Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 0803006 | 08/25/2006 | 0803006A | 10021239 | Powertrain control module initialization. *kb | 03/23/2007 |
| 2100102 | 07/01/2002 | 635719 | Some vehicles may have a transaxle that will not move or slips in reverse or first gear. *tt | 10/30/2002 | |
| 2100302 | 07/29/2002 | 635723 | This bulletin provides information about atf+4 usage. *tt | 10/30/2002 | |
| 2100601 | 03/16/2001 | 211699 | 621898 | Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj | 10/03/2001 |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||||
| 0801505 | 03/02/2005 | 10013731 | Powertrain control module initialization. *sc | 04/26/2005 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 27 | 10/01/2002 | 10000330 | The transaxle low/reverse accumulator cover o-ring on certain vehicles may become dislodged. *tt | 02/24/2003 | |
| 02020 | 10/23/2002 | 10000329 | Delayed transaxle engagement after initial start up. *tt | 02/24/2003 | |
| 02012 | 08/05/2002 | 02007 | 635704 | Some vehicles may experience a slipping or no drive condition in reverse or first gear. *tt | 10/30/2002 |
| 02012 | 08/21/2002 | 02012 | 635706 | Some vehicles may experience a slipping or no drive condition in reverse or first gear. *tt | 10/30/2002 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 11/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| Front brake rotors warped beyond repair at delivery. front grill area deeply scratched on both sides of grill. transmission jerks badly when going into gear. all tires badly out of balance at delivery. because of the out of balance tires and the warped brakes the abs system sensor could receive false signals therefore rendering the abs inoperable. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 11/25/2008 | 48000 | 1 | |
| Problem # 1 - started as intermittent / now constant. speedometer intermittently wacky. earlier in nov. 2008, exhibited a problem that i first saw two winters ago. in dec 2006, had the same symptom - speedometer going wild. in the repair shop, the rep replaced inner & outer speed sensors based on codes he saw from computer. problem not seen since 12/06 until recently. in early oct 2008, only about three brief instances. now the wacky speedometer is frequent / constant. going along at 55 mph, suddenly speedometer needle flips to 10 mph (presumably the car is still really traveling along at 55 mph). in fraction of a second the needle swings back up to 60 mph, then down to 20 mph, then up to 70 mph, then down again to 5 mph... i took the car in for service at a local garage. garage tech replaced both inner & outer transmission sensors on 12/5/2008 -based on computer codes, and reset ?check engine? light. since replacing both speed sensors the ?wild speedometer? problem still happens; swing of the needle is just a little less, engine light comes back on (constantly) after having speedometer swing wildly for a few minutes. problem # 2 - possibly related (or not) - at lower speeds (5-30 mph), the car transmission seems to respond fine (other than the wild speedometer issue). i mean that is the car registers 1000-2000 rpm, sounds like engine is running well. car seems to drive fine at higher speeds after driving for some time at 50-60 mph, then slowing to exit (down or up a ramp) when speed is slowed to around 20 mph, transmission seems to abruptly downshift to lower gear (small buck can be felt); then car seems to stay in low-gear. i can still drive the car but when the speed is around 30 mph, the rpm is over 3000, can hear the engine straining. i pull over, turn-off engine, sit a minute, restart car, it is ok once again to drive. it can go over 30 mph or higher and maintain around 2000 rpm (until speed is reduced to 20 mph (cycle continues). *tr | |||
| 08/15/2007 | 1 | 05/05/2006 | |
| When i purchased the car with approximately 44,000 miles i test drove it and it ran fine. at 60,000 miles the transmission began to give me problems, it made noise only while the car was in drive. i took it to a certified transmission place and they had it for two days and stated that my transmission was fine. less than 2 weeks later the transmission went out. i had it repaired but im still having problems now the transmission jumps while slowing down between 35 to 30 mph. *tr | |||
| 03/05/2007 | 70350 | 12 | 12/19/2001 |
| Automatic transmission has been jerking hard when shifting to 5th gear since the purchase of the car. when reported to the service department, the response was there is no problem. check engine light would linger on intermittently but no code returned. at 70,350 miles, the check engine light came on, when shifted from park to reverse and neutral to drive, the car jerks hard and the transmission will not shift out of first gear. immediately took it to an auto shop (speedy auto) and left the car for two days. the check engine light was still on but the transmission shifted fine. no code available. problem was clear for 3 days then recurred. after the car sat for over 12 hours, the light went out and car shifted fine. the light has now been on for 8 days and still jerks when shifting from park to reverse and neutral to drive. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2006 | 38000 | 1 | 12/01/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not switch gears. the non service dealer determined the vehicle needed a new transmission to correct the issue. | |||
| 03/24/2006 | 2 | ||
