9.1
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$4,543.00
Average Mileage:
86,749 miles
Total Complaints:
50 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace engine (30 reports)
- new engine (7 reports)
- needs new motor (5 reports)
- not sure (5 reports)
- rebuilt the engine (2 reports)
- dump vehicle (1 reports)
engine problem
Helpful Websites About 2002 Chrysler Sebring oil sludge resulting in engine failure
2007Nov 26
Sebring LX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,150 miles
OMG!!! I bought my car in 2003, I paid it off 2007. On Monday 26 November 2007 my car starts knocking real bad. So I pulled to the side of the road. Not realizing what the problem was I continue to drive home. As I approach a light my car shut off on me without any notification. I did not have any lights on warning me of any damages. Gratefully I am in the military and when your pulled over everyone seems to stop and asks if you need assistance. Finding the problem was easy for mechanics, my motor was DEAD. Just to be on the safe side I had two expert mechanics come out at different times to give me their opinion. I also even took it to the shop. I have to pay over $5,000 to repair the engine. The back thing is I get my maintenance done on the car every three months, I get it serviced when I'm supposed to. Why didn't anyone find this before it happened? The mechanics talk about oil sludge in my engine which caused my rod in my motor to go bad. This is crazy. I will never, ever buy another CHRYSLER. I called the dealership to find out there is nothing they can do for me. This is pathetic.
2009Jul 24
Sebring LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
NIGHTMARE....I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START!!! I was financing my car and loved it. I kept up with my car and gave it all the TLC it needed AND OIL CHANGES INCLUDED, but it didn't need much. As time went by I paid off my car in about 18 months(paid off early) and I was so happy!!! Give or take 3 months later my oil light started coming on and off. I thought of it as being a bad sensor or something, nothing more. Boy was I wrong. Then on my way to work my car shut off, but it cranked back up. My goal was to take it to the shop when I got a day off, but I never made it. My car started making a terrible noise and running hot. I parked it in my yard and haven't touched it since. Now I'm riding around using my Expedition which is killing me on gas. My mechanic said it's a $1,200 job but can get higher because I need a new engine. I don't think my car would get fixed anytime soon or might not get fixed at all....I'M VERY ANGRY AT CHYSLER FOR CONTINUING TO MAKE THESE CARS WHEN THEY KNEW THIS WOULD OF BEEN A PROBLEM!!! I WANT TO SUE THEM IF IT IS POSSIBLE!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 08
Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,457 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
It should have came with a warning label caution change oil every 2500 miles or buy a better built car made by someone else because this peace of s... is not worth s... or by the way Thanks sure do appreciate it Chrysler the worst part is i have no money to fix it!
2009Feb 10
Sebring 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
I have owned many Chrysler products in the past, if Chrysler were proactive and looking to the future they would admit the problem and fix it. But as it stands not they would rather take the low road and duck the complaints. Chrysler----good luck in getting me to buy another car from you. THIS IS WHY AMERICAN CAR COMPANIES ARE GOING UNDER----NO ACCOUNTABILITY!
2009May 01
Sebring Convertible 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,800 miles
it started out with the oil pressure light coming on because the sludge built up in the engine was slowing the oil flow in the oil pump causing the light to flicker and flash and sometimes stay on when coming to a stop because all of the oil would go to the front of the pan and the pump was not pumping fast enough therefore the return hose was sucking up air and causing the light to come on.
it was all downhill within weeks from there.
i have always used the best oils and the best filters and always changed the oil EVERY 3000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 03
Sebring ALL 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
The problem here is NOT lack of oil changes, that is a CORPORATE COP-OUT !!! The REAL problem is in the COOLING SYSTEM !! The coolant goes low-flow OR NO-FLOW for no apparent reason. The engine runs just below or at overheat temps which causes the oil to break down resulting in the sludge. Due to the LOCATION of the temp sender the gauge will SHOW normal temp although its overheating until its WAY TOO LATE to save the engine. The same result can be demonstrated on the stovetop with a frying pan and Crisco: overheat the pan and the Crisco turns to goo!! Change the water pump,thermostat and radiator and you would STILL get the same problems and the same oil sludge. Chrysler Corp. is covering a design flaw which will cost BILLIONS to fix by blaming the owner for lack of maintenance. BTW I am a mechanic and have 16 years under my belt, customer replaced engine AGAINST advice all new parts STILL has SAME basic problem: will not run under 217 degrees NO MATTER WHAT. Result will be engine failure... AGAIN
Update from May 26, 2009: update:
The problem is NOT lack of oil changes!! While the oil change IS important it is NOT the cause of the sludge and failure of the engine!! The sludge is the excuse Chrysler has adopted to cover the real problem in the design which would cost BILLIONS to recall. The REAL PROBLEM lies in the COOLING SYSTEM: the coolant goes LOW-FLOW or NO-FLOW for NO APPARENT REASON. The temp. sender is MISPLACED and will show normal temp even though the engine is running too HOT. Instead of running at about 190-195 as it should the actual temp is between 215-230, JUST below overheat at ALL times. This breaks down the oil and causes it to sludge up the engine. You can change the oil every 1000 miles and the end result WILL sludge anyway!
This can be demonstrated on the stove with a frying pan and Crisco: OVERHEAT the pan the Crisco WILL turn to goo!!! Replace the radiator, water pump, thermostat and coolant you will STILL get the SAME RESULT, the engine WILL sludge and eventually WILL fail. DONT BUY into the "Its your fault for not changing the oil" CORPORATE COP-OUT!!!
If yours still runs GET RID OF IT!! If it doesn't you may get $1000 or more at a LATE MODEL junkyard IF the body is CLEAN. Do NOT buy ANYTHING with a Chrysler 2.7L they are ALL time bombs. FYI I am a 16 year mechanic and give the SAME advice to my customers. I no longer advise repair/replacement of these engines after failure because its just a matter of time(bomb).
2007Nov 16
Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Add me to the list on this issue!! Chrysler take responsibility?! Hell no! Toyota did when they had the issue (a design flaw leading to the premature build-up of sludge) Honda did. Hmmm....could this be why people aren't buying American cars? It's not just that they do fail, but WHEN they do, the manufacturers deny any responsibility and refuse to honor warranties. As far as my situation- this is what I faced:
The engine started ticking, then a little bit louder tapping, so I drove it in to a gas station and he knew immediately- my engine was done. He knew so quickly, that I went for a second opinion, same thing. So I needed to replace the engine- really great news when you're unemployed. Not having $3,000 to do that, and seeing that others were selling at the time for $8,000-11,000 (LXI, all options, moon roof, etc), I'm thinking that, minus the $3,000 engine, that still left $5,000-8,000 of value in the car (retail). I considered trying to sell it- even as is for $3,000- I placed one ad and a guy called and told me I was nuts. So I went to a dealer, figured I'd trade it in- again, Kelly BB trade amount, minus $3,000 (which they could fix for less- with their mechanics), but it doesn't work that way- they just dump the cars at auctions- they couldn't, and wouldn't, be bothered fixing it.
So the bottom line was, no matter what the remaining value of my car was- if it didn't have a working engine- they would give me $0! So I would actually lose the entire value of the car, not just the engine, if I didn't keep it. If I kept it- I had to fix it- $3,000!!! Well, luckily, I HAD, had excellent credit over the years, before becoming unemployed, and had built up very high credit limits, with no balances- so I had space on my credit cards. (This all happened just over a year ago- those cards, that great credit...they're maxed out, shut off, credit ruined. What took 25 years to earn- gone in a year and a half!)
So the really comforting news is- the engine has been replaced and now....., I have no money and no credit any more either, to get a new car and I'M SITTING ON THE SAME LEMON OF AN ENGINE!!!! A TICKING TIME BOMB THAT ALSO MAY BLOW AT ANY TIME!!!!!
(When this happened a year ago, I registered complaints at a few sites- NTSB I think was one and a LEMON LAW one- I think Ralph Nader's group, and looked for a class action- and only found one started, but in another state. But I was contacted a couple months ago by a lawyer in my state- MA- and he started a case. Basically, I don't expect anything of it, and even if anything happened I know these things usually take years- but what the Heck, if he's up for it- why shouldn't I try and get my $3,000 back! Maybe they'll do the right thing and take responsibility like the other companies did.)
2008Nov 03
Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
wow... where to start... i had the car 1 year did all maintenance regularly.. changed oil, kept good tires on car and so forth. all was great with me and my lil convertible so i thought. Check engine light came on and airbag light so i took the car to the shop for a diagnostic.. i bought the car July 2007 and in July 2008 is when my problems started i guess. The shop said nothing wrong.. probably just a loose gas cap blah blah blah or an electrical issue no need to worry. ok cool. Im driving around 1 day and the car just dies all of the sudden, what in the world. it starts right back up. To make a long story short, Im out and about and the car seems to start to act funny as im driving, it makes a loud noise and is barely moving anyway as i pull into a gas station i raise up the hood and smoke and liquid coming from under car clearway liquid. I already knew... water pump.. arrghhh so the car gets towed to the shop and i need a new water pump, a seal crank, a tensioner, a gasket omygoddd $292.00is what i owed
All is good 2 weeks later i get my car back from the shop. I think im good. boy was i wrong
I was driving on my way to vote while making a left turn on a green light might i add the car died again. I am scared of this car at this moment, it is possessed.
so thankfully i make it home. now the fun part, after a late night out with friends im on my way home at a stoplight and the car died at stoplight but this time doesnt start again even with jumper cables. The car gets towed to the shop again. I get a cfall 2 days later from the shop man. He tells me my engine is locked up and doesnt know if warranty covers it until they take engine apart to see what caused engine to fail. So what choice do i have i tell him go ahead take it apart it needs fixed. When they took it apart whatta ya know... ENGINE SLUDGE and i need to provide oil change receipts since i have had the car which i dont keep receipts like that i didnt know u had to, i have never had a car with a failed engine, so warranty wont pay a dime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still owe money on this car so i go ahead and pay for a new engine. The car stayed in the shop from november till Feb 13th.
