2008 Chrysler Sebring brakes problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler Sebring in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Sebring has racked up 13 complaints centered on brake safety. The most serious: complete brake failure at highway speed (40 mph) and low-speed backup, resulting in a crash into trees and a collision with another vehicle. Owners also describe brake lockup in wet conditions that causes loss of steering control and a pedal that goes to floor with zero stopping force—three times in one day on new pads, according to one owner.
Squeaking and grinding are near-universal complaints, with owners replacing pads three times in short ownership periods and still hearing noise. Front rotors warp repeatedly, causing steering vibration; one owner reported the problem returned within 6,000 miles of repair. The ABS light cycles on and off. One owner had a new ABS computer installed after a lockup incident; another reports stalling at red lights and stops.
Dealers consistently tell owners "nothing is wrong" despite clear symptoms. Independent shops echo that finding, leaving owners unable to identify the root cause. The brake light on the dashboard illuminates randomly while driving, then disappears after shutdown. This cluster suggests either a systemic brake or ABS module defect—owners are frightened by the unpredictability.
Same Chrysler Sebring brakes reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Brake lockup under wet conditions
Brakes lock up or lose responsiveness during wet weather, causing the vehicle to become difficult to control. ABS light cycles on and off. Some owners report brake pedal hard to push; others report loss of braking force entirely.
When: Especially when raining or driving on wet roads; one incident within minutes of highway exit
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes hard to push or unresponsive when wet; Vehicle locks up and loses steering control; ABS light turns on and off intermittently; Loss of braking force in wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Lifetime warranty brakes installed; ABS sensors checked and found in place. Independent shops (Tires Plus, Just Brakes) found no fault with brakes.
Persistent squeaking and grinding noise
Brakes produce squeaking or grinding sounds during braking. Occurs across multiple brake pad and rotor replacements. Problem persists even after dealer service claims no audible noise found.
When: Several months after purchase; recurring across multiple brake service intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise when brakes applied; Grinding noise when applying pressure to brakes; Brake skipping sensation; High brake dust accumulation on front driver wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads replaced multiple times (up to 3 times per owner in short ownership period). Rotors replaced or machined. One owner reported cutting rotors at dealer recommendation cost $250 for rotor replacement later. Advised to pull parking brake while driving to reduce dust.
Warped front rotors
Front rotors warp repeatedly, causing steering wheel vibration during braking. Problem recurs within 6,000 miles after rotor service.
When: Returns within 6,000 miles of rotor repair
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes when brakes applied; Vibration during stops
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors cut/machined by dealer initially; rotor replacement cost $250 and resolved issue. Not covered by warranty.
Complete brake failure—inability to stop vehicle
Brakes fail to respond when pedal pressed, vehicle does not decelerate. Two instances reported at low speed (backing up); one instance at highway speed (40 mph). One crash into trees occurred; one collision with another vehicle occurred.
When: At 7,000 miles; during backing maneuvers; while driving 40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no stopping force; Vehicle does not decelerate when brakes applied; New brake pads do not prevent failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner used emergency brake and neutral to regain control in at least one incident. Vehicle towed after crash into trees.
Brake light on dashboard—intermittent or constant
Brake warning light illuminates on the dashboard for no apparent reason while driving at normal speeds. Light goes off when vehicle is turned off, then reappears at different times. Dealer unable to diagnose cause.
When: Timing not specified; occurs at different times throughout vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light on dashboard illuminates unexpectedly while driving; Light goes off when vehicle shut off; Light reappears randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer checked brake fluid and brakes; found no fault.
Stalling at stops and red lights
Vehicle stalls at stop signs, red lights, and during turns. Occurs over a 2–3 year period. Related to brake system concerns based on owner narrative context.
When: 2–3 years of ownership; multiple incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at red lights; Vehicle stalls at stop signs; Vehicle stalls during turns at corners
ABS computer failure
ABS control module or related brake computer malfunction causes brake lockup. Owner was issued new computer to monitor and administer braking instructions after lockup incident.
When: Within minutes of highway exit during braking
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up without warning
Repairs/costs cited: New computer installed by Alhambra Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 40,072 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.