NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
SUBFRAME CRADLE FAILURE WITH CRACK THROUGH MOUNTING. DEALER SAYS "SEEN BEFORE" NOT UNDER RECALL OR INVESTIGATION. REPAIR SHOP "HAS SEEN SEVERAL WITH SIMILAR FAILURE" SOME HAVE RESULTED IN SUSPENSION FAILURE AND ACCIDENTS. WHY IS THIS NOT THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL? NO ONE KILLED YET? REPAIR TO COST $1,400.00. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ
WIFE WAS SITTING IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC WAITING AT A LIGHT. VEHICLE CAME FROM BEHIND AND HIT HER AT APPROXIMATELY 40. M.P.H. CAR WAS THROWN INTO CAR IN FRONT OF HER WHICH WAS THEN THROWN INTO CAR IN FRONT OF THEM. BREAKING HOOD LATCH SYSTEM, RADIATOR, A/C COOLER/, AND BENDING HOOD UP. AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WIFE SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND CERVICAL SPRAIN, AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED FROM SCENE BY AMBULANCE DUE TO ACCIDENT. OUR CAR HAD IN EXCESS OF 2500 DOLLARS DAMAGE. *TR
DRIVING AT 35MPH. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CAR COASTED/ROLLED DOWN-HILL FOR 1.5 BLOCKS. I STOPPED AT THE FIRST RED LIGHT. THE CAR WOULD NOT RE-START. IT BEGAN TO CRANK BUT WOULD NEVER TURN THE ENGINE OVER. CHECKED THE OIL STICK AND THERE WAS NO (ZERO) OIL ON THE STICK. WE ADDED 4 QUARTS OF OIL. THE OIL DID NOT LEAK OUT OF THE CAR. WE LET THE ENGINE COOL AND TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT START, IT CRANKED AGAIN BUT DIDN'T TURN OVER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SHOP. *TR
FOG LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF, STAYED ON LONG ENOUGH TO RUN DOWN BATTERY. NOT GOOD FOR SINGLE ELDERLY WOMAN VOLUNTEER STUCK IN A PARKING LOT ACROSS TOWN. UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED IN MANY, MANY VEHICLES FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS. DID I MISS A RECALL? I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WHERE IN THE WORLD WILL I FIND A MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH AND SOMEONE TO INSTALL IT? WILL THE COMPANY COVER THE COST? ARE THEY ON A FIXED INCOME? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY CONTINUOUSLY LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,583.
MY WIFE'S CAR HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE WE GOT THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT IS STILL NOT HOLDING A CHARGE. I FOUND THAT WHILE JUMP STARTING THE CAR, YOU GET SPARKS AS YOU ATTACH THE CABLES. THIS IS EVIDENCE OF A SHORT SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. THE ISSUES THAT I HAVE FOUND ARE NONFUNCTIONAL INTERIOR LIGHTS, MIRROR CONTROLS, DOOR LOCKS, AND RADIO. I HAVE FOUND RECALL INFORMATION ON VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL. UPON CALLING DAIMLER CHRYSLER I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. I MA HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS VEHICLES IN THIS RECALL. *TR
THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE STATE'S HE WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY ON THE WAY HOME. HE HEARD POP AND THEN SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE STARTED RATTLING, THE OWNER STATED WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP THEY PUT IT ON THE RACK. THE SHOP NOTIFIED THE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULDN'T BE DRIVEN, BOTH STEERING KNUCKLE BUSHINGS, BALL JOINTS, FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION PARTS WERE ALL BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE FOR AS IT NOT JUST MINE AS I ASK THE SHOP AND THEY HAS SEVERAL VEHICLE OF THAT MAKE COME IN WITH SAME PROBLEM. WE AS TAX PAYERS BAILED THEM OUT, AND NOW IT TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TELL THEM THEY NEED TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND ANY OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF PT CRUISER ON THE ROAD TODAY, BUT I GUESS THEY GREEDY SON OF B***HES IN DETROIT TOOK THE MONEY AND LEFT THE CUSTOMER PAYING FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR FAMILIES. NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO DIE IN CAR IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE.
A GUY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND TO AVOID HITTING HIM I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. MY SEATBELT NEVER LOCKED SO I WAS THROWN FORWARD ALMOST TO THE STEERING WHEEL THEN SLAMMED BACKWARDS INTO MY SEAT. NOW I HAVE WHIPLASH AND A BONE OUT OF PLACE IN MY NECK UP NEAR MY SKULL. I HAVE AN EMERGENCY ROOM BILL FOR SEVERE HEADACHE AND AM HAVING TO PAY A CHIROPRACTOR TO TRY TO GET IT BACK IN PLACE TO STOP THE HEADACHES, IF SHE CAN'T WITH WHERE IT IS I MAY NEED A SURGERY I CAN'T AFFORD SINCE INSURANCE WON'T PAY FOR AVOIDED ACCIDENTS. IF THE SEAT BELT HAD LOCKED I WOULD NEVER HAVE HAD MY WHOLE BODY THROWN FORWARD THEN BACKWARD AND COULD HAVE POSSIBLY AVOIDED SUCH A SEVERE NECK AND BACK INJURY. *TR
I GOT THE IN JANUARY 2014 AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS AND SHAD TO GO IN THE SHOP AND I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS DIAGNOSIS WITH LUNG CANCER AND I HAVE TO GET BACK AND FORWARD TO MY TREATMENTS AND I NEED A RELIABLE CAR AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT THE TIRE ROD WENT THE FIRST TIME THEN THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TIRE ROD WENT NOW IT'S THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IS ACTING IT AND SINCE I HAD THIS CAR IT BEEN IN THE SHOP EVERY MONTH AND IT DON'T MAKE SENSE THAT I HAVE TO PAY A CAR NOTE AND PAY TO FITS IT TOO I HAVE MISS A LOTS OF TREATMENTS WILL ALL PLEASE HELP ME BECAUSE I HEAR EVERYBODY TALK ABOUT HELPING CANCER SURVIVORS BUT ONLY THING THAT I SEE IS I AM BEEN HURT FIRST IT'S MY CAR NOW THE CITY IS TRYING TO TAKE MY HOUSE THAT MY MOTHER LEFT ME PLEASE HELP ME ALSO YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT NOT SECURED WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY, AS THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR. I SLOWED AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ENDED UP IN THE DITCH, BUT I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME. I PROCEEDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THE SUBFRAME OF MY VEHICLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN WITH THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND OTHERS THAT I COULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS OF MY VEHICLE, OTHER THEN THE SUBFRAME I NEEDED TO HAVE MY CAR LAST MORE THEN 10 YEARS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNAL CONTROLS CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
HEATED SEATS COME ON BY THEM SELFS AND OVERHEAT CAN NOT TURN THEM OFF UNLESS YOU TURN OFF CAR IT GETS SO HOT IT CAN BURN YOU . *TR
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN, HAD TO PULL OVER. WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD THERE WAS OIL ON THE CAP. JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE.....BEFORE THIS INCIDENT MY POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING, TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL DEALING WITH THE POWER STEERING AND THE HOSE, THEY SAID THAT IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE. I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER PERSON HE PUT MY CAR ON THE LIFT AND THERE IT WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE HOSE SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALER BUT WASN'T. *TR
2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NO INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, FUEL AND OIL LEAKS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS COMES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS COMPLETELY DARK AND HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE GAUGES AT NIGHT. UPDATED 05/22/13
THE CAR MAKES A CRACKING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN OR GOES OVER BUMPS SOUND LIKE ITS COMING FROM OF CAR POSSIBLE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD GASKET, TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT. NO OTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, MY BATTERY WAS SUDDENLY DRAINED AND I HAD NO IDEA WHY. I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY FOR ABOUT $125. *TR WHEN MY FOG LIGHT INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN. I'D JUST PRESS THE END OF TURN SIGNAL ARM INWARD TOWARDS THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WENT OFF. GRADUALLY, THE PRESSING PROCESS DID NOT WORK ANYMORE AND I DISCOVERED THAT SHUTTING OFF THE CAR WITH THE LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL PRESSED DOWN, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE PROBLEM (SO I COULD DO SOME RESEARCH ON ITS SOLUTION). NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER AND FOR $65 THEY DIAGNOSED IT AT A NEED TO REPLACE THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WHICH THEY SAID REQUIRED THE PULLING OF STEERING WHEEL AND OVER $600 MORE TO FIX. I OPTED OUT ON THAT, SINCE CAR HAS 112,000 MILES ON IT. THEN, WITH A WEEK OF VERY HOT 90 DEGREE TEMPERATURES, , I FOUND THAT BRAND NEW BATTERY TOTALLY DRAINED AND BEGAN READING THE INTERNET POSTS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF PULLING THE FUSE. OF COURSE BEING A USA CAR, THE MANUAL DIDN'T IDENTIFY THE FUSE FOR THE FOG LAMPS IN THE "UNDER THE HOOD" FUSE BOX. IT SEEMS THAT THE HEAT ALLOWS THE FOG LAMPS TO STILL TURN ON WHEN THE LEFT HAND SIGNAL ARM IS PRESSED DOWNWARDS. GOING FURTHER, I FOUND THAT FUSE #8 IN THE INTERIOR DASHBOARD FUSE BOX COULD BE PULLED AND SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITHOUT FURTHER REPAIR. I FIND IT VERY INTERESTING THAT CHRYSLER DOES NOT EVEN SHOW YOU A SKETCH OF THE INTERIOR FUSE BOX IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL.THIS APPROACH DOES MEAN THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT ALLOWING THE BUYER (ME) TO FULLY ENJOY ALL THE FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE! SEEMS TO ME THAT CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS NOT RECALLED THE DEFECTIVE CARS ON PURPOSE AND NEEDS TO HAVE A DEBACLE LIKE TOYOTA HAD BEFORE THEY WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX A BAD DESIGN. .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THEM. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
WELL MAINTAIN PT CRUISER BLEW HEAD GASKET GOING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 70MPH. CAUSED ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SPRAY BOILING WATER FROM THE WATER OVERFLOW TANK BACK ON TO THE WINDSHIELD. CAR HAD RIGHT AT 32,550 MILES ON IT. THE SPRAYING WATER AND STEAM COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. *TR
LOUD CRACKING SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING THEN THE DASH STARTED OPENING UP IN TWO PLACES, ONE THROUGH THE VENT FAN ALL THE WAY TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE OTHER FROM THE VENT TOWARD THE GLOVE BOX. CHRYSLER AND MY DEALER CLAIM THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM ALTHOUGH MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND THIS SITE? ALSO MANY ON THIS SITE SAID THEY CONTACTED CHRYSLER. HAVE MADE APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE AT MY COST SINCE IT DOESN'T SEEM SAFE TO DRIVE A CAR THAT'S SPLITTING DOWN THE MIDDLE, AND CHRYSLER AND THE DEALER CLAIM NO RESPONSIBILITY. MY CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, USED SUN SHADES AND ONLY HAS 35,585 MILES, LIVING ON THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST WHERE THE WEATHER IS MILD ALL YEAR AROUND. SEEMS LIKE THIS IS DEFECTIVE MATERIAL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD REPLACE. *TR
CAR HAS BEEN OVERHEATING WHEN AC IS PUT ON. OVERHEATING WHILE IDLING SOMETIMES. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 TRYING TO FIX IT. IT'S NOT HEAD GASKET OR HEADS ACCORDING TO 2 SHOPS. I CALLED CHRYSLER, THEY SAID NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT COOLING SYSTEM HAVE EVER BEEN REPORTED. I FILED A COMPLAINT. SHOPS HAVE CHANGED EVERYTHING AND CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER EVERYTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL!! *TR
TAKATA RECALL: I WAS DRIVING NORTH, TURNING RIGHT ON A 20 MPH CURVE, WHEN SOMEONE HEADING SOUTH, TURNED LEFT ON THE CURVE, WENT OVER THE LINE AND HIT ME HEAD ON. WHEN I CAME TO, I HEARD MYSELF SCREAMING THAT I WAS ON FIRE! ( BUT MY CAR WAS NOT ON FIRE.) THEN I DIDN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING UNTIL I WOKE UP IN THE HOSPITAL. I WAS COVERED IN THIS HOT POWDERY SUBSTANCE AND I HAD BURNS WHERE EVER MY SKIN WAS SHOWING. I HAD CUTS EVERYWHERE AND DARK MARKS IN MY SKIN FOR YEARS. I HAD CORNEAL SCRATCHES AND IRRITATED EYES TOO, ALONG WITH DISLOCATED JAW, SEAT BELT INJURIES AND A FEW OTHER INJURIES. MY TMJ SPECIALIST REALIZED I HAD METAL IN MY FACE, LOOKING AT MY MRI. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE MRI, MY FACE SWELLED UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE, MY RIGHT EYE WAS SWOLLEN SHUT AND MY FACE HAD A HUGE BUMP WHERE THE METAL FESTERED UP FROM THE MRI, THE ER LANCED IT OPEN, FOUND PARTICALS BUT DIDN'T DO A BIOPSY, JUST THREW IT AWAY. I NEVER HAD FACE SURGERY OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND IT WAS TOO HIGH ON MY CHEEK TO BE FROM DENTAL WORK. I HAVE DOCUMENTS ON ACCIDENT REPORTS, DRS DOCUMENTS, X RAYS, MRI'S SHOWING THE BLOOM OF METAL HIDING MY BROKEN JAW. I HAVE PICTURES TOO OF ME AND DEPLOYED AIRBAGS. ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE THEM HERE TO SCAN. HOPEFULLY I CAN COME BACK TO MY FORM AND UPDATE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS MISSING. THANK YOU. MY TMJ DR AND MY MAXIO FACIAL SPECIALIST SAID IT HAD TO BE SHRAPNEL AND THEY CANNOT MAKE ANY PROPER DIAGNOSIS OF MY TMJ OR BROKEN JAW. I STILL HAVE PAIN AND STILL HAVE SHRAPNEL THAT HAS BEEN COMING OUT OF MY EYE AREA AND FACE FOR SOME TIME. I KNEW OF ALL OF THIS PRIOR TO THE TAKATA ISSUES, I HAVEN'T BEEN WELL ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOU UNTIL NOW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
I UNLOCKED MY CAR DOORS WITH REMOTE, AND DROVE TO THE STORE, IT WAS DARK OUT SO I HAD MY HEAD LIGHTS ON. WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE AND TRIED TO UNLOCK MY CAR, IT WOULD NOT WORK. SO I MANUALLY UNLOCKED THE DOORS WITH MY KEY. IT WAS VERY COLD WEATHER AT THAT TIME AND MY HEATER WOULD NOT WORK AS WELL THEN I TURNED ON MY CAR TO GO HOME, AND MY LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON. AND SO I WAS TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT IN TO A CHRYSLER REPAIR SHOP AND THEY DID A QUICK CHECK ON IT AND SAID THAT IT MIGHT BE THE ELECTRICAL AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT WITHOUT TEARING THE ENTIRE CAR APART AND SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH IT. THERE WENT $100.00 OF MY MONEY TO FIND OUT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO TO GET THE CAR REPAIRED WITH OUT HAVING TO SPEND $1,000.00 PLUS.... WHICH IS A QUOTE BY THE CHRYSLER REPAIR. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT, DUE TO NO LIGHTS AND NOW THAT WE HAVE HOT 90 TO 101 DEGREE WEATHER, I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONER OR TO ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN. I HAVE SPENT OVER $3,000.00 IN REPAIRS FOR MY CAR AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR JUST TWO YEARS. THERE IS ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER WITH MY CAR, THE PROBLEMS ARE HAVING TO REPLACE PARTS AND SOMETIMES HAVING TO REPLACE THOSE SAME PARTS A YEAR LATER WHEN THEY HAVE JUST RAN OUT OF THE WARRANTIES. I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS FOR ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND IT IS ALMOST 2 INCHES THICK. I AM ON DISABILITY AND IT TOOK ME OVER A YEAR TO SAVE THE ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY THIS CAR AND I HAVE NO MORE MONEY TO FIX IT AGAIN... AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT THROUGH DEQ HERE IN OREGON AND IT WILL NOT PASS THEIR TEST DUE TO EXHAUSTION PROBLEMS WITH THE EMISSIONS LEAKING AS WELL. *TR
10-18-2011 I JUST BOUGHT MY CAR LAST MONTH (09-26-2011) AND MY CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHING HAVE ALREADY WENT BAD. NOW 2 NIGHTS AGO (10-16-2011) MY HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE EVERYTHING CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRING UNDER THE DASH IS MESSED UP. I SEE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF RECALLS FOR THAT HAPPENING TO THE 2002 PT CRUISERS AND NOW THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM WILL NOT FIX IT (EVEN THOUGH I'M STILL WITHIN MY 30 DAY WARRANTY) I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. ALSO, THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM WOULD NOT GIVE ME A CARFAX ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO, SOLD ME THE CAR WITH A RECALL ALREADY ON IT THAT WAS ISSUED WAY BACK IN 2004. (POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE) THAT I WAS TOLD COULD CAUSE A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *TR
2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. CONSUMER STATES THE WHEELS LEAK AIR AROUND THE RIMS CAUSING THE TIRES TO DEFLATE *TGW
I WAS DRIVING THE KIDS TO SCHOOL GOING ABOUT 20 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WE HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US HARD ENOUGH TO BREAK THE BAR BEHIND THE GRILL AND SMASH INTO THE RADIATOR AND RUIN IT. THE BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED ON THAT KIND OF IMPACT. *TR
DASHBOARD CRACKED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING AND CAUSING A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED A STEERING HYDRAULIC POWER ISSUE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
MY CAR HAS DECIDED TO "SOMETIMES" NOT START AT THE END OF THE DAY. IT RUNS JUST FINE IN THE MORNING, BUT THEN ON MY RETURN TRIP HOME, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING. THE LIGHTS GO ON, BUT NO IGNITION, NO SOUND OF THE ENGINE TURNING OVER. THREE BATTERY REPLACEMENTS, AND THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. CALLED CHRYSLER PERSONALLY AS DIRECTED BY A WEBSITE THAT SITED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY DENIED KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH COMPLAINT. COMPLAINTS DATE BACK TO 2002. TRIED HAVING OUR TRUSTED MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, BUT SINCE HE CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM, HE IS AT A LOSS. CAR HAS 100K MILES AND RAN FINE UP UNTIL THE START OF SUMMER. *KB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE FOG LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT INTENT. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
I OWN A 2002 PT CRUISER. IT RECENTLY ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUB-FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FRONT SUSPENSION TOGETHER. THE GARAGE THAT IT IS BEING WORKED ON SAID THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND HE HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING. ALSO, WHEN IT BROKE, IT ALSO BROKE THE TIE ROD, THE STEERING RACK AND THE A-ARM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AT THE TIME WHEN IT HAPPENED, HAD I BEEN GOING ANY FASTER I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FOG LAMPS WOULD REMAINED ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVED THE FUSE IN ORDER TO TURN THE FOG LAMPS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
PARKED 2002 PT CRUISER IN SHOPPING CENTER. UPON RETURN VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. PUSHED TO ADJACENT GOODYEAR DEALER (REMAINED 3 DAYS) SAID IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY, STARTER & #11 FUSE. ALL REPLACED AND WHEN BACKING OUT OF GOODYEAR, VEHICLE DIED & #11 FUSE AGAIN BLEW. OWNER HAD OLD STARTER EXAMINED ELSEWHERE AND FOUND IT TO BE IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. GOODYEAR REPLACED OLD STARTER PLUS REPAIRED BATTERY GROUND CABLE. DROVE 45 MILES TO DOCTOR AND VEHICLE DIED WHEN STOPPING IN LOT. TARZANA GOODYEAR CAME, REPLACED #11 FUSE AND DROVE TO THEIR GARAGE. UNABLE TO DETECT ANY PROBLEM. OWNER DROVE VEHICLE HOME WITH NO PROBLEM. WIFE DROVE VEHICLE TO DENTIST & WHEN PULLING OUT OF LOT AND IN WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC, VEHICLE DIED. #11 FUSE REPLACED AND DROVE HOME. LATER TOOK VEHICLE TO CROWN CHRYSLER IN VENTURA, CA & SIGNED CONTRACT FOR $100.00 BENCH FEE FOR THEM TO LOCATE PROBLEM. VEHICLE REMAINED THERE "SIXTEEN DAYS" UNTIL CROWN REFUSED TO CHECK ANY FURTHER UNTIL OWNER WOULD SIGN CONTRACT TO PAY $500.00 FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. CROWN SAID THAT IT MIGHT NEED $700.00 POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. CROWN ADVISED THAT ONCE INSTALLED, IF THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT REMOVE IT & OWNER WOULD INCUR $700.00 PLUS INSTALLATION CHARGE. VEHICLE WAS THEN BROUGHT TO OWNER'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT REMAINS GARAGED. PLEASE ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.......................THANK YOU. *TR
I HAVE A 2002 PT. CRUISER I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARINGS AND NOW I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM BUSHING AND WHEEL BEARING WITH IN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THIS IS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 YEARS I ALSO THINK THIS IS TO OFTEN FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT. *TR
TODAY 06/09/11. DRIVING HOME AROUND 7:30 PM MY CLUSTER WENT OUT COULDN'T SEE THE SPEED OR RPM OR ANY OTHER GAUGES,AND MY HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHTS STOP WORKING TOGETHER WITH MY POWER DOORLOCKS. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP AND TAKE MY TIME GOING HOME. *TR
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOES NOT ELIMINATE LIKE OTHER CARS CLUSTER SUPPOSED TO ELUMINATE. IT,WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS TURN ON BUT REALLY U CAN HARDLY SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR THE GAUGES WHICH IS DANGEROUS. ON 6/09/11 WHILE DRIVING HOME THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS WHEN OUT I COULD SEE ANYTHING,MY HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHTS STOP WORKING AND ALSO MY POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING EITHER ALL THIS HAPPEN ON MY WAY HOME AROUND 7:30PM AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE IT SAFE HOME..WHEN I GOT HOME MY POWER LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING WHEN I WENT TO LOCK THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER LIMITED STARTED OPERATING BY THEMSELVES TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW AND HAD THE MULTIFUNCTION TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. THE DOOR LOCK PROBLEM SOMETIMES OCCURS WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR AT LOW SPEED BUT IT WILL ALSO OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS SETTING IN THE GARAGE WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE DOORS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK SEVERAL TIMES ON THEIR OWN WHILE DRIVING OR WITHOUT ANYONE BEING IN THE CAR OR TOUCHING THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM. THIS CAN PRESENT PROBLEMS IF THE CAR IS LOCKED AND IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT. THE CARE SOMETIMES WILL UNLOCK ON ITS OWN. YOU CAN ALSO BE LOCKED OUT OF THE CAR IF YOU DON'T TAKE YOUR KEYS WITH YOU WHEN EXITING THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE DURING HOT SUMMER WEATHER THAN DURING COOLER WINTER MONTHS. I HAVE ALSO NOTED THAT THE EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND COMPASS MOUNTED ABOVE THE FRONT WINDOW WILL ALSO GO OUT DURING HOT WEATHER. WHEN THE CAR COOLS DOWN WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON, THE EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL START OPERATING AGAIN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO BE FIXED. THE FIRST TIME THEY CHARGED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG, THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID THE BATTERY CABLE WAS CORRODED AND NEED REPLACED AT $300 AND IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. AFTER THIS WORK, I DROVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND THE DOOR LOCKS STARTED GOING WILD AGAIN. SO I WENT BACK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEY WOULD GET THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER ON THE PHONE TO SEE IF HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP THEM. AT THAT POINT WE WENT INTO WINTER AND IT WAS OK. IT IS DOING IT AGAIN THIS SPRING SO I WILL TRY AGAIN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE INTERIOR INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V288000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
FOG LIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE OWNERS KNOWLEDGE...LATER ON IN THE DAY IT WOULD CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS NOT WANTING TO WORK OR THEM GOING OFF WHEN YOU NEED THEM WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ISSUE. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH OTHER CONSUMERS: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER/TF81KHBDLDVT92AH2/P7. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM, FOG LIGHT INDICATOR, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISABLE THE FOG LIGHT SWITCH IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM FROM ILLUMINATING, AND IF THE FOG LIGHT WAS DISABLED IT WOULD CAUSE THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
CHRYSLER CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER (KMM7261775V12890L0KM)US CUSTOMER SERVICE - CHRYSLER BRAND SITE BRIEF DESCRIPTION: TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING 2002PT COMMENTS: I AM VERY BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SEND THIS EMAIL DUE TO THE FACT AS A PT 2002 OWNER AND A VERY HAPPY ONE JUST HAD THE SCARE OF MY LIFE.WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH MY TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP CAUSING MY PT CRUISER TO LIFT THE BACK WHEELS OFF THE GROUND AND THREW ME INTO THE WINDSHIELD LUCKY FOR ME I HAD MY SAFETY BELT ON.NOW HERE I AM STUCK ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH NO REVERSE AND NO GEARS.I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A GOODYEAR DEALER WHO SAID THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. THIS PLACE DOES ALL MY WORK AND I HAVE RECORDS TO PROVE WITH THIS CAR HAS BEEN SERVICE AND WELL TAKING CARE OF. MY CONCERN IS NOW THE TRANSMISSION PLACE SAYS IT WILL COST 2800.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. I WOULD LIKE SOME KIND OF RESPONSE FROM CHRYSLER. THERE RESPONSE WAS WE DONT CARE AND WILL NOT HELP. *TR
2002 PT CRUISER MOTOR MOUNTS KEEP GOING OUT. I HAD MY MOUNTS REPLACED 6 MONTHS AGO. THEN WITHIN 2 MONTHS THEY WENT OUT AGAIN. NOW THEY ARE MAKING NOISE AGAIN. THESE ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE. IF THESE MOUNTS ALL FAIL, THE ENGINE CAN FALL ON TO THE AXLE AND WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE INTERIOR WIRING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED; THEREFORE, THE WARNING LIGHTS OVERHEATED AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER STATED THERE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V288000, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: INTERIOR/UNDER DASH WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; YET, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH, WITH NO INDICATION OR WARNING MY 2002 CHYSTLER PT CRUISER COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. AFTER I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER TURN OVER OR ACT LIKE IT WANTED TO START UP. I THEN HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP NEAR MY HOME AND WAS INFORMED TODAY MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. *LN
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THE DASH ON THE CAR CRACKED ABOUT 16 INCHES, SO FAR HAVE ONLY PUT DUCT TAPE ON IT TO HOPEFULLY KEEP THE CRACK FROM GOING ANY FURTHER. IT HAS CRACKED FROM THE LEFT SIDE, JUST UNDER THE WINDOW TO ALMOST THE CENTER VENT ON THE DASH. *TR
WITH NO WARNING AND NO APPARENT CAUSE, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE QUARTER WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. SINCE I WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED AT THE TIME (I JUST HEARD A NOISE AND FELT SOME WIND) I DID NOT STOP AND AM UNAWARE OF WHAT IF ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED TO OTHER CARS AS A RESULT. CLOSER EXAMINATION SHOWS THAT THE GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE BOLTS THAT HELD IT TO THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON LATER PT CRUISER MODELS (07V149000), BUT THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO 2002 MODELS. *TR
PREMATURE WATER PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN FAILURE 2002 PT CRUISER. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT 5 MPH THE SUB FRAME UNDERNEATH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BROKE. HE COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE OR DRIVE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED IT AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE MAIN CROSS MEMBER/SUB FRAME DETERIORATED AND CAUSED THE ENTIRE FRONT END TO COME APART. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED BUT IT WAS DENIED DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,100. THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN HALT. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THE FRONT WHEEL WAS LEANING TOWARD THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE CHRYSLER DEALER. UPON INSPECTION, CHRYSLER DENIED THE CONSUMER CLAIM STATING THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/10/10
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN SPEED AND THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND MANUALLY DEACTIVATING THE MECHANISM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD ALSO ENCOUNTERED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE IN PARK. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,042. UPDATED 11/19/10. *LJ THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/02/10