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2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 511 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, most often about the electrical (19% of complaints, typically around 63,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about PT Cruiser model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Electrical
97 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, ignition, instrument cluster/panel.
: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, all the warning lights around the speedometer illuminated intermittently. Each time the warning lights illuminated, the headlights dimmed. The fourth time the problem occurred, the illumination was followed by the entire instrument panel failing. The vehicle was taken to a…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact noticed a crack in the middle of the vehicle's dashboard. The contact was informed that debris from the crack could fall on the accelerator pedal and cause a crash. The crack could also cause the lights on the instrument panel to fail. The manufacturer stated…
Body and structure
67 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 57,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
I noticed the crack in the dashboard . At the end of the evening the crack went from the vent on the dashboard to the windshield. Another crack opened about 3 inches to the left and continued cracking until it was completely cracked in half . Now ,there was a third fissure starting. The pieces of the vent were falling…
I have a 2002 pt dash started cracking at center vent cracked 2 ways now is a large crack an very sharp edges on pieces no wrecks , has been well taken care of .the car has very low miles on it . This upsets me on the problem with it . I need it fixed.
Engine
60 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
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.
Tl 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…
Lights
57 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 79,500 miles. Parts named most often: fog lights, turn signal, tail lights, brake lights.
Multi function switch shorted out causing lights to remain on. Leaving my wife unable to attend her chemo therapy session on time, due the need to get car jump started. After several days mis function was notice,brought to dealer and repaired by same at no charge .
Tl 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…
Steering
45 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, linkages, hydraulic power assist system, rack and pinion.
While driving at 35 MPH driver swerved to the left to avoid hitting another vehicle. The rear right wheel came off at the spindle when the steering wheel was turned back to the right. This resulted in the driver losing control of the vehicle and driving into a ditch. Several mechanics inspected the vehicle, and…
Power steering failed. Dealership states the power steering rack and pump are defective. This was a sudden loss of steering. The part is back ordered up to 3 weeks which leads me to believe this is not an isolated incident. There must be a significant number of rack failures.
Air bags
44 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained chest injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
The consumer was driving on the freeway at 55 to 60 MPH and hit a vehicle in front. The bumper came off but the airbags failed to deploy. Provide further details.
Suspension
40 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
I own a 02 and 03 PT Cruiser. Both cars have had to have control arms replaced as well as idler arms. Were considered dangerous at less then 50,000 miles. Chrysler is aware of this situation-all over the net, refuses to do anything, says it's normal wear.
I was informed by service advisor james quinn at brunswick auto mall in brunswick, ohio ([phone]) that the rear control arm(rubber bushings on my 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser were worn out and need to be replaced at 44,971 miles. I did a web search and found numerous PT Cruiser user forums and found references to Chrysler…
Brakes
37 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock, conventional.
While braking consumer heard a loud grinding noise. Consumer was able to decelerate the vehicle with no problem. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic could not determine the cause of the noise.
The consumer stated the vehicle's brakes failed at 24000 miles. The dealer was notified. The dealer did not cover the total cost.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
Fuel system: delivery
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
Electrical: interior/under dash
Risk: Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will re-flash the cluster software to correct the condition. Owner notification began october 8, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles are being recalled for a software error in the instrument cluster microprocessor. Under certain conditions, the cluster, with the majority of its gauges, illumination, and warning lamps, could become inoperative.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
Summary
Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 pt cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified NHTSA of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 pt cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall 04v-268).the notification identified variation of the high pressure power steering hose routing, which allowed the hose to contact the transaxle differential cover, as the factor contributing to this defect.contact between the power steering hose and the transaxle differential cover can cause hose damage and power steering fluid leakage, which can potentially result in a fire.
Safety belt cinching latch plate
Summary
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
Questions about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (97 complaints, typically around 63,500 miles); body and structure (67 complaints, typically around 57,500 miles); engine (60 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 3, 2004 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about PT Cruiser model year since 2000, with 511 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.