Used car guide

2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Chrysler Sebring first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 206 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 206 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

206MOTs of 2008 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
59%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
6,400typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Engine oil leaks2.5× usual
    Chrysler Sebring
    27.7% All 2008 cars
    11%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Ball joint2.8× usual
    Chrysler Sebring
    17.5% All 2008 cars
    6.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    41% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    36% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    29% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Steering
    13% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Sebring diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Chrysler Sebring?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Chrysler Sebring compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009610Suspension 47%
2007167Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Chrysler Sebring cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score