Now i finally get the car paid for get the car back and feb 17th check engine light came on while i was driving to work o my gosh does this ever end... i call the shop and say guess what check engine light on so i drop the car off another diagnostic says busted hose by gas tank which im getting a discount on since i have had soo much work done
this car has a brand new engine with 100000 mile warranty probably if i keep my oil change receipts so i better do that but if anything else goes wrong i am not fixing it
I am done with All chrysler products
2007Jan 31
Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
when i first found out the problem, i started looking for repair solutions. this motor is a very expensive piece of junk. why would i want to spend so much money on a replacement that is more than likely going to have a major failure again! Everywhere I looked to find a replacement they told me it was a very popular failure. Why does Chrysler not honor such a big problem. It turns out anything I hear about the engine is very poor.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Dec 11
Sebring Limited 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
engine should have been recalled this really sucks Chrysler should be sued
2008Nov 25
Sebring Limited 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I have had issues with my Sebring since I have owned it, mainly oil pan gasket, leaks, hoses, fairly minor repairs to be quite honest. I change my oil and do preventative maintenance often-my son is a mechanic. I am completely done with Chrysler after this last fiasco! The water pump gave out, not only was it a pain and major disassembly to get to, but once there we found the engine was covered in sludge! This sludge caused the engine to cease, and now I need a new engine. What should have been a minor repair has created a catastrophic issue-I need a new car! I only drove the car maybe a block when the temperature light came on and it started to over heat. Thank goodness I was just pulling into work and was not stranded in the middle of nowhere (which is where I was a few days earlier-road trip). I would imagine there is a lawsuit out there regarding this common issue. Can anyone direct me? Needless to say I will never ever purchase a Chrysler again-EVER!
2008Jul 08
Sebring Convertible LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
First time I had a problem car overheated in July 2007; had engine checked was told everything was a-ok, not a problem ma'am. I was driving home from work and almost home it just died at a stop sign. Sat for a while, waited for engine to cool down enough to get it going again, limped it home (2 miles) and then had it checked. Nothing found wrong, no reason for the overheat. I had previously had the oil changed every 3k-4k miles but I'm horrible at keeping records so don't have proof. Then car overheated again in July of 2008. Took it to mechanic who said waterpump was failed and needed to be replaced. When replacing had to partially take engine apart when sludge buildup was found. Mechanic said it looked like a 20 year old car with no maintenance, but he is the one who has been doing the changes for the past 18 months so knows that's not true. He can't provide records prior to his changes tho so don't have complete records to show Chrysler. Sounds like it wouldn't matter anyway. Long story short, 2 weeks w/o car (I live in the country 25 miles from work) and $750 later, I have a pos car that I can't put any more money into but it still doesn't run right, owe $4k on, and it's worth about $2k if that. Wonderful job, Chrysler! NO I won't be buying any Chrysler vehicle ever again in my life!
2008Aug 25
Sebring LX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Complete Engine Failure due to Oil Sludge. Problem occurred after spending $1200 on a Fuel Pump. Engine light was on and never ran properly after repair. Told by Dealer not to worry it was only oil sludge due to the car not having regular oil changes (at 3,000 miles, even though the manual states 7,500 miles). Cost of new engine at $5,000 to $6,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Nov 09
Sebring GTC V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
My car died on way to school. I had regular maintenance with oil and such. Chrysler said didn't change oil and result engine failure. I knew couldn't be. So i got on computer. Talked to my mechanic, and he talked to other mechanics. With their information and information from computer saw it was getting to be a common problem. They are a huge corporation trying to hide a manufacturers mistake. The engine gets so hot that it ruins the oil and my car as early as 50,000 miles.
2008Feb 10
Sebring LX` 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring that I have to continue to pay for and I am a single mother. Had I been informed that this engine problem is a common failure I would have never invested the little money we can spare on a car that is guaranteed to fail you. I am now stuck making a monthly payment to a car that will cost over 6,000 dollars to repair and what do you know I don't have 6,000 dollars laying around. I was told by a mechanic that this is a well known problem with this model and the company was well aware of it. I can't believe we have companies so devious that they know there parts are defective and are willing to take advantage of people. Well that just goes to show you how people really are. Needless to say I am in a complete bind because we cannot afford another car and the one I am paying for is stuck in my garage. The company cares nothing about its consumers and does not take responsibly to make things right.
2008May 30
Sebring GTC 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Add me to the list. Bought this POS car in August and still owe money on it. I have some motorhead friends who need the money so they can put in a new engine, but do the replacement engines have the same problem? Also keep up the complaining! A few years back we all did the same thing about the fuel pump on the Ford Focus...it took a year and a complaint to the BBB but I got my money back :)
2008May 04
Sebring 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Like all the others, I'm enraged that this is a documented problem and they still sell the car knowing it will fail. 3 months prior the water pump went to the tune of $900.
