10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,473 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #11

Jul 152011

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
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.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

problem #10

Jul 122008

PT Cruiser

  • 71,300 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving 55 mph, the contact noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle. She then noticed flames under the hood through the dashboard of the vehicle. The engine turned off, which forced the contact to coast the vehicle to a stop. The passenger of the vehicle injured her nose and wrist while attempting to exit the vehicle. The driver was not injured. The vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer and they stated that the failure was not caused by a vehicle defect. The fire department extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The current and failure mileages were 71,300.

- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #9

May 012007

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that the steering wheel vibrated and she heard a rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle while it was stationary. She felt that a failed motor mount caused the failure. As of November 8, 2007, the dealer had not completed an inspection. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 85,000. Updated 03/13/08. The solenoid pack was leaking. The fog lights were inoperative.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #8

Aug 152006

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
: the contact stated while driving 55mph, the temperature gauge went to the highest level. The contact pulled over and turned off the engine. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined that the engine was completely blown out. Updated 09/13/06.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #7

Jun 222004

PT Cruiser

  • 36,000 miles
During an inspection, the dealership informed the consumer that the head gasket had failed. The problem was not resolved.

- Bogart, GA, USA

problem #6

May 012004

PT Cruiser

  • miles
Upon parking the vehicle engine exploded, burning the vehicle completely. There were no injuries. There is an investigation which is posted on NHTSA website regarding the engine. Pe04028_cat

- Jamaica, NY, USA

problem #5

Sep 122003

(reported on)

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,900 miles
Consumer stated vehicle lost power while in a busy intersection. When the accelerator was pressed, the consumer was almost rear ended.

- Pinole, CA, USA

problem #4

May 202003

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I purchased my 2002 PT CRUISER touring limited on 5/20/2002 with only 4,780 miles from: Ferman automotive, 11025 North Florida ave., tampa, fl United States 33612, (813)371-9700, www.fermanauto.com, salesman: Rick martino service rep: Eric flannigan; service mgr: Chris weatley; warranty mgr: Tom sawyer. My PT CRUISER excessive oil consumption problem was discovered about the time of the first oil change. It consumed about one quart of oil every 500 miles. The first actual attempt at repair ferman made was to replace the valve cover gasket, this failed. The second repair attempt was replacing the engine they told me. They only replaced the short block, and this also failed. I sent a vehicle defect notification to the manufacture and one to the state to start the lemon law process. The Chrysler corporate office sent the regional lead technician to oversee the last repair attempt. Ferman tore down the engine and informed me that they found nine bad valve seals. Ferman replaced the entire head. They also replaced the valve cover, there is a known issue with some 2001 model PT CRUISER have a defective valve cover that causes the PCV valve to suck in oil. I drove about 370 miles and checked the oil to find it consumed a quart of oil! I located and contacted the previous owner Mr. Bennett on 4/13/2003. I found out that he had purchased the PT CRUISER at ferman automotive brand new. Mr. Bennett had the exact same oil consumption issues. After several failed repair attempts and continued contact with the Chrysler corporate office the dealer contacted him and replaced his vehicle with a brand new one from the lot. I contacted ferman and the Chrysler corporate office informing of this matter. I have done research online to find that I am not the only one with oil consumption issues with the PT CRUISER. There are many others struggling with their Chrysler dealers on this same issue.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #3

Jan 252003

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
I was in my car, parked in my driveway, when the entire front of my car burst into flames. The occupant compartment was quickly involved in fire. I exited my car and attempted to put the fire out with a garden hose. The flames shot underneath my car and up the back end. I called 911. I received burns on the top of my head and smoke inhalation damages to my lungs.

- Fife, WA, USA

problem #2

Nov 012002

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
Consumer advised the engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil during normal operation. Within 1K miles consumed 1.5 quarts and within 3K miles consumed 2.5-3 quarts. Consumer is concerned that engine may seize while driving due to excessive consumption. Dealer advised consumer vehicle has no oil leaks and that consumption is normal.

- Marysville, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 222002

PT Cruiser

  • miles
When pulling dip stick there was no oil, vehicle was brand new, within 326 mile a quart of oil was gone.

- Renton, WA, USA