10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,255 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 #56

Jun 212019

PT Cruiser

  • 147,000 miles
My check engine light goes off and on. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors were reading as the issue according to the odometer code system.. my car shuts off at anytime even while driving in the middle of the road. My battery terminal seems to be weak possibly having shortage moments from time to time. My vehichle will pull one way or the other. My breaks feel like there going to give out or are brand knew. My vehichle makes a noise as if the front cv axels or ball joints need to be greased. My wiring and engine is my main concern. My ac doesn't work my radiator seal has been replaced my car will make a guzzling noice due to the coolant. The list goes on. I bought my vehichle approx. 4months ago. The issues have progressed over the past month.

- Warrenville, SC, USA

problem #55

Jun 112019

PT Cruiser

  • 153,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that the high beam head lamps would illuminate randomly day or night. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least six times in one week. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the multi-function switch that controlled the headlights was replaced by him. The contact noticed that the plastic clip holding the electrical harness to the switch had burned. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #54

Dec 222017

PT Cruiser

  • 224,441 miles
My lights shut off while driving. Not only did my headlights shut off but my dash board lights and the lights on my gear shift did as well. My doors will not lock as well.

- Greenville, NC, USA

problem #53

May 132016

PT Cruiser

  • 135,000 miles
Takata recall. I was driving down the highway and my headlights went out I pulled over and I didnt have door locks to unlock the doors. All the fuses are good. I was researching online and alot of PT CRUISER are having the issue it seems that the connector for the fuse block goes bad I have been dealing with this for a few months now. I think its redundant that ypu have to pay 150-250 dollars every time this happens. When no one really has that kinda money

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #52

May 312016

PT Cruiser

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled, a warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The failure recurred ten times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alarm system needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Montclair, CA, USA

problem #51

Oct 012015

PT Cruiser

  • miles
2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle headlights and other electrical problems. The consumer stated his wife went to turn on the headlights, and discovered they did not work. The consumer's son checked the switch assembly and found a shortage in the assembly. The consumer son discovered some of the wiring coming from the assembly was bare.

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

problem #50

Sep 272015

PT Cruiser

  • 100,000 miles
Ok maybe 4th time is a charm on trying to get PT CRUISER off road. I had a fire in this vehicle due to overheating which was reported but dumb me put it out and replaced grill and radiator and had to take seperate loan out for $2500 in repairs and now vehicle won't start and now being told is computer well that explains why when we were trying to get out of car when was on fire the door locks didn't won't to work first time. The car is a 2002 with 100,000 miles on it and I have already put new tires on it and battery and had all these repairs done trying to save the car because I am a single mom on disability maybe since Chrysler is under investigation for injuries and deaths not being reported you can add me because I was burned during the fire trying to put out. I have forwarded every single documentation of every incident not only to Chrysler but NHTSA and now want me to replace a computer at $1300 this car is dangerous and have been told by everyone who has examined car it is serious but I guess if me or my son had died in car then maybe something would have been done. I have made my payments and paid full coverage insurance for 6 months while all this has been going on and only was able to drive car for a month. The vehicle is at Chrysler Dodge in columbia, tn and phone number is 1-931-380-0326. I have 9 tow bills and nobody cares that me or my son could have lost our lives!

- Chapel Hill, TN, USA

problem #49

Sep 122015

PT Cruiser

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when prompted. The dealer required that a new computer be installed into the vehicle related to the manufacturer's key in order to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Chapel Hill, TN, USA

problem #48

Jul 032015

PT Cruiser

  • 150,153 miles
Windows and air conditioner failed. Car undriveable, all curcit breakers and fuses checked. This is a safety hazard. Almost passed out going a few miles. I can't drive it with out injury.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

problem #47

Apr 212015

PT Cruiser

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While attempting to start the vehicle, all the meters, gauges, and instrument panel lighting failed to function. In addition, the interior lighting also failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Effort, PA, USA

problem #46

Dec 232014

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
I had just put fuel in my car and was driving across a parking lot. I proceeded to park my car and noticed smoke rising out of my steering wheel and a burning smell. My lower set of lights ( fog lights) had turned on by themselves, which is odd since they haven't been working for at least two years. In order to stop the smoking in the steering wheel, I had to remove fuse #8. same set of lights have turned on before a few years back draining my battery since I couldn't turn them off with their switch. In addition, my headlights turn off automatically at random while I'm driving and my clock lights go out frequently. Headlights have gone out on me 5 times over the past 3 years. I try not to drive much at night as a result.

- Clear Lake, IA, USA

problem #45

Sep 262014

PT Cruiser

  • 120,000 miles
Fog lights came on by themselves while parked with no key in ignition (while at work). Common issue found all over the internet. Cause is a defective multi-function switch. Smelled a burning smell. Repair shop was unable to find any problems through diagnostics which was before the car had been seen during the day with it's running lights on. That drained the battery and required a jump start. Happened several times. Due to overwhelming number of complaints listed throughout the internet for this same issue we feel a recall should be issued as this is a fire hazard. The 15 amp fuse (number 8 on interior fuse panel) never blew but was discolored from heat.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #44

Jan 152014

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 8,900 miles
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).

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #43

Jun 202013

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 91,954 miles
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.

- Inkster, MI, USA

problem #42

May 292014

PT Cruiser

  • 98,000 miles
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"

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #41

Mar 262014

PT Cruiser

  • 170,000 miles
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.

- Coral Gables, FL, USA

problem #40

Mar 032014

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 128,500 miles
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.

- Yuba City, CA, USA

problem #39

Mar 032010

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The ignition key does not stay in when the engine is running. The mechanic who worked on the car in October said he has replaced several ignition switches in this model car. Could it have been manufactured by the same company as those involved in the GM recall? this problem has existed for several years.

- Tipp City, OH, USA

problem #38

Jul 172013

PT Cruiser

  • 84,000 miles
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.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #37

Jun 032011

PT Cruiser

  • 42,000 miles
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.

- Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »