STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - NOT INITIALIZED/INTERNAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chrysler Sebring steering problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 12 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler Sebring in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Sebring steering system shows multiple, interconnected failure modes that put owners in genuinely dangerous situations.
Steering column noise and clunking starts between 39,700 and 40,200 miles, particularly during turns. One owner's clock spring broke, a part lodged itself in the steering, and the wheel became hard to turn. Dealers initially dismissed the noise, then confirmed the steering column was defective and needed replacement.
Power steering loss in wet weather is the most common complaint. Owners lose all power assist when driving through rain or puddles, particularly on curves and during turns. The battery light comes on, and the only fix is pulling over, turning off the engine, and restarting. This happens at various mileages and is terrifying mid-turn.
Engine stalling at stop lights and stop signs, mostly in wet weather, leaves owners without power steering or brakes. One stall occurred at 70 mph on the highway—complete loss of steering and brakes.
Unintended acceleration (10,000–34,000 miles) happens when the brake pedal is pressed; the engine revs hard and the car keeps moving. The accelerator pedal loses resistance and hits the floor.
Tie rods wear prematurely and create a rubbing sensation during turns. Replacement with gear-rack realignment runs around $1,000.
One power steering hose burst at highway speed, eliminating steering and brakes and causing a crash.
Electrical failures (dashboard flicker, dashboard blackout, intermittent airbag warnings) worsen these problems, especially in wet conditions.
Same Chrysler Sebring steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Column Noise / Clunk
Steering column produces clunking or knocking sounds during turns, particularly left turns. Owners report sounds ranging from a clunk to a grinding noise when the steering wheel is turned. In one case, a broken clock spring part lodged in steering components and caused steering difficulty.
When: 39,700–40,200 miles; intermittent, worsens with use
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or knocking noise in steering column during turns; Noise when turning left or right; Steering difficulty when clock spring breaks; Intermittent airbag light alongside steering noise
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement needed; gear-rack with inner-tie-rods replacement and front-end realignment reported at $1,000. Clock spring replacement mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially stated 'nothing wrong' with steering column; later confirmed defect and recommended replacement but vehicle remained unrepaired in some cases.
Power Steering Loss in Wet Conditions
Power steering cuts out or loses assist during wet weather, rain, or when driving through puddles. Loss of power steering often accompanied by battery warning light. Owners report regaining steering only after pulling over, turning off the vehicle, and restarting. Occurs both during turns and straight driving.
When: Various mileages; triggered by wet/humid weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power steering loss in wet weather; Power steering loss during turns in rain; Battery warning light illuminates after steering loss; Steering assist loss occasionally during left turns at normal driving; Loss of power assist when turning, car goes straight instead of turning
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; owners report workaround of restarting vehicle. Some narratives suggest electrical issue as root cause.
Unintended Acceleration with Brake Failure
Vehicle accelerates on its own despite brake pedal being depressed, particularly at low speeds (20–40 mph). Engine revs very high and accelerator pedal loses resistance, traveling to floorboard. Some owners report emergency brake was needed to stop vehicle. Electronic throttle indicator illuminates during these events.
When: 10,000–34,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite brake pedal depression; Engine revs very high without driver input; Accelerator pedal loses tension and travels to floorboard; Electronic throttle indicator illuminates; Speed suddenly reduces to approximately 20 mph during electronic throttle malfunction; Cruise control does not work
Repairs/costs cited: Front and rear brakes replaced; rotors resurfaced in one case. Failures could not be duplicated at dealers; no permanent repairs made.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance as vehicle not included in recalls.
Tie Rod Defect
Tie rods identified as faulty; when vehicle turns, there is a rubbing sensation. Gear-rack and inner-tie-rod replacement recommended. Technician noted faulty tie rods at 34,000 miles but they were not replaced.
When: 34,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing sensation when turning vehicle; Steering wheel noise related to tie rod wear
Repairs/costs cited: Gear-rack with inner-tie-rods and front-end realignment needed; estimated $1,000 repair cost cited. Not replaced in reported case.
Power Steering Hose Burst
Power steering hose bursts, resulting in immediate loss of power steering and braking capability during highway driving at 70 mph. Loss of steering and brakes creates severe safety hazard.
When: Unspecified mileage; occurred at 70 mph highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering hose rupture; Loss of power steering; Loss of brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Hose burst replacement required; narrative indicates crash resulted from this failure.
Engine Stalling in Wet Conditions
Engine stalls unexpectedly, particularly during wet weather or at stop lights and stop signs. Vehicle sputters and nearly stalls multiple times before full stall occurs. One narrative also mentions steering and brakes failing during a stall event at highway speed.
When: Various mileages; triggered by wet weather, at stops
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected engine stall during wet weather; Engine stall at stop lights and stop signs; Vehicle sputters and nearly stalls before full stall; Loss of power steering during stall; Loss of brakes during stall (one case at 70 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced battery in one case, attributing stall to battery drain from simultaneous use of wipers, heat, radio. Stalling continued after battery replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed battery drain; no electrical diagnostic performed.
Clock Spring Failure
Clock spring component breaks and part lodges in steering components, causing steering difficulty and loss of horn, cruise control function. Airbag warning light illuminates. Failure occurs during a turn.
When: During turning maneuver; mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light illuminates; Horn stops working; Cruise control stops working; Steering difficulty when clock spring breaks and lodges in steering; Loss of steering control during turn
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement required.
Electrical System Instability
Electrical failures manifest as dashboard light flicker (speedometer and gauges disappear), battery warning light illumination unrelated to battery condition, and loss of multiple electrical functions (power steering, horn, cruise control, airbag warning system). Issues often triggered by wet weather conditions or simultaneous operation of multiple accessories.
When: Various mileages; triggered by wet weather or multiple accessory use
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flicker on and off; Speedometer and gauges disappear intermittently; Battery warning light illuminates without battery defect; Loss of power steering (electrical); Loss of horn function; Loss of cruise control; Airbag light intermittent illumination; Simultaneous electrical failures during wet weather
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner noted recalls exist for electrical system and connectors but unclear if repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for electrical connectors and tire pressure monitoring system; vehicle not covered under warranty at time of recall notice.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I purchased my car used 3 yrs ago. I paid if off this year. The ongoing troublesome issue is that the car stalls out unexpectedly- usually during wet weather. It has happened about 5 times or so. But, it has almost happened many more times...the car sputters and just about stalls out. Again, all during wet weather. I contacted the dealership where I purchased car after the 1st incident.…
Power steering hose burst on 2007 Chrysler sebring relusting in the loss of power steering which could has resulted in a crash. *tr
Takata recall I am driving down highway at 70 MPH and car just shuts off no warning cant steer it and brakes dont work could of killed me and the kids
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Chrysler Sebring?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,000 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 39,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 65,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chrysler/Sebring.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.