2008 Chrysler Sebring steering problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler Sebring we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 22.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Sebring steering system shows a pattern of early and recurring failures. Power steering pumps fail with frozen pulleys causing loud whining noise. Steering racks and pinions wear or loosen prematurely, with some owners reporting looseness below 4,000 miles; several had repairs done only to see the problem recur. Steering columns lock during turns, requiring extreme force to move the wheel. Ignition switches stick, forcing owners to wiggle the column repeatedly to turn the key or remove it.
The most serious issue is complete engine stall while driving, accompanied by total loss of steering—owners cannot turn the wheels and brakes may not respond, creating crash risk. Multiple accidents are documented where steering failed during lane changes or turns. One owner reports a TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) defect causing stalling; dealers charged $1,100 for repair the owner believed should be recalled. Electrical flashing and airbag light warnings occur intermittently, particularly in rain.
Steering wheel vibration and front-end shaking are common, often felt from the wheel itself. Multiple owners visited dealerships repeatedly for the same failures—some cars went back 15+ times with replacement of components that didn't fix the underlying problem. Several complaints cite recall notices that didn't arrive or didn't address the steering issues owners experienced.
Same Chrysler Sebring steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering pump failure and pulley freeze
Power steering pump defected, pulley froze, creating a loud whining noise from the pump. Complaint #1 reported this at 31,418 miles with noisy belt-like sound while driving and idling at stop lights.
When: 31,418 miles
Symptoms owners cite: loud whining/belt noise while driving; noise loudest while parked and idling; pulley freeze
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed defective power steering pump
Steering rack and pinion wear, looseness, and failure
Steering rack and pinion components worn, leaking, or improperly assembled. Multiple complaints report worn steering racks requiring replacement, loose steering columns not bolted down properly, and racks failing repeatedly even after replacement.
When: 35,000-70,000 miles; some failures below 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel very loose with no connection to vehicle; steering becomes unresponsive or locks during turns; vehicle swerves off road due to loss of steering control; front end rattling and shaking; groaning sound when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack and pinion replacement required; multiple owners report repeated failures and recurring looseness despite repairs. Cost cited at 35,000 miles was repair not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 11V193000 (steering) remedy did not correct the problem in at least one case
Steering column lock and seize
Steering column locks or seizes, preventing steering wheel movement. Owners report extreme difficulty turning the wheel or complete inability to maneuver, occurring at low speeds during turns and highway speeds.
When: 65,000-70,000 miles; also reported at unknown mileage during lane changes
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel locks completely; requires extreme bodily force to turn wheel; steering becomes immobile during turns; locks recurred after initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Defective steering column rack diagnosed and replaced; failure recurred and dealer could not duplicate on second visit
Ignition switch sticking and key removal difficulty
Ignition switch binds, making it difficult to turn the key or remove it from the switch. Owners must wiggle the steering column or wheel repeatedly to get the key to turn over or extract.
When: Approximately 1 month after January 2011 recall service
Symptoms owners cite: key difficult to remove from ignition; must wiggle steering column to get key out; must wiggle steering wheel to get ignition to turn over
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspected and stated nothing was wrong
Engine stall with loss of steering and braking response
Engine shuts down completely while driving, accompanied by loss of power steering and power brakes. Multiple complaints report stalling at red lights and while slowing down, leaving the vehicle immobilized and unresponsive.
When: Under 40,000 miles in multiple cases
Symptoms owners cite: engine stops suddenly while driving; steering becomes unresponsive when engine dies; brakes may not respond or brakes remain functional; car restarts immediately in some cases; stalling at red lights and during deceleration; stalling while turning
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7 cites defective TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) requiring $1100 repair; owner believes should be covered under recall. Complaint #4 noted throttle plate and fuel injectors cleaned but stalling continued; complaint #5 reports stalling after tire pressure monitor recall service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #7 owner states TIPM defect should be covered under recall but is being charged $1100 at dealership
Tie rod and stabilizer bar looseness
Front suspension tie rods and stabilizer bar components become loose or wear excessively. One complaint reports continuing to replace tie rods and stabilizer bar after accident.
When: 17,000+ miles at time of purchase; issues ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: tie rod wear requiring replacement; stabilizer bar loose; may be connected to earlier steering failure
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod components replaced multiple times
Electrical system failure causing loss of power and steering
Broader electrical system failures, sometimes attributed to wiring defects or TIPM failures, cause complete loss of engine power and steering capability while driving, creating hazardous situations.
When: Various mileages under 60,000
Symptoms owners cite: entire electrical system failures; instruments flashing on/off intermittently; airbag light flashing; complete vehicle shutdown while driving; loss of steering during shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #12 reports intermittent electrical flashing 3-5 times per year, particularly in rain; complaint #5 mentions burning wire smell
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaints reference NHTSA recalls 07V473000 (electrical system/wiring), but owners state they did not receive proper recall notices
Steering wheel vibration and shaking
Steering wheel shakes or vibrates during normal driving, particularly during turns or when bringing the wheel back to straight position. Multiple complaints mention vibration at various mileages.
When: Less than 4,000 miles to 37,500+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: front end rattling and shaking through steering wheel; steering wheel vibration during turns; shake when turning wheel and bringing back to center; vibration felt through steering wheel after engine warms up
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #9 reports dealerships replaced rotors, brakes, rims, tires, struts at 26,000 miles but issue persisted; dealerships refused to inspect tie rods or bushings. Complaint #10 had steering rack and pinion not bolted down properly.
Synthesized from 22 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 steering problem on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 37,500 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,500; a quarter make it past 72,000. 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.