10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,281 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #7

Dec 072002

PT Cruiser

  • 4,000 miles
Car won't start at times. Had to jump it then it started. Something draining the battery if car sits for a day or two. Changed battery 3 times, still having problem. Bought car brand new, dealer still can't find the problem. Car not reliable. Started having problems not long after I bought it. I've had to charge the battery and then after a few days would have trouble starting.

- Scott, LA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #6

Jan 012007

PT Cruiser

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Trouble with multifunction control switch for PT CRUISER headlights. The fog lights on the PT CRUISER illuminated intermittently without operator interface or fail to shut off when multifunction switch is operated. This caused battery to fail. No audible indication that lights remained on.

- Bremerton, WA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #5

Apr 232003

PT Cruiser

  • 3,001 miles
The contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. There was no prior warning. Also, the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. He could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. He contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. He was still having the same problem with the vehicle. Updated 12/7/2005. The battery had to be replaced at 14972 miles.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

Add Complaint
problem #4

Oct 032005

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,966 miles
Battery failure before warranty expiration. Replacement failure after warranty & no monetary payment by company.

- Sedona, AZ, USA

Add Complaint
problem #3

Apr 082005

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles
The instrument cluster, radio, door locks and other items have failed multiple times while driving or idling. We have had the vehicle in 5+ times for repair and the dealer claims they are unable to find anything. We found a recall for this type of problem and the dealer claimed our car was not included. Now, the car does not start even though the dealer has replaced the battery etc.

- Encinitas, CA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #2

Oct 102002

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has been to two separate dealers for poor fuel mileage. Vehicle is getting less than 15 miles per gallon, when the advertised mpg is between 19 and 27. Vehicle has a foul odor. Both dealers claimed that the computer did not store any codes and that it was running within specifications.

- Westfield, MA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #1

Mar 052002

PT Cruiser

  • miles
Optima battery in newer vehicle year is leaking acid, and one can smell toxic fumes.

- Westminster, CO, USA

Add Complaint