may be oil sludge gathered in the motor. engine seized briefly upon switching from 1st to 2nd gear, then began clicking upon acceleration or deceleration to/from high rpms (upshifting and downshifting). chrysler dealership claims the problem is broken connector rod and bearing in #2 cylinder, which necessitates a new engine. estimated price tag: $10,000 (more than vehicle's worth). other problems with this vehicle have included faulty passenger airbag part that required replacement; persistent dimming/flickering of instrument panel lights; multiple battery and headlight burnouts; emission leaks on two separate occasions requiring two separate repairs; and cd player skipping, requiring (according to chrysler) a completely new stereo system. speakers are somewhat shot and the driver-side sunvisor clip broke under slight pressure. *tr | |||
| 06/30/2007 | 67722 | 1 | 12/20/2006 |
| Engine started to knock , shut off towed home parked ever since . 4000.00 to replace engine unable to afford. *tr | |||
| 01/15/2002 | 1 | 09/01/2001 | |
| On 1/15/2002 consumer was driving at a speed of 55 miles per hour. suddenly, the car began decelerating rapidly. consumer pushed down on the accelerator, but the vehicle failed to respond. instead, it continued its rapid deceleration. it felt as though the engine had simply died. there was a vehicle behind consumer which came very close to my rear end. this experience nearly caused an accident. after a few moments, consumer was able to proceed at a normal speed. consumer contacted a local chrysler dealership the next day, described the problem, and brought the car in for testing. the dealership was unable to recreate the problem. jlg *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 12/01/2008 | 86000 | 1 | |
| Sludge in engine makes loud noise nees new engine. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 11/30/2007 | 74500 | 1 | 06/15/2003 |
| Major headache has been the recent engine damage as a result of what may be oil sludge gathered in the motor. engine seized briefly upon switching from 1st to 2nd gear, then began clicking upon acceleration or deceleration to/from high rpms (upshifting and downshifting). chrysler dealership claims the problem is broken connector rod and bearing in #2 cylinder, which necessitates a new engine. estimated price tag: $10,000 (more than vehicle's worth). other problems with this vehicle have included faulty passenger airbag part that required replacement; persistent dimming/flickering of instrument panel lights; multiple battery and headlight burnouts; emission leaks on two separate occasions requiring two separate repairs; and cd player skipping, requiring (according to chrysler) a completely new stereo system. speakers are somewhat shot and the driver-side sunvisor clip broke under slight pressure. *tr | |||