2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Steering · 130,000 miles · SD

Made a right hand turn and heard a metal clunk noise, proceeded another block - from a stop made a left hand turn onto a highway - at that time a very loud metal noise, no brakes, no steering, no control of veh at all. Somehow managed to get to side of road without rolling veh, wheels turned opposite directions, had veh towed to shop. Engine cradle was rusted out on right side and gave way, which disconnected steering control arm and axel from the wheels, mechanic - stated dripping from air conditioner had rusted the parts on that side only - rest of under veh was in good shape - stated had seen this in pt's often - a known chrysler issue with the pt cruisers and the neons also - which have the same platform. If had been going at highway speeds - would have been a very bad, possibly fatal accident. Own two of these vehs - took the second veh to have inspected (only has 50,000 miles) - has the exact same issue. Researched the pt cruiser forums and found many complaints on the same issue. Chrysler is non responsive - this should be recalled as is a deadly problem. Vehicle is unrepairable.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Body, Engine · 59,700 miles · NY · crash

I was making a right hand turn from a main road onto a side street. While the car was turning, I heard a clunk and the steering wheel was jerked from my hands. The car pulled hard to the right and crashed into the curb. The car was towed to the repair shop and the service tech showed me the engine cradle was completely rusted out and the k frame was cracked all the way thru. It's to rusted to be welded and I was told this is a common problem with the cruiser and dodge neon, since they use the same frame. The tech also told me I was lucky that I wasn't moving at high speed or the results could have been fatal. He also told me that chrysler is aware of this problem, they are completely out of replacement parts, and they basically ignore any complaints.

Filed Jul 24, 2009 · Engine, Lights · 59,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. Whenever the contact drove the vehicle at various speeds, she would hear a clunking sound coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the lower control arms and the bushings needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 59,000. Updated 08/28/09. *lj the radiator needed to be replaced. The fog light would come on with no warning. A neew multi-function switch was needed. Updated 09/02/09.

Filed Jun 28, 2008 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · WI

Rear suspension bushings wore out at 40,000 mi and now again at 75,000 causing the rear end to bounce and sway uncontrollable at high speeds (45-65 MPH). Indication of worn bushings: loud clunking noise in rear end.

Filed Jun 10, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 36,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving over a bump at approximately 20 MPH, the control arm bushing failed. The contact heard a loud clunking noise prior to the failure. The vehicle began jerking and swaying across the road, which caused great steering difficulty. The vehicle was driven to an authorized dealer. The mechanic stated that the failure was related to the control arm bushing. The control arm bushing was replaced. The failure has occurred a total of 4 times. The contact was very concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 50,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2006 · Suspension · 62,000 miles · NY

At 62,000 miles, there was a clunking noise in my 2001 pt cruiser. When taken to the dealer was told the lower control arms/bushings were bad. Of course, my car was over warranty. Quote $750.00 + tax. Had replaced, now at 75,000 miles 1 year later, took my pt in for annual inspection.....yep, lower control arms/bushings bad & needing replaced again. Quote this time $582.00 + tax. Should this be a yearly thing? I have normal driving on paved roads...avoid pot holes. This needs to be addressed! I love my cruiser by a trade in might be happening!

Filed Jun 6, 2005 · Suspension · 37,057 miles · MA

Bell crank connecting watts links. Bushing wears out before 40k miles creating loud clunking noises at rear suspension. And this suspension is highlighted on chrysler web site as a feature, not a failure. Repair is $315.05, part available. Should at least be under warranty. Many failures noted on owner forums. Also own second pt at 30k miles and it is showing (hearing) symptoms.

Filed May 9, 2005 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · MA

Severe clunking noised under the front end of my 2001 pt cruiser at 60k miles. Dealer notified that both lower control arm (bushings) had failed and needed to be replaced. Luckily, I purchased an extended warranty so the out of pocket cost was $100 deductible and $70 front end alignment. Why should control arm bushings fail so early? I believe this is a safety issue and since I found many pt owners on the web experiencing similiar suspension failures, daimler chrysler should cover all the cost.