Chrysler Sebring MOT Failures

An analysis of 5,360 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler Sebring — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: JR (2001–2006), JS (2007–2010).

Where the Chrysler Sebring fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler Sebring is brake hoses perished or damaged — this model is 13 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 5,360 MOT tests, 19.71% of all Chrysler Sebring tests recorded this as a failure.

Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.

Other notable weak points include subframe bushes or mounts worn (33x the fleet average), track rod ends worn (6.9x the fleet average), suspension component damaged or corroded (24x the fleet average), and abs fault (9.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler Sebring's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 4 categories: Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Exhaust & Emissions. If you're inspecting a Chrysler Sebring before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Chrysler Sebring's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Chrysler Sebring specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (33x the average) and suspension component damaged or corroded (24x). brake hoses perished or damaged (13x) and abs fault (9.7x) also appear frequently.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Chrysler Sebring specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (20x the average) and brake hoses perished or damaged (7.8x). anti-roll bar links worn (6.9x) and anti-roll bar links worn also appear frequently.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Chrysler Sebring specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Brake hose ferrule corrosion (JS diesel) Dangerous

The brake hose ferrules (metal crimped connections where flexible hoses meet brake lines) are failing at 13.5 times the national average on 2.0L diesel variants. Affects JS; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£200.

Steering ball joint excessive wear (JS diesel) Dangerous

Steering ball joints are failing at 6.9 times the national average on 2.0L diesel variants, representing a significant safety concern. Affects JS; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£250.

Suspension component joint excessive wear (JS diesel) Major

The 2.0L diesel variants show exceptionally high rates of suspension joint and bushing wear, particularly affecting lower control arm bushings, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounting points. Affects JS; typical independent garage repair cost is £250–£600.

Brake disc warping (JS diesel) Major

Brake discs are failing at 2.8 times the national average for fracturing or weakening, with excessive fluctuation in brake effort occurring at 6.1 times the fleet average. Affects JS; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£300.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Chrysler Sebring common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Chrysler Sebring

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler Sebring:

Brakes — check for brake hoses perished or damaged, abs fault, excessive fluctuation in brake effort through e.... Suspension — check for subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension component damaged or corroded, anti-roll bar links worn. Steering — check for track rod ends worn.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about brake hose ferrule corrosion and steering ball joint excessive wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £120. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.