Four problems related to water pump have been reported for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving, the rear driver side wheel slightly separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent where it was diagnosed the all four ball joints and struts needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was also diagnosed that there was a water pump malfunction and the fuel tank filler neck had corroded with the vehicle. The vehicles driver side rear ball joint and the filler neck were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09e056000 (suspension) however the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
We were the original owners of this Chrysler Sebring limited 2. 7l. Took the car in for regular service. Oi changes, air filter, tune-ups, you name it. We made sure to keep this car up and the engine running. At 100752 the engine blew. Since the car was out of town we had it towed to a local Chrysler dealership for repairs. They informed us that the engine had sludge build up and the engine would not move. At the recommendation of the dealership we had the engine replaced with a used 2. 7l Chrysler engine. Less than a year later the water pump went so we replace that. We were told that the that second engine also had sludge build up. They replaced the oil and filter. 2 months later that engine blew up as well from the sludge build up. At that point we decided not to throw good money after bad and dumped the car. This is a production defect of the 2. 7l Chrysler engine that was installed in our 2002 Sebring. We kept up our end of the bargain and took the car in for service. Chrysler should pay damages for a faulty engine. This vehicle should have lasted much longer.
On June 3 2012 I heard a knocking sound coming from my engine on the way to church. When I left I had problems getting the car to start. I finally got it started and returned home. The next morning it would not start at all. I called around to see if I could have someone look at it. When I told them the make, model and engine size of my vehicle they informed me that the type of engine that I have are known for failing. It has a 2. 7l engine wich is known for sludge build up. I had the oil change regularly. I found that the water pump was leaking fliud with the oil causing it to fail. Now I have to replace the engine which is going to cost $3000 including labor.
Sludge build up in the engine, there is coolant like into the oil line. Which has made the oil spit out from under the head gasket and spit out on top of the motor cover. The water pump and time change needs to be replace when they notice the sludge in the oil pan of the car. They in turn took of the top of the engine and the sludge was just thick and gritty. I was told by a Chrysler technician that Chrysler is aware of the problem with the 2. 7 liter engines.