Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler sebring convertible. While driving 65 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was unable to be diagnosed due to a PCM failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
2010 Chrysler Sebring powertrain problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2010 Sebring powertrain has serious electronics issues—PCM/ECM failures cause unpredictable stalling, transmission no-shift conditions, and throttle cutouts, with repairs running $800–$3000+ and recurring even after dealer fixes. Multiple owners report unsafe driving situations, and the 2010 is notably missing recalls that cover the 2009 and 2011 model years for the same defects.
Owners of the 2010 Sebring describe a pattern of powertrain control failures that start intermittently and escalate. The PCM (powertrain control module) loses communication with the transmission control module, causing the transmission to lock into one gear or refuse to shift entirely—a hard clunk is felt as it finally engages. Check engine lights and throttle-control warnings illuminate; resets at the dealership cost $100 and work for a few weeks before the same failure returns. A full PCM replacement is quoted at $3000 and up, yet owners report the problem recurs within a week of replacement.
Electronic throttle control failures are equally persistent. The ETC light comes on, the engine loses power or stalls without warning—sometimes at 65 mph on the highway or during uphill acceleration. Shops replace the throttle body ($800 in one case, another sourced from a junkyard), but the problem doesn't stop. Owners discover that an underlying ECM defect is responsible, not the throttle body itself.
Hard shifting, acceleration delays on highways, and unexpected stalls round out the complaints. Notably, one owner points out that the 2009 and 2011 Sebring both carry factory recalls for PCM defects, but the 2010 does not—despite owners experiencing identical failures. Powertrain warranties explicitly exclude the PCM, leaving owners on the hook for thousands in repairs.
Same Chrysler Sebring powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure — Intermittent Loss of Shift Control
ECM/TCM communication breakdown or PCM defect preventing transmission shifts; initial reset temporarily fixes problem, then recurs within weeks. Repeated diagnostic scans show PCM defects; Chrysler dealership quote $3000+ for replacement. Affects transmission engagement and manifests as limp mode or no-shift condition.
When: First occurrence unpredictable; recurs within 1-3 weeks of reset or firmware update; one failure reported at 95,000 miles, another at 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and temperature warning lights illuminate; Transmission quits shifting; vehicle stuck in one gear or limp mode; Clunk felt as transmission slips into gear; Vehicle stalls without warning during driving; High RPM but poor acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0755, P0716, P1607
Repairs/costs cited: PCM firmware update ($100 diagnostic at Chrysler dealership); full PCM replacement quoted at $3000+. One complaint reports shift solenoid B replaced by dealership, then later told transmission replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2009 and 2011 Chrysler Sebring models had recalls for PCM defects; 2010 model notably absent from recall despite identical symptoms reported by owner. Powertrain warranty does not cover PCM replacement.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Failure
ETC light illuminates, engine loses power or stalls. Throttle body replacement attempted but does not resolve issue in most cases. Some reports indicate ECM (Engine Control Module) defect underlying the throttle failure. One case reveals junkyard throttle body with warped sensor.
When: Occurs during acceleration or at startup; one failure at 95,000 miles; some failures recur despite throttle body replacement
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light comes on; Vehicle will not accelerate or loses acceleration suddenly; Engine stalls; Vehicle unsafe for highway/uphill driving; ETC light turns off when vehicle restarted, returns when driving
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement ($800 reported in one case) does not resolve issue. One case involved junkyard throttle body with warped sensor. Multiple complaints indicate problem persists after repair. Extended warranty may not cover electronic throttle control.
Transmission Hard Shifting and Erratic Behavior
Transmission shifts roughly from Drive to other gears; acceleration delays on highway; cruise control malfunction on inclines. Check engine light accompanies issue. Vehicle still drivable but unsafe operation reported.
When: Occurs both cold and hot; happens during normal driving, highway, and incline conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifts from Drive to any gear; Acceleration delay of several seconds on highway at 50+ mph; Cruise control kicks in aggressively on inclines, pushing speed from 60 to 70+ mph; Check engine light illuminates
Engine Stalling During Normal Operation
Engine shuts off without warning during driving or while making turns. Check engine light may illuminate. Vehicle can sometimes be restarted but failure recurs. PCM failure prevents diagnosis in at least one case.
When: At varying mileage; one failure at 300,000 miles; one during 65 mph highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or turning; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle difficult or impossible to diagnose due to PCM failure; Failure recurs after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed but not repaired in reported cases; diagnosis hindered by PCM failure
Low Voltage / Electrical Failure
Low voltage system failure diagnosed in one complaint; defective engine control module identified as root cause. Vehicle required ECM replacement; was not repaired.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle body warning message illuminates; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced electronic throttle body, alternator, and sensor; failure recurred. Another independent mechanic diagnosed low voltage and defective ECM but vehicle not repaired.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler sebring. While making a turn, the vehicle shut off and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was placed in park and restarted. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure recurred, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Etc light comes on and vehicle will not accelerate it happens when I start the vehicle when I drive it happens constantly I took vehicle to Chrysler dealership and was told it wa the throttle body paid 800 dollars still have the etc and same issue happening. This is a libility and accident waiting to happen it is unsafe to drive a vehicle and have it lose acceleration why driving up hill or…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Chrysler Sebring?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 85,000 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 105,820. A quarter of owners report trouble before 85,000; a quarter make it past 127,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2010/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.