2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Flexible brake hoses7.7× usual
  Chrysler Sebring

  20% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Engine oil leaks2.9× usual
  Chrysler Sebring

  26.2% All 2009 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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 joint2.6× usual
  Chrysler Sebring

  16.4% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Chrysler Sebring

  12.7% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  44% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  8% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 7.7× as often on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?