Is the 2003 Chrysler Sebring reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chrysler Sebring is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler Sebring?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chrysler Sebring have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Chrysler Sebring

▲ Better than typical

2003 Chrysler Sebring
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:31.881Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 42
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2003: 42 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	132
1996	343
1997	210
1998	267
1999	172
2000	93
2001	242
2002	210
2003	42
2004	220
2005	75
2006	120
2007	337
2008	238
2009	43
2010	86
2011	3
2012	0
2013	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

19% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing rear and upper ball joint.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the front end of the vehicle dropped down toward the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-13

Air bags

17% · 7 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was in a wreck on 11/06/2015, a women failed to yield and I t-boned her passenger side by back door/back tire, I was going 30 miles an hour the speed limit on the city road, I had my safety restraint on and still managed to hit the steering wheel...

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-10

While traveling on highway and without prior warning another vehicle hit consumer's vehicle. Upon impact, driver's side air bag exploded and chemical content came out onto driver's face.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-02

Service brakes

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing engine and fan.

Structure

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
R

2003-12-15Fuel system, gasoline03V443000 On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on December 15, 2003.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than DCA7078…

Remedy: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-11-09Suspension09E056000 Qualis automotive is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints sold for use on certain passenger vehicles. The socket may have been excessively hardened which could cause it to crack near the…

Remedy: Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. The safety recall began on November 9, 2009. Owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-07-20Air bags15V338000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Chrysler Sebring — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 8 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V443000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E056000 · Suspension
Recall 15V338000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chrysler Sebring reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chrysler Sebring is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler Sebring?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chrysler Sebring have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.