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2008 Chrysler Sebring Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shifter stuck in park.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Chrysler Sebring.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shifter stuck in park

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2025-09

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: K16 AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166525
“SAFETY SPRING BROKE NOT ALLOWING SHIFTER TO MOVE OUT OF PARK WILE TRANSMISSION WAS STILL IN NEUTRAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326175
“THIS MORNING I GOT TO WORK AND PUT MY VEHICLE TO PARK AND WHEN TRYING TO MOVE THE SHIFT BACK TO DRIVE THE SHIFT DOES NOT MOVE. TRYING TO PARK PARKED MY VEHICLE. SHIFTER CANNOT MOVE FROM PARK POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Convertible top and trunk mechanism failure

STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2020-08

“THE CONVERTIBLE TOP GETS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION AND DOESN'T GO BACK DOWN. I CANNOT SEE OTU OF THE REAR VIEW AND OBVIOUSLY CANNOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE SAFELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091062
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP BECAME STUCK IN MID AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES, ONE OF WHICH A TOW TRUCK WAS CONTACTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025090
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I GOT A WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD THAT SAID THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WAS IN OPERATION. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH (APPROXIMATELY). ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE TOP STARTED TO OPEN (IT IS A HARD-TOP CONVERTIBLE) - IT FROZE IN MIDAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10717872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt warning chime malfunction

SEAT BELTS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2019-12

“SEATBELT LIGHT ON DASH KEEPS CHIMING AS IF I DON'T HAVE MY SEAT BELT ON. THIS CHIMES AND LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY WHILE IN MOTION. OR PARKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11197073
“DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT MECHANISM HAS A SENSOR INSIDE THAT IS LOOSE AND MY CONCERN IS WILL THIS HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE AIRBAGS, IT ALSO BEEPS THE ENTIRE TIME IT IS HOOKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11254396
“WHILE THE SEAT BELTS WERE BEING LATCHED, THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A CHIME ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643343

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system stalling and TIPM failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

68 NHTSA complaints · 2013-08 → 2025-12

“THIS CAR HAS A FAULTY TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM). THIS CAUSED SEVERAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING: THE CAR STALLING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, THE HORN GOING OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY BOTH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849892
“CAR HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 4 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK THAT WE HAVE OWNED IT. TOOK IT TO DEALER TO GET LOOKED AT AND IT IS THE TIPM THAT COSTS $1000 TO FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904274
“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 AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406391

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic throttle control malfunction

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

34 NHTSA complaints · 2013-08 → 2025-09

“I WAS DRIVING ONE MORNING AND IT WAS RAINING. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. I CUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT DIDN'T DO IT ANYMORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10788885
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10682408
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A SAFETY RAIL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ARM AND NECK WHILE THE PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES TO HER CHEST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10543093

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and sensor faults

AIR BAGS

26 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2022-01

“THE AIRBAG LIGHT OF MY VEHICLE CAME ON TWO DAYS AGO WITHOUT THIS VEHICLE HAVING ANY ACCIDENT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING AND AS SOON AS I LEFT MY DRIVEWAY THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025259
“AIRBAG LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON AND OFF, AND IT SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE PASSENGER SEAT TRACKING SENSOR. THERE IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER SEBRING 2008, BUT IT DOESN'T COME UP FOR MY VIN NUMBER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995148
“THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I'VE BAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON I'VE SPENT MONEY THREE TIMES FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON I JUST SPENT MONEY FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR REPAIRS IN MAY 2015 AND SIX MONTHS LATER I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10810167

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

126 crashes 1990–2024

How the 126 occupant deaths break down

94

driver deaths

32

passenger deaths

126

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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