| While shifting from reverse to drive, car feels like it is in neutral. i must shift back and forth to get vehicle moving again. this usually is not a problem because it usually happens in a parking stall, where not a lot of moving cars are around to hit me. almost always after the neutral/drive problem, the transmission will shift down hard when going from second down to first gear, causing a jerking motion. this has caused me to take it into the shop twice now, and it was different problems each time. the first was a sensor, the second, a tsb needed updating. each time i take it in, i am guaranteed about a $200 charge. *jb | |||
| 02/20/2003 | 7375 | 1 | 05/01/2002 |
| Transmission slips occasionally. transmission fluid under car. dealership repaired transmission cooler lines (clamps)*jb | |||
| 12/02/2005 | 48930 | 1 | 06/23/2005 |
| Recently while driving my 2002 chrysler sebring lx i was slowing down off an exit ramp and the car suddenly grabbed at around 32 mph. i found out by monitoring my speeds that you have to go over 36 mph and slow down to 32 mph for it to grab and it does it every time. the check engine light has never came on and has been checked for working operation. i recently had the car taken to a dealer to be put on a diagnostics machine where there they said they can't even say what is wrong, they said something is wrong but for the machine to not even pick it up something isn't right. all fluids have been checked by myself and the mechanic and they have maintained proper level. we have reason to believe maybe a sensor or just to reset the whole car all i know is this is costing me lot of money. i wanted to report this case. this may be a start to a recall on the car. if the dealer and the computer can't find it maybe you can help? *jb | |||
| 01/15/2005 | 28000 | 1 | 06/15/2004 |
| Transmission had a minor leak then one day the car would not engage in drive for several seconds. once the car was moving it had a very sudden and harsh down shift when the vehicle slowed to a stop. now the whole transmission is being replaced on a 2002 sebring sedan with 28000 miles. *jb | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 12 | 04/27/2002 | |
| The vehicle's engine seized while driving. *nm the vehicle had a continuing brake problems and would die while in motion. the consumer requested reimbursement. when the vehicle was first purchased at 92 miles, there was a problem with low oil. the consumer was advised that the transmission leaked. the vehicle would continue to lose power and the oil light had come back on. other problems were: the brake light was intermittent, the front end would vibrate, the brakes squealed, there was slight leak at the proportioning valve, the top was pulled down and the radio had become inoperative, the side mirrors and the power locks had become inoperative, and the brake pads had worn down to 2/32. *sc *jb | |||
| 09/10/2004 | 31800 | 1 | 10/26/2001 |
| While the vehicle was in the park position on a slight grade , the vehicle rolled backwards, resulting in a collision. there were no fatalities, but there was extensive damage in the amount of $3,000. *ak *jb | |||
| 11/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| When shifting from park into reverse vehicle wont move, but from park to neutral vehicle would go forward. dealer inspected vehicle several times and replaced some sensors. but problem recurred.*ak | |||
| 06/02/2002 | 3421 | 10 | 04/13/2002 |
| Since i bought my car 4/13/03 i have had brake system problems on 6/2002,9/23,11/27-3/2003,5/03,9/03,9/18,10/01/03,10/07/03 each time adjustments, repairs, replacement have been done. now since 9/23/03 along with the brake problem that still existing i am experiencing very a heavy,vibration this is felt when the car is at a standstill car can either be in neutral or park and it feels as though there is a vibrating mechanism attached to your car. the service department says they couldn't detect anything on their scanning device. *la | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 10/07/2001 | ||
| I am currently driving a 2002 chrysler sebring lxi and everytime we reach about the speed of 50-65 mph the transmission sounds like the old bat mobile. it whines and has a real loud wind whistle. can you tell me if you have recieved any other complaints about this year and model vehicle? i have connected the dealership where i purchased it and they said that is normal sounds. i have also taken it to another dealership and recieved the same response. we can't believe that a company would make a car that has a bad wind noise coming from the tranmission.it has started slipping on occasions and when we come to a stop it shifts hard and again the dealership said that is normal. | |||
| 12/27/2002 | 50000 | 05/08/2002 | |
| When slowing down, transmission jumps very hard when going into 1st gear. when driving 45 to 55 mph, when hitting a bump in the road, there is a thump in the passenger side front. not consistlently, but enough to cause concern. | |||
| 03/20/2002 | |||
| Was driving vehicle between 50-60mph and transmission downshifted on its own. took vehicle to dealer and was informed smart car has to learn driving habits of owner.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES | |||
| 12/15/2006 | 34250 | 24 | 04/20/2002 |