2008Mar 17
Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
The fact that Chrysler knows about the engine sludge problem (a result of poor oil circulation) with the 2.7L V6 and has done nothing about it is ridiculous. There should be a class action suite organized against Chrysler to force them to fix these engines. Anyone know a lawyer willing to take this on, I'm sure we would all sign up.
2008Jan 02
Sebring Limited 2.7L
- Tiptronic transmission
- 88,000 miles
So I'm driving south on IH 35, just past Texas' capitol, Austin. Even though it's kinda cold the top is down. Life is good. My dark blue with blue interior vert limited is looking good. Steve Miller's "Livin in the USA" is just ending when all goes silent.. All that is, except for the wind from the passing 18 wheelers.
After coasting to the edge the auto is allowed to cool. A quick check of the fluids reveal nothing amiss. The auto restarts, so off we go... for another 10 minutos.
The engine again stops, but this time I hear what sounds like a rod knocking noise. So, I have it towed to my dad's garage. Good thing I have a spare truck. Several weeks pass. During a visit to my local credit union a man sits next to me. Not just any one, this guy looks just like santa claus!
So we talk. I share my auto dilemma. He states his auto shop can re-build the engine for $1,500. to $1,700. max. What was I supposed to do?! I mean, if you can't trust santa?!
Long to short, his shop has no on-site re-building equipment (it barely has two porta lifts) and he offers to replace the engine for maybe a good deal of $4 to 5,000.
So this week I'm going to have it towed to mi casa, with the motor out and search for a decent place to take my beautiful auto.
The rant is this: Santa aside, every Chrysler parts person I spoke with over the phone made almost the same observation about the engine. "Oh yeah, those motors have had a problem with sludge.Too bad it's not covered." AARGGH!
Anyways, long to short
2008Mar 20
Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,500 miles
We timely obtained oil changes and always used the synthetic blend. The car began to make a strange noise and we took it to the mechanic near our home. He called me to tell me there was sludge in the engine due to the tensioner failure for the timing belt and this was a problem he knew of with this engine. We then discussed it with the local dealership and they contacted Chrysler which agreed to accept the car if the sludge was not due to our failure to obtain routine oil changes. The dealership tore the engine apart and discussed it with Chrysler. The dealership contacted me and stated the failure of the engine was due to our failure in obtaining routine oil changes. I am now working to see what I need to do to reverse this decision. If they will not do so, I will have to pay approximately $5,000.00 to get a rebuilt engine.
2007Nov 08
Sebring LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I find it amazing that everyone including my mechanic knew about this problem and yet I was able to buy this car in 2004. The heat quite working first and then all of a sudden the engine just died! No warning what so ever!!! As soon as the mechanic opened the hood he knew there would be sludge in the engine. We have yet to find an engine under $2,000. We still owe $4800 on this car and we are also paying full insurance coverage because it is financed!!! I WILL NEVER NEVER EVER OWN A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN!!!!!!
2008Mar 06
Sebring Limited 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
As with many others, this car was maintained properly with regular oil changes. At the time of the engine failure the oil had been changed just 500 miles earlier and there was no noticeable issues.
2007Dec 19
Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,650 miles
Engine failed without warning. Towed to dealer. Charged $550 to take engine apart, reported oil sludge, accused us of not taking care of car. Total engine failure. Recommended new engine for $10,000. Not a great emotional moment. Offered to replace engine with another 2.7L (like why would we want another one?) with 20K miles on it for about $5700 including the $550 to take engine apart. Offered 1 year warranty which is not long enough. 2nd opinion offered to rebuild for $5700, 3-year 75K mile warranty. 3rd opinion would cost $5500-6500 to repair, could have found more damage once started, would need to replace odometer to enforce warranty, and recommended investing in a new car instead of this one. The car is in our garage. It was worth $9750 before this happened. Now it's worth almost nothing. It's in excellent condition except for the engine. I didn't keep records of all our oil changes. I'm angry at Chrysler for not recalling these vehicles and offering to repair them like they should. There's a class action in New Jersey on center for auto safety.com. They are suing for full restitution since Chrysler knew about this problem in 1998 and sold the defective engines to us anyway. I'd love to be able to fix this car but it doesn't make sense to, there's no guarantee with 68K miles on it that something else wouldn't need fixing in the coming year and that would just make everything worse. This is a devastating thing to do to consumers. I think everyone should file or join the class action in their state and make Chrysler come out in the open and do the right thing via the court system. They've got a program going that you can submit your records to and they decide whether or not to help you out financially and for how much. But that means one person may get $5,000 and another may get nothing, and all consumers who have experienced engine failure sue to sludge should either get a new engine or a refund on their car going back to the date they bought it. Read the class action filed in NJ. It's 18 pages but it is worth seeing what legal terms they are using to bring Chrysler to justice. I will be adding another complaint about how the odometer skipped mileage since the time I bought it in 9/02 with 25K miles on it. Check that out, I would watch the mileage go from 28460 and turn over to 28500 the next minute, skipping 40 miles at a time. Watch your odometers, people! The engine problem is worse though. Wish I had traded this car in to Chrysler the day before it failed and bought a used anything-but-Chrysler in its place. I know why I bought this car, it's been a fantastic car. It's not our fault that Chrysler concealed the fact that they put defective engines in these vehicles. It's our fault if we don't speak up.
2008Feb 02
Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I have the Chrysler Sebring LXI with the 2.7 model I wish I would of talked to my family before investing my money into this. The my son and I were on the way home from a party and with no sign the car just stops. I had no clue what was wrong. I later had my cousin come look at the car actually two of them both mechanics and they both agreed and told me it would be best to purchase a new car. Not only this, but the 2.7 engine with Chrysler is defective and they would never advise a customer to purchase this because the engine within time will always shut down due to guess what oil problems!!! I'm sure the company is aware that their product is defective and do not care to resolve or take care of the clients. The car appearance is nice, but the stability is horrible. On top of this 6 months into the purchase of my vehicle and the water pump blew with no warning what so ever! This happens to also be a common problem with this model. I am still currently paying on this vehicle and we are stuck! So even thought the company is quite aware of the situation they will not do anything to help you.
2008Jan 22
Sebring LXI
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
makes me want to cry.
dead motor? Fix or what? Please advise!
2008Jan 27
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 119,000 miles
I bought the Sebring in 2003 used. It only had 20,000 miles on it at the time. In the first few months of owning it, we had it back to the dealer twice for the heat not working correctly. Over the next several years we had many different problems. One of the most severe was the power distribution unit was almost complete melted. I was told that it was a shock that the car did not catch on fire. Now, my car has 119,000 miles on it and the way the car acted with the problem with the power distribution unit is back. Not only is that going on, but the motor started having a loud knock in it and I had motor oil leaking from the timing chain area. I took it to a Dodge/Chrysler dealership to have it checked out and see how much it would be to fix it, but was told they were not for sure what the problem was and it would cost me a lot of money. I was also told by the service manager that when the 2.7L V6 engines start acting up, it is time to get rid of the car. Of course, at this time, it is too late. My dad is a mechanic and says that I need to replace the engine. I know part of the problem is the timing chain needs replaced, but the knocking sound seems like it is a rod knocking. So, that too would need to be replaced. If I go to a dealership to get all this fixed, it will cost outrageous. I priced a replacement engine and found one that was rebuilt for $1800. Advanced Auto Parts has them, but they are $2300. I still owe about $3600 on this car and cannot afford to replace the motor. This car is a piece of crap and I would NOT recommend anyone buying one or at least any with the 2.7L V6 in it. Does anyone know of anything that can be done to help with these problems?
2007Nov 30
Sebring GTC Convertible 2.7L
- Manual transmission
- 74,000 miles
To have a 2002 car with only 74,000 miles on it and have the engine go completely to sh*t for reasons unknown is unacceptable. I have had multiple problems with this vehicle, which I will mention in other complaints, but this is the last straw with Chrysler. Their repair shop won't even perform labor to put in a rebuilt engine that I purchase with it's own warranty! They then have the nerve to tell me to trade it in for...you guessed it...another Chrysler!! Why the hell would I do that when Chrysler has failed me numerous times despite my having been a loyal customer since 1998 (the year I graduated from college and bought my first car on my own). Un-frickin'-real!!
2007Aug 04
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE THIS ENGINE SHOVED UP THERE %&%&% .
THE WATER PUMP THAT IS INSIDE THE ENGINE ANE RUNS THE TIMMING CHAIN , ON AN INTERFERANCE ENGINE STUPID. AND ANTIFREEZE TO GET INTO OIL LOCKUP OIL PUMP SCORE BEARINGS . BEND VALVES .
PUTTING AN ENGINE ON THE MARKET LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A CRIME.
2007Nov 22
Sebring 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
On Thanksgiving Day as I headed to family gathering, the oil light flickered slightly then soon became solid red. Soon afterward a tapping noise steadily grew louder and louder as I searched for an exit. Finally the car died. Towed it to my mechanic and it was pronounced dead (total engine failure) Tuesday, 11/27/07.
I've only had it for a couple of years so it's not even half paid for and now I am told it will cost nearly $4000 to replace the engine with a rebuilt or used one. I can't afford to pour $4K more into this car. Is there ANY recourse??? I'm so frustrated - why hasn't Chrysler fixed this problem by now????
What have others done in this situation? HELP, please!
2007Jul 19
Sebring LXI Vg
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Adding my story because EVERYONE needs to know not to buy this type of automobile without knowing the possibility of engine failure with no or very little warning. Bought this car from a close friend who had no problems with it; great records of ongoing mtc./oil changes, etc. Paid cash and planned to give to 16 y/old as first car on her b-day. Completely w/out warning the engine failed - just driving down the road one day and the check engine light came on. Drove home (2 miles) immediately and to mechanic the next day ... who pronounced it dead. Unable to fix it without buying new engine priced at 6,000 with labor. Apparently, these engines are in very high demand because of all of the problems with them failing many are looking for rebuilds and they have become very rare. Chrysler should take some responsibility here, even after warranty - if so many are having the same problems then the corporation should take notice and do something.
2007Nov 02
Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I am very frustrated finding out that this has been a problem for other people as well. I had no warning that anything was the matter. No "check engine" light, no rough sounds or anything. Except for THAT MORNING. I was on my way to work, and then out of nowhere, I heard a loud sound that sounded like a helicopter coming down on me. I actually looked out the window for it. Then, I realized it was my car. I have 81,000 miles on it and seven months still left to pay on it. I immediately stopped driving it (except to go to the dealership) and was told I have to get a new engine. Not a covered item under the warranty. I am very frustrated. How am I supposed to get anything on trading it in for another vehicle if I can't even drive it? Anyone have any ideas on if anything can be done???
2007Oct 25
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7V6
- Automatic transmission
- 107,606 miles
I was driving up the interstate about an hour and a half away from home and no check engine light or anything came on to warn me all of a sudden my car started making a noise I called my husband then my mechanic and he told me right off what was wrong I got off at the next exit which I was lucky I was right at they checked it and make a long story short I had to be towed home which was a $150 Now I am being told that Chrysler has been having this problem I have had it out with them about my transmission and already had done quit using them for service I quit using the dealership along time ago for my oil changes it would take them 2hours for an oil change and I would always end up having to take it back to them because it would be leaking one time they tried to tell me it was because I had let someone else change the oil and I told them you idiots I just left here with it. I know my car has over 100000 miles on it but I still feel Chrysler should be responsible for something because I kept my car maintaince regular and I should have had some sign. I know I have said it in the past but I will never own another Chrysler or Dodge product. Sherry Smith Cookeville TN
2007Sep 18
(reported on)Sebring 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
I had no notice this wasgoing to happen. No lights coming on at all. Drove to work in the morning. At noon went to go home and the car wouldn't start. Was told by the mechanic this resullt was because of a too narrow valve and had seen it happen all the times in these cars. $5000 for a new engine YUCK YUCK YUCK!!!!
2007Sep 10
(reported on)Sebring LXI
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
First I was told by Courtesy Chrysler that my car engine and battery lights were going off and on because of me hitting a bump and the wiring might be loose so this was probably the problem. The car was serviced and the light was off at that time, was told to bring in as soon as light comes back on. 1 week after service, lights come on again, return it to Chrysler and was told fully booked and car would not be seen. Gave girl the name of the person who told me to come in, again she state I could leave car, but wouldn't be able to see it until a couple of days.. by that time light probably would be off. 2 weeks later brought car back in for same issue plus my husband came and gave them a run down of the noise it was making, was then told they needed permission to break the car down to check, gave permission to do so and was told WATER & OIL MIXED, would need a new engine, then they stated the cost would be $7000. plus $500.00 for the breakdown, come to find out I was not under warranty as of 2 weeks ago. We paid for the breakdown, but refuse engine repair. Tried everything that I could to get Chrysler to help, but refused, stating they aren't getting paid so nothing they could do. Finally my battery went dead and bought car in, they changed battery and stated I had a build up of sludge in the oil. Was told by a worker who claimed he was from corporate that I could get this taken care of by Geico, which is my insurance company. He stated don't tell them about SLUDGE, just tell them I went over a puddle and they were going to ask me for the oil pad. Was told I could bring car to them and they would take out the pad for free so they could see water and oil and sludge. Long story short, went to Geico who stated it is a build up of oil and dirt and stated this was because oil wasn't changed on a regular basis. Told them dealership did that regularly when I took car for service repairs. He then stated it couldn't have possibly been water and oil because I wouldn't be still driving vehicle at this time (3 months later). They didn't want to tell me, but in not so many words, they said Chrysler was trying to get money from me. I'm glad I didn't take the car to them so they could give me the oil pad because they would have done something intentionally to my car when they saw there were no signs of water and oil mixed. I got this info for free and Geico did this for free without using my deductible for insurance. They also stated I was better off looking for a used engine instead of putting a new one in. I knew that anyway, they wanted me to pay $7000. for a new engine on a car I only paid $9000. for. CHRYSLER IS A TOTAL RIP-OFF, I will never buy or do business with them again.
2007Aug 03
(reported on)Sebring 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
Well add me to the list... My Sebring has been in the shop for over 1 mth because the mechanic was back & forth with the warranty company, which they eventually denied me Now it's just sitting there.. I'm so disgusted.. said they found sludge in the engine when my oil was changed regularly... had no receipts to back it up either unfortunately for me.. It kind of sucks I bought the extended warranty, but I'm still gonna be out of thousands to get this piece of crap fixed... I feel like Chrysler and the warranty company left me out in the cold!!! Still owe $6500 for this piece of sh*t!!! Never again will I purchase a Dodge or Chrysler Product... Why didn't I listen when people were trying to tell me the engines in Sebrings are crappy!!!!
2007Jul 23
(reported on)Sebring SLX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I purchased this car used. I was assured by the dealer that this was a great car, a "clean car" and that they had completed a 150 point check on the car. Everything was great they said.... NOT! In addition to other problems with a variety of things, I was told today that the engine is full of sludge and that oil hasn't been getting to the necessary parts of the car and as a result the car engine had a major melt down. DO NOT BUY THIS ENGINE and CAR MODEL.
