2008 Chrysler Sebring

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
Convertible Limited 2dr FWD, Convertible LX/Touring 2dr FWD, Limited 4dr Sedan AWD, Limited 4dr Sedan FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
190.6–193.7 in
Curb weight
3,311–3,957 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,957 lb (Convertible Limited 2dr FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 14% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

  • New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 4-cyl
  • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Sebring →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Convertible Limited 2dr FWD193.7 in71.7 in58.7 in109.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,957 lb61/39
Convertible LX/Touring 2dr FWD193.7 in71.7 in58.7 in109.1 in61 / 61.4 in3,845 lb60/40
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD190.6 in71.3 in59.1 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,697 lb60/40
Limited 4dr Sedan FWD190.6 in71.3 in59.1 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,351 lb60/40
LX/Touring 4dr Sedan FWD190.6 in71.3 in59.1 in109.1 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,311 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sebring2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+14%$2,800370
Sebring Convertible2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23+9%$2,900386
Sebring FFV2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+4%$3,050404
Sebring2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+4%$3,050404
Sebring Convertible FFV2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 210%$3,200423
Sebring Convertible2.7L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 210%$3,200423
Sebring Convertible3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 26 / 19-10%$3,550468
Sebring3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 26 / 19-10%$3,550468
Sebring AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 24 / 18-15%$3,700494
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2008 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Chrysler Sebring (this car)24 MPGNot rated0
2008 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated2
2008 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated6
2008 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Dodge Challenger15 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Chrysler Sebring is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

151Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
94,122 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System64
Engine39
Unknown Or Other29
Power Train23
Air Bags22
Vehicle Speed Control16
Exterior Lighting10
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/01: 120/02: 120/05: 120/06: 120/07: 120/08: 320/09: 220/12: 121/01: 221/03: 421/04: 121/10: 121/11: 222/01: 222/02: 122/08: 123/06: 123/08: 124/01: 124/05: 124/08: 125/07: 125/09: 225/12: 120/0120/0620/0921/0321/1122/0824/0125/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Chrysler Sebring buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Electrical System — 64 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 39 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,122 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sebring years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2010 Sebring24193.7 inNot rated363
2009 Sebring24193.7 inNot rated019
2007 Sebring24190.6 inNot rated0111
2006 Sebring22193.3 inNot rated053
2005 Sebring24193.3 inNot rated141

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →