Review: Chysler JS Sebring sedan (2007-09)

Overview

Released in May 2007, the Chrysler JS Sebring sedan was a mid-size sedan (the Sebring Cabrio has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Michigan, USA, the front-wheel drive Sebring was initially available with either a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-litre petrol V6. In April 2009, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Of these engines,

• the 2.4-litre petrol engine had an aluminium block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1;
• the 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block, cast-iron cylinder liners, aluminium double overhead camshaft cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.9:1; and,
• the 2.0-litre Volkswagen turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, Pumpe Duse direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1.

Beyond the engine-based variants, the Sebring range consisted of entry-level Touring and better-equipped Limited editions.

The JS Sebring was 4850 mm long, 1843 mm wide, 1497 mm tall and had a 2765 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Sebring had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars).

Safety equipment

Standard Sebring safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the Sebring Touring included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, temperature-controlled cup holders, 60/40 split and flat folding rear sets, remote central locking, power windows and heated door mirrors (with a folding function), a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, tyre pressure monitoring, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Sebring Limited added 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres, a Boston Acoustics sound system with a six-channel amplifier and six-disc CD/DVD player, power sunroof and headlight washers.

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Chrysler JS Sebring (May 2007)
• Wikipedia.org: Chrysler JS Sebring Sedan

Recalls: Chrysler Sebring sedan

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally. 

Recalls: Chrysler Sebring sedan

2007-08 model year Chrysler JS Sebring: short circuit in cooling fan motor connector

In January 2008, a recall was issued for model year 2007 to 2008 Chrysler Sebring sedans due to engine coolant potentially being drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector; this could create an electrical short circuit (PRA 2008/9756).

2007-08 model year Chrysler JS Sebring: short circuit causes non-start, stalling, flat battery and other symptoms

In June 2008, a recall was issued for model year 2007 to 2008 Chrysler Sebring sedans due to an electrical connector in the unused tyre pressure monitoring system potentially becoming corroded and creating a short circuit; this could cause a range of electrical problems such as failing to start, stalling, a dead battery and inoperative cruise control or remote start systems (PRA 2008/10064).

2010 Chrysler JS Sebring: airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner may not deploy

In October 2016, a recall was issued for 2010 Chrysler JS Sebring vehicles because a short circuit could cause a negative voltage signal to be transmitted from the front impact sensor wires to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) in the event of a collision. This, in turn, could cause a ‘loss of air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment capability’, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants (PRA 2016/15680).

Problems and faults: Chrysler JS Sebring Sedan

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Chrysler Sebring: engine doesn’t start/crank

In July 2008, Technical Service Bulletin 08-007-09 REV A was issued for 2007-08 Chrysler JS Sebring vehicles that were manufactured on or before 5 May 2008 because the engine may not crank or start due to electronic lock-up of the Wireless Control Module (WCM) – also known as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) – and the remote keyless entry (RKE) system does not operate. This may occur because of an electrostatic charge within the Wireless Control Module (WCM). To fix, the WCM needed to be replaced.

2007 Chrysler JS Sebring: front door latches may corrode

In 2013, Chrysler UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Chrysler Sebring vehicles that were manufactured from 1 August 2007 to 31 October 2007. For these Chrysler Sebring vehicles, the front door latches could corrode – this could result in not being able to open the doors, including when people were in the cabin. For affected vehicles, both front door latches were to be replaced (NCA/2013/010).

Chrysler Sebring: Other problems and faults

• If the air conditioner ceases working and only blows warm air, the infra-red sensor may have failed.
• The front door glass may rattle when the door is closed because it hits the belt trim moulding; if so, the moulding should be replaced.
• A shudder from the automatic transmission, which may feel like driving over rumble strips, could require the torque converter to be replaced.
• An imprecise clock (i.e. gaining or losing time) requires the computer to be flashed/reprogrammed.

Released in May 2007, the Chrysler JS Sebring sedan was a mid-size sedan (the Sebring Cabrio had been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Michigan, USA, the front-wheel drive Sebring was initially available with either a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-litre petrol V6. In April 2009, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine… Read full Chrysler Sebring Sedan review

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