| I own a 2002 chrysler sebring with approx. 35k mileage. the transmission started acting funny about three weeks ago. it would not budge when in drive gear or would stall at red light. it was worse when cold. i took it to chrysler dealer in greenvale, new york. they indicated a transmission leak requiring change of transmission oil and cleaning, even though chrysler manual itself does not indicate transmission service before 45k mileage. they changed the transmission lines and hoses and charged me over $400 for the service. chrysler fails to acknowledge a design defect requiring this service. ultimately, i discovered that you have received many complaints regarding the same issue and also outright transmission failure which chrysler fails to address. i know that a recall was issued by nhsta for 2001 chrysler sebring regarding similar issues. perhaps it is time you issue the same recall for 2002 chrysler sebring. even better, please issue a cease and desist order against all american manufacturers of crap they call motor vehicles, so we need not make similar complaints in the future. *jb | |||
| 04/16/2004 | 20765 | 5 | 12/01/2001 |
| While driving air bag warning light illuminated and stayed on the remainder of the time while vehicle was being operated. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak a rattling noise could be heard in the dash area. the consumer found a nut and notified the dealer. the dealer informed the consumer that the nut did not belong in the dash and they insulated the dash so no more noise could be heard. the consumer feels the nut came from something in the dash. the seat belt pre-tensioner was replaced three times. the transmission fluid began to leak. the dealer determined that the cooler line clamps became loose and caused the transmission fluid to leak. *nm | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | |||
| 12/16/2006 | 61000 | 2 | |
| Tl* - the contact was at a stop with the gear in park; when she applied the accelerator pedal the gear shifted to neutral. this incident has occurred on two occasions. the contact has researched similar complaints on the nhtsa website related to the 2002 chrysler sebring. the contact's mechanic stated the failure is due to a failure in the drive shaft. the contact's vehicle was taken to the mechanic on december 18, 2006 for repair. the power train is under warranty. | |||
| 11/25/2003 | 9500 | 5 | 08/05/2002 |
| In november i noticed that in the mornings when i would get ready to drive to work my car would reverse when put in drive. since i had just move to california for my new job and was in training i didn't get the time off to take my car to a dealership until january 06, 2003. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT | |||
| 11/01/2003 | 1 | 03/02/2002 | |
| Dt consumer states when the key is out of the ignition switch, the gear shift can slip to another gear. *tt | |||
| 12/29/2003 | 1 | 07/12/2002 | |
| I have now had two incidents where i have accidently/unknowingly moved the floor transmission gear shift from drive to neutral while driving my car. they have both been while proceeding to make a left hand turns with oncoming traffic and were near accidents. *ak the gear shift moves so easily from drive to neutral with just the slightest pressure causing the loss of engine power as it goes into neutral. i didn't realize what had happened when just the force of stopping, before turning, with my hand resting on the shifter pushed it out of gear. the second time just moving my purse onto the console pushed it out of gear. i have owned 4 other vehicles with floor shifters and have never experienced the movement of the shifter without first pressing in the release button. i thought the reason the gear release buttons were installed on vehicles was to prevent the accidental movement of the gear shift. when sitting in this vehicle the only place to comfortably rest your right arm is on the arm rest which then extends to your fingers resting on the ball of the shifter. to access the release button you have to actually go under shifter to press it in, this is a safe procedure, but now that i found out that it does not work that way i am consciously aware of getting into an accident because of it. i now find myself sitting on my right hand while driving and when a passenger is in the front seat i warn them not to bump the shifter while reaching for their drink in the holder. i called the dealer to make sure this was not a defect and he assured me that it was normal design of the car. is this a normal design of all cars? if it is, it is a very poor design. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 12/08/2001 | 1 | 10/01/2001 | |
| At brothers graduation in lansing when the problem came up. called home dealership who said it was too far away to do anything about. had the car towed to the nearest dealer, where it took a month to get it fixed. chrysler said they would only fix it and would do nothing else until it happened again. no safety defec tmentioned. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 06/25/2007 | 64800 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler sebring. on june 25, 2007, while driving 25 mph, the transmission failed. the contact was able to restart the vehicle several times. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced and will cost between $1,500-$2,300. the vin, purchase date, and engine size were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 64,800. | |||
| 12/05/2002 | |||
| While driving the vehicel at 40mph the automatic trasmission broke causing consumer to pull off the road. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts | |||