Engine noise followed by exhaust fume smell in passenger compartment. Took to dealer and they said there was a hole in the "flex" part of the exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter. They said the whole flex part and catalytic converter was one part and needed to be replaced (cost about $1400). The car would not pass inspection until the exhaust system was repaired. Took vehicle for a second opinion and the mechanic said this was a common problem with the pt and that Chrysler should recall the cars. I had the part replaced so that the car would past inspection and be legal to drive.

- Canyon Lake, TX, USA

Strong exhaust odor in car with ac on fresh air. After doing a little testing I found the manifold to exhaust slip joint leaking heavily. We have had this problem for a longe time and are just getting tired of choaking levels of exhaust every time we come to a stop.

- Conyers , GA, USA

Bolts that hold the exhaust system onto the frame of the car break, leaving the exhaust system dangling. This has happened twice, now-- once in 2002, then again this year (2004) after a collision repair using Chrysler bolts.

- Anderson, IN, USA

During the first couple of minutes of operation, during closed phased of engine operation the vehicle will hesitate during acceleration. This is most noticeable in first, second and third gear and during cooler damp conditions. Also during this closed phase, there is popping noise in exhaust system upon deceleration using the engine. The other major concern is a vibration from the engine and or transmission upon full accelerations in 4th gear. This even occurs when the engine is at or above 2500 RPM(recommended speed for starting 4th gear), and dissipates as the car speed increases. It is particularly a concern when entering express ways from on ramps. ****dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761677

- Monona, WI, USA

Very poor performance and gas mileage has been observed while driving this car. Mopar own website for ptcruiser has parts for air cleaner and exhaust system to fix this problem but at the owners expense. www.pt-tuning.com has a website with owners information about air cleaners and exhaust systems to fix the problem. I beleive the average gas mileage of a light truck is 20.7mpg and this car gets nowhere near that. I think for that reason the air cleaner and exhaust system should be replaced as a recall item to provide the owners with an enjoyable car instead of the lemon it has turned out to be. (dot number: Mkt2 bmdr tiresize: 205/55R16)

- Lake Worth, FL, USA