2008 Chrysler Sebring powertrain problems

The brake shift interlock—a plastic piece (described as bright pink) that should unlock the shifter when the brake is depressed—cracks or breaks, leaving the vehicle permanently stuck in park and unable to be moved. Owners report this is a chronic design flaw affecting multiple 2007–2008 Chrysler and Dodge models. One dealership reported replacing this part on approximately 20 cars per month. The part costs $150–$400 to replace, and the entire shifter unit must be replaced because no individual replacement part is available.

When: Between 18,000 and 168,000 miles; some failures occur within weeks or months of purchase; others reported recurrence within 12 months after initial replacement.

Symptoms owners cite: Shifter locked in park position and will not move; Brake pedal pressed but shifter remains immobilized; No warning lights or indicators; Vehicle unable to be moved or driven

Codes mentioned: P2004, P0700, P0562

Repairs/costs cited: Entire shifter assembly replacement required; $150–$400 out of warranty. Owners note the pink plastic piece with a 2/8" hook and small spring is poorly designed; a metal replacement is suggested. One dealer noted the same part breaks repeatedly on the same vehicle within 12 months.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #K39 exists for 2005–2007 Dodge Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300 with floor shifter, but 2008 Sebring models were not included despite using the same parts. Chrysler has referred complainants to NHTSA for investigation and refused to repair vehicles outside warranty, later assisting after complaint escalation.

The electronic throttle control system malfunctions, causing the engine to lose power and stall at highway speeds or during acceleration. A red lightning-bolt warning light illuminates on the dash. The vehicle becomes difficult to control when the failure occurs, and the engine may not restart immediately. One owner identified a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) as the root cause after independent replacement resolved the issue.

When: Reported between 40,000 and 96,000 miles; one owner reported the issue became more frequent and persistent over time.

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power during acceleration or at various speeds (5–60 mph); Engine stalls or nearly stalls without warning; Red electronic throttle control warning light illuminates; RPMs jump erratically between 4,000–5,000 before failure; Vehicle difficult to restart immediately after stall; Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive during event; Power loss occurs more frequently when fuel tank is below half-full or when traveling uphill

Codes mentioned: P0700

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have not diagnosed or repaired the electronic throttle issue; one owner replaced the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) at their own expense, which resolved all problems. Grinding sounds from the front of the vehicle and corrosion around wiring have also been documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated no other customers had reported the issue and offered no solutions. Some complaints referenced existing TIPM recalls for other Chrysler models, but the 2008 Sebring was never recalled for this defect. One owner provided the faulty original TIPM for testing.

The automatic transmission fails to shift smoothly between gears, locks up in intermediate gears (particularly 2nd or 3rd), or enters 'limp mode,' restricting the vehicle to low speeds (around 35 mph) at high RPMs (3000 rpm). Transmission slipping is also reported. The issue may clear temporarily after the engine is turned off and restarted, but recurs.

When: Reported between 50,000 and 140,000 miles; some recurrences are intermittent.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks up or fails to shift out of a particular gear; Vehicle restricted to low speeds (35 mph) while RPMs remain elevated (3000 rpm); Hard shifting between gears that can cause the engine to lurch; Transmission shifts roughly or with hesitation when accelerating or climbing inclines; Transmission slipping rigorously; Check engine light or electronic throttle warning light may illuminate; Issue clears temporarily after restart but recurs

Codes mentioned: P0700

Repairs/costs cited: Two dealerships found no computer fault codes despite the symptoms. One mechanic suggested slipping clutches might be the cause, but diagnostic testing did not identify the root cause. Transmission fluid flush and service were performed but did not fully resolve the issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has not issued a recall for transmission shifting problems in the 2008 Sebring. Dealerships have been unable to diagnose or repair the issue when no fault codes appear.

The engine stalls without warning at various speeds, including on highways and at traffic lights. In some cases, the engine loses power but does not fully stall. The vehicle may restart after several minutes. Owners report hazardous situations where stalling occurred during interstate driving or in traffic.

When: Reported between 70,000 and 95,000 miles; one case occurred early in ownership.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic lights, stop signs, or while entering traffic; Engine loses power during highway driving or acceleration; Vehicle nearly dies but recovers, then loses power again; Check engine light or electronic throttle warning light may illuminate; RPMs drop or jump erratically before stall; Difficulty restarting engine after stall

Codes mentioned: P0700, P0562

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had the alternator replaced at 70,000 miles, which resolved early stalling issues. However, stalling recurred later with different underlying causes. TIPM replacement resolved horn and stalling problems for another owner.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused to help owners when the vehicle mileage exceeded warranty coverage, stating there was no recall for the specific VIN. One owner mentioned their issues matched a recall but was told their VIN was excluded.

