Why is my Chrysler Sebring stuck in Park?

Short answer: On 2007–2010 Sebrings, a shifter that won't come out of Park even with your foot on the brake is usually the shift interlock. That's the small part that releases the shifter when you press the brake. Its pink plastic lever and spring can break. Chrysler ran a campaign (K16) on some 2007–2008 cars to reinforce it. To get moving, the interlock can be released by hand under the console. Then get it repaired properly.

Symptom: The shifter won't leave Park with the brake pressed. Sometimes the brake lights don't work either, or it feels jammed.

What to check first

1. Check that your brake lights work. A bad brake light switch can also stop the shifter from releasing.
2. Ask a Chrysler dealer to run your VIN for campaign K16 (shift interlock spring) and any other open campaigns.
3. To get moving, the interlock can be released under the console. Owners took out the cup holder liner or the console and moved the pink lever while holding the brake. Set the parking brake first.
4. Get it fixed soon. A shifter that releases without the brake isn't safe either.

Likely causes

1. Broken shift interlock lever or spring. The most common cause. Dealers reinforce it or replace the shifter.
2. Failed shift interlock solenoid. Owners said the solenoid can fail too.
3. Bad brake light switch. If the brake lights don't work, check this first.

What it usually costs

On Sebring Club, a convertible owner said her dealer told her the spring was covered by a campaign, replaced the shifter assembly, and paid back what she'd spent at another shop. Out of campaign, costs depend on whether just the lever is fixed or the whole shifter is replaced.

Is it safe to keep driving?

It won't drive while stuck. Once released, it's OK to drive to a shop, but always set the parking brake when parked until it's fixed. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.

DIY or shop?

DIY for the temporary release. The permanent fix is a dealer or shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Chrysler campaign K16 (certain 2007–2008 Sebrings): a customer satisfaction campaign that reinforces the shift interlock lever spring. This is a campaign, not a safety recall. Ask a Chrysler dealer whether your VIN is covered.
• NHTSA complaints: 167 keyword-matched complaints for Chrysler Sebring 2007–2010 (of 840 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-20; keywords: park, shifter, shift lever, interlock, stuck, won.?t shift, gear selector).

What owners report

• In HELP!! GEAR SHIFT IS STUCK on Sebring Club, a 2008 Touring owner at about 44,000 miles couldn't get out of Park. Members said the pink interlock lever breaks and the interlock solenoid can fail, that the console can come out to release it temporarily, and that dealers replace the shifter.
• In Stuck In Park? Won't Shift... on Sebring Club, owners with jammed shifters compared notes. A 2008 convertible owner said her dealer told her the spring was covered, replaced the shifter assembly, and paid back her costs at another shop.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: on any used Sebring, I shift through all the gears a few times with the engine off and on. A shifter that sticks in Park is a cheap fix to get done before it strands you.

Vehicle focus: 2007–2010 Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible (similar to the Dodge Avenger of those years).

Safety / mechanic note

A shifter that releases without the brake can let the car roll. Verify with a mechanic.