2007Mar 18
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7L V6,
- Automatic transmission
- 21,000 miles
21000 miles and needed a new engine, had 100,000 or 5 year extended warnty but it had just run out, Dealer tried to work with Chysler but since I did not have all my receipts for oil changes no luck. The car is in excelent condition not a scratch and has been well taken care of. Expected to be able to drive it 100,000 mile or more but won't keep it that long anymore. After spending $5600 on someting that shoud have been taken care of by Chysler it will be the last one I have and I won't have it very long.
2007Mar 14
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
Had my Sebring a little over year, one day driving down he street when the engine started ticking.. I took it to the dealership... car needed new engine... lucky I had bought an excellent warranty... only paid $200 for the engine.... After reading all the other issues with engines and these cars I will never purchase another
2007Feb 28
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
So many problems with this car, so little time! The worst being the oil sludge destroying the engine. I took the car for an oil change (which I have done every 3000 - 6000 miles)and when I picked up the car, it had a loud knocking noise. No problems were present before the oil change. I'm looking at spending $5200 for an after market engine (I WILL NOT use a chrysler engine) From past experience with chrysler and warranties, NOTHING is ever covered. I would like any information on lawsuits and where to file complaints as I think it's time Chrysler takes responsibility as other auto makers have done. I don't know if I'll have the time to create a report on all the issues, but here's a list of some (rotors x3 within the first 27,000 miles, air conditioning, radiator, stereo x2, electrical - lights and power locks, suspension and now the engine)
2007Feb 09
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I have a 2002 Chrysler Sebring sitting in my driveway with the second motor blown. We took it in for an oil change at 84,000 and was told that the motor needed changed because oil was seeping through the block so they did that under warranty but it cost me 700 dollars for misc parts etc. at 104,000 miles 20,000 later the new motor blew this was 14 months later I took it in to the dealer and they said that the motor had a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty and that was over so they worked up an estimate to get it repaired. $6000 dollars to put a new motor in it and the mechanic said that with all of the problems that they have with this motor no guarantee that it won't happen again. And we owed 7000 dollars on it. They also blamed us for the failure even though they had records of changing the oil also. WEEEEEEEE WILLLLLL NEVERRRRRRRRRRR EVERRRRRRRRRR OWNNNNNN A DODGEEEEEEE CHRYSLERRRRRRRRR PRODUCTTTTTTTTTT EVERRRRRRRRRR AGAINNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!! NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
2006Oct 15
(reported on)Sebring ES
- 99,000 miles
I have owned Mopar products most of my life.... My grandparents buy nothing but Mopar products..... I even save them from the scrap yard (69' GTX and 70' road runner) but with the purchase of a real piece of sh*t like the sebring I took the rest of the Mopar stuff to the auctions and sold them both.... I would not have been this pissed if it was not for the real assholes at Chrysler..... that gave no help what so ever..... I only called Chrysler to see what might have caused the problem..... and before I could finish my question, I was blamed for the problem..... because this person assumed that I was an ignorant person and did not change the oil... WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, I have played with cars all my life..... including many drag cars... so I can assure you that the oil was changed at 3000 miles with winter weight sythetic oil in the winter and summer weight in the summer... So I ask...... Chrysler what the hell are you going to do about this..... I know that since my grandparents and myself have stopped buying any Mopar products at all, it has not hurt you bank accounts at all, but with everyone I talk to and can persuade to not buy a piece of sh*t product like you are trying to pawn off on the public...... maybe just maybe I can get into your pockets just a little bit........
2007Feb 15
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
My car would make noises every now and then and I would go have it checked out but no one could find anything wrong. Off I went. Then driving along 410 on my way to work one day, my car starts making this really loud clicking noise then it stops in the middle of Loop 410. Luckily I was close to an exit and I coasted to the nearest parking lot I could find. My luck, there was no gas station on either of the corners and it finally came to rest at the edge of the Bill Miller's entrance. I called my husband and he got there and pushed the car into the parking lot and parked the car. Once the car had been towed and checked out completely, they questioned whether I had changed the oil because all but one valve was completely blocked with gunk, sludged oil etc. I told them that all the receipts to oil changes and any repairs ever done to the Sebring were in the glove compartment. They stated that my engine was shot and would need to be replaced. They have been looking around but the cheapest Longblock they can find is $3325.00 + $350.00 refundable core charge (whatever that is) but if I didn't have enough money to get a tow truck out right away, what says I have enough for the Longblock? The guy I was quoted prices from mentioned that there is a Class Action Suit on Chrysler and maybe I could look into it or find another way to get the engine replaced by the responsible party (Chrysler, the maker). Also found that under the Dept. of Motor Vehicles there is a pending case regarding complete engine failure. I am currently looking into it.