The engine RPMs jump or rev suddenly and erratically, both at idle and while driving, causing the vehicle to surge or lurch forward unexpectedly. The issue occurs dozens of times with no apparent trigger. Check engine light does not always illuminate. One owner had carbon deposits cleaned from the engine, but the problem persisted.

When: Reported between 70,000 and 95,000 miles; events occur frequently (40+ occasions reported by one owner).

Symptoms owners cite: RPMs jump from idle (600 rpm) to over 3,500 rpm within a second, repeatedly; Vehicle lurches or surges forward at stop lights and stop signs despite foot on brake; Engine revs erratically while in park or drive; No check engine light present; Carbon deposits did not resolve the issue

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had all carbon cleaned from the engine by a mechanic father, but the problem recurred identically. No repair solution has been documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated they had not received other reports of this problem and offered no solutions.

The shifter cable or internal shifter linkage fails, preventing the transmission from engaging gears. One owner found the shifter cable had popped out of place in the engine bay. Another reported the shifter stuck in neutral and refused to engage into drive. The issue may be caused by a broken plastic piece or a detached cable.

When: Reported between 90,000 and 101,000 miles; some cases occur early after purchase.

Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move or is stuck in park or neutral; Transmission will not engage into reverse, drive, or any gear; Shifter cable loose or popped out of engine bay; Vehicle unable to move after parking

Repairs/costs cited: One owner's friend manually popped the shifter cable back into place as a temporary fix. Dealership diagnosis indicated the shifter cable needed replacement, but repair was not completed. Another dealer noted the automatic shifter mechanism part had broken and required replacement.

Electrical gremlins including radiator leaks spraying fluid onto wires, tire pressure sensors failing, burned wires causing AC and cruise control malfunctions, instrument panel lights flickering or going out, and horn going off intermittently. One owner identified a faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) after independent testing. Engine overheating and oil pan leaks resulted from excessive pressure caused by coolant leaks.

When: Reported between 35,000 and 95,000 miles; some failures occurred early in ownership or have persisted for years.

Symptoms owners cite: Radiator leaks fluid that splashes on electrical wires, creating burning smell; Tire pressure sensors fail or become 'fried'; Interior lights flicker on and off; Instrument panel lights go out, preventing visibility of speedometer and gauges after dark; AC and cruise control malfunction due to burned wires; Horn sounds intermittently and uncontrollably, both while stationary and moving; Check engine light that will not clear; Engine overheats due to coolant loss; Oil pan leaks due to excessive engine pressure from coolant loss

Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced a faulty TIPM at their own expense, resolving stalling, horn, and check engine light issues. Alternator and tensioner belt were also replaced in some cases. Dash lights remain out for one owner after estimates in the thousands of dollars.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has issued recalls for TIPMs in other models but never recalled the 2008 Sebring. One owner suggested NHTSA update the recall list to include additional VINs experiencing identical issues.

The cruise control system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly or become uncontrollable when engaged on the highway. One owner reported nearly being hit by a semi-truck when cruise control caused sudden deceleration at highway speed.

When: Reported at approximately 95,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control engagement causes sudden, unintended deceleration; Vehicle loses speed on interstate at highway speeds

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged a TPMS recall but told the owner their VIN was not covered and refused to assist.

When shifting between gears (particularly reverse to drive or through neutral), the transmission shifts so forcefully that it can lift the engine and snap the engine mount. This causes knocking noises when shifting and causes the vehicle to lurch in and out of gear, neutral, and park.

When: Reported on two vehicles of the same year and powertrain configuration.

Symptoms owners cite: Hard, violent shifting between gears; Knocking noises when shifting any gear; Engine lurches in and out of gear, neutral, and park; Engine mount can snap from force of transmission shift

Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles experienced the same issue; transmission characteristics suggest a design flaw rather than wear.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners note that Chrysler is 'known for terrible transmissions,' yet this specific design flaw affecting hard shifting has not been recalled.

Corrosion is found inside the transmission oil dip stick tube, and corrosion appears around the trunk and rear doors. This corrosion damages wiring and causes multiple electrical and powertrain sensor failures.

When: Reported at approximately 91,589 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil dip stick tube corroded; Corrosion around trunk and rear driver and passenger side doors; Burned wires and sensor failures as a result

Repairs/costs cited: The transmission oil dip stick tube corrosion was discovered during routine oil change service and was not repaired.