6th Sep 2006, 12:46
I fell your pain. I have had several things go in my 2001 convertible, one of them being the visor clip. I never got it fixed, and I ended up with the wires in the visor (that light the mirror) blowing the fuse that also runs the radio and the mirrors. Took me forever to figure out.
I've also had problems off and on with the car shifting hard (or not shifting into all gears) and the transmission light goes on. I've taken it in twice for that and was told it was one of the 2 chips that control the transmission, not the transmission itself. I have 120,000 miles on this car and have started using synthetic oil, so hopefully, if it hasn't gone by now I'll be okay.
Overall, I am extremely disappointed with the quality and reliability of this car and probably will never buy another Chrysler product as long as I live. It's a shame because the car is fun (and practical) and I really like the looks of some other Chrysler cars (300, Crossfire) but I don't want a repeat of having my car in the shop every few months.
24th Dec 2006, 21:55
My last Chrysler product (a '90 Omni) went 240,000 with virtually zero problems. I did 2 brake jobs, replaced 2 timing belts, and one heater hose. That's it. No CV joints, no clutch (it was a 5-speed), NOTHING. For that reason I'm looking at buying a used 2001 or 2002 Sebring convertible to use as a 3rd car. I like convertibles, but don't want to buy a new one. I like to read these reviews and comments for info on the cars I might consider. I hear a lot of bad things about the 2.7 engines. Any suggestions (NO foreign makes, please, been there and done that. Upkeep is just too expensive).
2nd Mar 2007, 14:42
Thank God for e-bay and other sources of used visor clips, because it takes nothing to snap them off. It would only be a minor annoyance, but when they are broken, then the visor hits you in the head when you turn a corner. I replaced one and within a week it had broken (and I'm being particularly careful, knowing how delicate they are).
I have also had trouble with the seat adjustment lever. The side lever on the driver's side gets stuck "open" so the seat won't lock back into place when you push it back. The only way to do it is to snap the bottom lever, which is conveniently stuck in the upright position by that point. Just hope you aren't trying for a one-handed operation at that point.
21st May 2007, 13:41
I have always wanted a Sebring Convertible and purchased a 2001 this past December. The car was immaculate and had 58,000 miles on it. After driving the car a mere 1,500 miles, the engine was a total loss. I have just picked it up from the shop where the engine was totally rebuilt. My mechanic explained that this 2.7 is very delicate and that I should sell it. Such a shame, it is a beautiful car and it is my understanding that Chrysler is not standing up for this product. This is my first and last Chrysler.
9th Jun 2007, 06:33
My 2001 Sebring is in pieces all over the garage try to repair. purchased 1 1/2 years ago with low miles 45K, exceptionally kept and well maintained.
2.7? Yuck. I agree with just about all the negative comments that have been made. This is one car that you should strongly consider staying away from.
At 60K-it fell apart. Since I still have an active loan on the car, we are repairing it instead of sending it to a dealership. We have put over 40 hours into just tearing it apart to replace the bearings, rods, crankshaft, serpentine belt etc... now the expense to buy parts... (don't go to the dealership for those... try Advance Auto you will save hundreds of dollars for after market) then another 40 + hours putting it back together.
We have enjoyed our Sebring when it was working.
One word of caution about the roof... if you make an adjustment because of wind noise in one one location... it throws the roof off in others. We tightened down the front left corner due to a water leak and noise... the whole roof has now shifted and the wind noise is awful. (normally drowned out however by the stereo)...
By the way, the Infinity Stereo system went out too.
17th Aug 2007, 16:07
Chrysler Sebring 2.7L convertible, 68,000.
My issues with this car.
Brakes & Rotors: replaced rotors twice already. Be prepared to have brake and rotor problems with this vehicle. My first set of rotors needed to be replaced at 22,000 miles.
Electrical: Something is definitely not right with the electrical system in this car. I am currently on my 4th battery because of various electrical issues that the dealer has not been able to fix. Sensors and warning lights "bong" and go off like its Christmas... VERY annoying and inconvenient when the battery dies almost on a yearly basis.
23rd Sep 2007, 23:48
I've had electrical problems with my 2001 Sebring.
Am on my third battery and have had the car a year and a half. Sometimes when I turn the lights off, they turn themselves back on. Sometimes turn signals work, sometimes they don't. Dealer said for $97, he could probably tell me what the problem is.
Also, has oil leak that it has had since shortly after purchase.
I don't want another Chrysler.
25th Sep 2007, 20:37
I bought a 2001 Sebring Conv about four months ago and just broke one of the famous plastic visor clips. After reading how many of these break, I am thinking of designing a metal one and sell them online! Anyway, everything else has held up well so far. It now has 63k on it.
15th Dec 2007, 00:57
I have a 2001 Sebring Convertible LXi and it is a good car. Other than abuse from the previous owner this car still looks great. I just completed the 100K miles tune up, and it is running strong as ever. I do run synthetic oil.
30th Dec 2007, 14:53
We have a 2001 Sebring convertible with 90,000 miles. The visor clip broke at 50,000, the car leaked oil like a sieve at 60,000, and the housing the coolant reservior hose connects to cracked at 85,000 miles. These have been the extent of our problems. Apparently, the intake manifold and the coolant system housing parts are plastic (increased likelihood of leaks/failure).
8th Aug 2006, 17:10
The reported problems with the 2.7 were enough to keep the Sebring Convertible off my list when I was shopping for a FWD convertible.
I looked at the Volvo C70 and the Saab 93, before deciding on the Saab. (I love the Saab!)
This is not to say that you can get a good or bad example of any car. My 1993 Volkswagen Cabriolet was one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever had the pleasure of owning, but I frequently read horror stories about their reliability (or lack thereof) on this site.
I worry about the reliability of any vehicle, as a problematic one can certainly drain your bank account.
This time I sprung for a 5 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty, for a little piece of mind.
I certainly hope that I never have to use it, but will be glad I purchased it if I ever do need it.