2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser brakes problems

Filed Sep 26, 2016 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · SC · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving out of the driveway at approximately 10 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and heard a cracking sound. The brake pedal immediately stuck to the floorboard on top of the accelerator pedal, which caused the vehicle to accelerate out of control. The contact managed to slow down the vehicle and crashed into two tree trunks. The failure occurred without warning. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle sustained front end damage and was towed to a local dealer. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer stated that the failure would be investigated. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

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 Nov 1, 2012 · Brakes · 46,200 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated while traveling 50 MPH he smelled something burning. The contact merged to the side of the road to assess the situation. Upon inspection it was found that the driver front brakes were smoking. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the brake tube had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware that there was a recall that might be related to the failure similar to the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v481000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 46,200.

Filed May 9, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · CA

Web site topix will confirm the incredible # of folks that have had fog lamps turn on after car is shut down causing battery drain. 100's have paid for replacement part multi-function switch. This controls fog, head, accessory, & dash lighting. To prevent the fog lamps from coming on by themselves, most have removed fuse # 8 to remove the fog lamps from the circuit. People report smoke coming from turn signal lever, & the complete loss of all lighting is quite common. I personally have replaced the multi-function switch 3 times on my wife's 2001 p.t. Cruiser with only 50,000 total miles & she being original owner. By parking her car minus fuse # 8, not using dome lighting, & always parking with the signal lever in the down or left turn position has prevented the mystery fog lamp issue, & kept her battery functioning. This "temp" solution has allowed her about 6 or 8 months of driving w/o the problems other pt owners struggle with. Sooner or later someone will lose lighting or a fire will occur inside the steering wheel which will cause serious injury, loss of vehicle & possibly death. Chrysler denies any knowledge, but wants more than $1,000.000 to analyze & repair. Through the topix p.t forum I was able to learn how to do the work myself for far less than $100. Many are getting ripped off for hundreds while chrysler knows full well of the issue. No less than an investigation, perhaps started with the topix forum will demonstrate the incredible number of failures that still plague the p.t. On later models such as 2001 thru 06 or 08. Also need 3rd. Brake job, & the rims do not seal causing low tires that hurt mpg. Driving comfort, & safety. Dealer & I have tried michelin tires hoping the problem was with the factory installed goodyears. I still hear every 100 miles or so that my wife's p.t needs additional air pressure.

Filed Jan 28, 2010 · Brakes · 34,837 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that she replaced her entire brake system in august 2008; however, the failure has recurred. A second chrysler dealer also advised her that she had to replace the entire brake system. The chrysler manufacturer informed the contact to take her vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired. There were no recalls and the warranty has expired. The failure mileage was 34,837 and the current mileage was 47,420.

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 Aug 2, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 14,420 miles · CA

) on 9/2/03 I had to take the car in to have the brakes checked. Problem found was the front right caliper piston stuck > closed causing uneven wear > of brakes pads ( metal to metal on front right and 50% pads on other three). Dealer replaced the caliper piston, replaced pads and machined rotors. Had to get a rental for one day. 2) on 2/21/05 had the car in the shop again to have the tires rotated and brakes checked. Dealer said although the pads where wearing evenly now, they stated "but worn out front and rear", need to be replaced. Brakes front and rear, replaced front rotors, resurfaced rear rotors" this time I had to have a rental for three days. 3) on 3/12/05 not even a month later, while I was driving on the freeway to work the, entire windshield became engulfed with steam, I could not see a thing and the wipers could not take the steam away, so again I had to head back to the dealership to have this checked out. Dealer stated "found engine cooling fan not working & radiator cap not holding pressure" " replaced fan and radiator cap". Another rental for two days. 4) on 6/14/06, 161 miles after the extended warranty runs out, I have a major transmission problem. Engine light comes on, I get the car to the shop and the dealer states transmission solenoid pack shorted out and damaged the controller and I had to have this item replaced. No rental required this time but the bill was $1055.66 on my dime. Now ....the grand daddy of them all! 5) the car was back at the dealer on 8/1/06 for the same front right caliper piston issue as on 9/2/03, but on my dime this time.

Filed Feb 3, 2006 · Brakes · 132,400 miles · MD · crash · fire

2001- pt cruiser -emergency brake disengaged while running. Was in neutral (manual transmission) and on an incline. The car drifted backwards down the drive and into a utility pole across the road. On other instances the brake handle was pulled upward and immediately disengaged (like a broken spring). When parking brake was reapplied, it worked properly? Also, the car has drifted backwards on steeper inclines while in gear. At this point the latest incident was reported, but no action was taken thus far.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · 60,000 miles · CT

Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v268000 concerning the steering hydraulic power assist hoses, piping, and connections. This vehicle experienced the same symptoms as indicated in the recall, but this affected the brake fluid lines as well. She repaired the vehicle at her own expense prior to receiving the recall letter.