2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser acceleration problems

Filed Mar 4, 2017 · Acceleration, Electrical · 146,000 miles · MI

Let me start by saying I just bought this 2001 limited edition pt cruiser three days ago from a private dealer. I was on the highway, heading home from work in the middle of the night, and wanted to try the cruise control. I turned it on and set it for 67mph to see if it worked first. Then I went to reset it to my actual desired speed by tapping my brakes, then I tried the switch on the arm of my steering wheel but the cruise control wouldn't shut off. I got off at the next exit and was able to slow down to 40mph before my brakes locked up and I was forced to run the stop sign at the end of the off ramp. (thank god it was at 3am and my baby wasn't with me!). I was able to pull over doing 20mph before the brakes locked up again. I quickly shut it off, put it in park, and waited a few minutes to turn it back on. But the engine just kept reving, as if I was holding my foot on the gas because the cruise control was still on! I tried resetting it by turning the key back and forth a few times. I tried to see if it would throw me a code but only "done" appeared on my dash. Every time I started the car, the LED for cruise control would come on and then shut off after a few seconds. I was able to coast home doing 40mph with access to my brakes again. Not very well, but enough to make it home, (when I'd let off the brake the car would take off again). I've been doing research since I got back and found a few other reports of this happening, except they were all able to stop. For example by shifting into neutral or shutting the car off. Every time I start the [xxx] thing, the cruise control is still on! How do I shut it off? Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 130,000 miles · OH

My car just shuts off leaving me no control to stop, turn, or get out of the way of traffic behind me..... @ 55mph to nothing is asking to be hit from behind. Or if turning across a divided highway, to be left stuck with 2 lanes of semi coming for me and my kids. Now it sometimes wont even do anything when I crank over the ignition (like there is no battery) or if it cranks and starts it will shut off right away. It wants to idle down at stops and stall. I have had it in the shop more than I like n spent more money to have to be told they can't find anything. I read of so many other owners with the same problems who end up junking these cuz they just stop starting....sad, we need our cars to run. Chrysler knows they r riddled with serious issues including the lights and transmissions.....these are a bad combination on the road. Someone needs to look @ some stats! Thanks.

Filed Feb 14, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 111,145 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated without warning after starting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosis. The dealer stated that the power brake booster hose was not connected to the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer also stated that there was never a clamp holding the power brake in place. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,145. The current mileage was 112,416.

Filed Dec 5, 2013 · Acceleration · 100,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated to 70 MPH independently and without warning. The contact also mentioned that the parking brake had to be engaged in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100,000. ..updated 12-30-13

Filed Feb 1, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 134,221 miles · OH

Car stalls on turns particularly to the left, upon key insertion hard crank or starts and idles roughly then shuts off with out warning. While idling at stop lights the rpms may or may not (rev,) after so many mins of driving acceleration becomes more difficult at intervals & stalling usually while turning at intersections. Or going over bumps or up hills. This happens some what sporadically so I never can tell when I'm safe to go. Definitely not something u want to think about w min coverage either way.

Filed Jul 30, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 68,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact purchased the vehicle in november of 2007 and the wiring harness was replaced due to electrical failures. In april of 2008, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the brake pads and calipers. Recently, the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer's diagnostic indicated that the transmission solenoid switch needed to be replaced, along with the power steering pump. The dealer stated that the warranty does not cover the parts. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls that applied to her VIN. The failure mileage was 68,000 and current mileage was 75,551.

Filed Mar 3, 2008 · Acceleration, Electrical · 65,000 miles · WI · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The vehicle speed control was previously disconnected. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The dealer stated that the failure was electrical and related to the vehicle speed control. The high and low beam switch was also burned. The manufacturer stated that there was no existing recall. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive home. A mechanic will repair the vehicle since the manufacturer stated that they were unable to offer any assistance. She is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 65,100.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Acceleration · 72,300 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated the shifter felt sluggish and while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was pushed off the road where a temporary repair was made by the contact. The vehicle was driven home and the repairs were made by the contact. The dealer has not been alerted.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Acceleration · 50,900 miles · NJ

The gas pedal fell off it attachment *ak the pedal had come off it's attachment on the floorboard and fell behind the brake pedal which made both the gas and brake pedals useless. *scc

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · 30,077 miles · NH

Vehicle was parked for approx. Two days, started vehichle and all lights on the instrument panel stayed on; brake light, ABS light, engine light, security light, crusie control, etc. As well as words "no bug" over the odemeter/mileage gage. These lghts would not go off after turning the engine on and off several times. The engine light stays on and will not shut off. Scheduled an appointment with dealer to connect to computer.