2006Dec 14
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7L
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
I bought a 2002 Chysler Sebring form Halifax Chrysler and it was a lemon. While it was under warranty it as in the shop i don't know how many times and the people who so nice but when the warranty was up they didn't want to do anything for me. Contacted Chrysler Canada and they basicly told me to bug off there was nohing they could do or would do for me so the end result is i have no car and it going to cost me $5.000 to fixed which i don't have so i have no car Thanks halifax Chrysler and thanks Chrysler Canada for NOTHING I HOPE IT WAS WORTH EVERTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006Dec 11
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
My 2002 Sebring, like many other 2.7 equipped Chryslers, is in my driveway. It has a timing chain failure and Chrysler wants to blame me instead of fixing the problem. The car has 38,000 miles and I have proven to the District Rep that I've changed the oil even more frequently than recomended. It is my opinion that 100,000 mile warranty Chrysler sold my along with the car is fraud. I am pursuing all avenues I can to hold Chrysler's feet to the fire. If anyone has Helpful info please contact me.
2006Dec 03
(reported on)Sebring 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
We bought our 2002 Sebring used with 12K miles on it. Ran with a knocking sound at the front right wheel ever since. No fix. No one could *find* the problem. Let it go. Then, three weeks ago, the engine shut down in the middle of the road. Plus there was a major spill in the driveway under the car, we only discovered upon arriving home. The repair shop says they have no idea, but the engine is *seized*. Looking for an engine in the junk heaps.
WHAT???? it has 59K miles on it, and we still owe $5000. We are calling Chrysler. Is there any info out there on these models classified as lemons? Thanks for letting me know.
2006Dec 01
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I have a 2002 sebring with the 2.7L engine. I had the oil pressure light come on intermittently, usually while idling in heavy traffic. I brought the car to my mechanic, not a dealer, and he replaced the sensor. This seemed to solve the problem... for a while. I brought the car back to him for a starter problem and it was then that he discovered the problems in the engine. This car was always well maintained with oil changes every 3-5k miles. My car has 120,000 miles so it seems I have been luckier than most. Has anyone gotten any satisfaction from Chrysler regarding this problem? I had heard of issues with the 2.7L in the past but never gave it much thought as my own car was purring along nicely. Now that I have begun to research this, it is appalling at how many complaints there are on this specific problem.
2006Aug 28
(reported on)Sebring LXI 2.7L V6
- 82,500 miles
I feel let down by chrysler. I purchased my car in May 2004. When i purchased the car i was not told that it was in an accident. I was told that the car went from dealer to dealer for about a year and ahalf, until i purchased it. I feel that i should have gotten some type of extended warranty. I purchased the car at 30,582 miles with a little over 6,000 miles before the warranty was up. I'm now told that the motor is gone. I have not just been told by anyone. I'm being told by a chrysler technician. They have gotten about 2-3 cars like mine within the past month. I feel that Chrysler need to issue a recall or they will have a law suit that they don't and won't want to have. I feel that this is a bunch of bull that you can have a powerful engine such as the 2.7 liter that is a piece of sh*t. It won't be long before chrysler goes broke for this engine. I still have to pay for a car that I can't even drive. That's bull sh*t.
2004Oct 26
(reported on)Sebring LX 2.7L V6
- 46,800 miles
DUE TO OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP IN ENGINE FAILURE, CHRYSLER REFUSED TO COVER UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. I GOT THE RUN AROUND FROM THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID I HAD TO HAVE RECEIPTS OF MY OIL PURCHASES FOR THE OIL CHANGES THAT I HAD DONE, EVEN THOUGH THEY CHANGED THE OIL LAST WITHOUT ANY AWARENESS OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE OIL DURING THE LAST OIL CHANGE. WARRANTY DEPARTMENT STATED DISTRICT MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER DENIED WARRANTY SERVICE AND THEY SAID WARRANTY DEPT. DENIED THE WARRANTY SERVICE. WITH THE CAR BEING OUT OF SERVICE FOR OVER A MONTH I HAD TO GET IT REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE.
THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, CHRYSLER HAS LOST A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE DUE TO THE HANDLING OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND I WILL PASS ON TO ALL THAT I KNOW TO NOT BUY ANY CHRYSLER-MADE VEHICLES. VERY DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER.
2004Oct 03
(reported on)Sebring 2.7L V6
- 46,000 miles
2002 SEBRING WITH SLUDGE IN THE OIL. THE PROBLEM WAS THE OIL PASSAGEWAY IS TO SMALL CAUSING THE OIL TO HEAT UP AND TURNING TO SLUDGE. DEALER BLAMES THE CUSTOMER FOR NOT CHANGING THE OIL. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 7500 MILES AS PER DEALER REQUEST WITH THE DEALER CHANGING THE OIL 4 OUT OF 6 TIMES. WILL NOT COVER UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SO WILL COST AROUND 7200.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. DON'T BUY A CHRYSLER WITH THE 2.7 V-6 ENGINE
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 24
Sebring
do not by a chrysler vehicle I have had to replace struts and tyerods often and now the engine is bad and it is going to cost me 6400 dollars to replace it Not going to happen any time soon I will never agin own another vehicle made by chrysler
Julie R.
McMechen, WV, USA
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