The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the rear quarter glass fasteners on both sides of the vehicle had started to separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windows were violently shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact was concerned that the windows might fall out while driving and cause injury to a pedestrian. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The worst 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical97
- Body67
- Engine60
- Lights57
- Steering45
- Airbags44
- Suspension40
- Brakes37
- Transmission35
- Wheels21
- Fuel system20
- Tires14
- Visibility14
- Acceleration13
- Seats9
- Seat belts8
- Driver assistance3
- Locks3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Fire or smoke 31Headlights 27Ball joint 25Overheating 25Grinding brakes 20No deployment 18Won't start 15Transmission failure 12Check engine light 11Fuel pump 10Battery drain 9Stalling 9ABS 8Door locks 8Airbag light 6Loss of power 6Power steering loss 6Adaptive cruise 5Oil consumption 5Tire blowout 5
Recalls 3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V268000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V215000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 01V288000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
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 the federal safety agency 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. (note: the failure data in this resume is limited to my 2001-2003 vehicles per dcc's pe04-028 information responses.)this condition was limited to vehicles with automatic transaxles as vehicles with manual transmissions have substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and the power steering hose due to a smaller transaxle design.this condition also does not adversely affect vehicles with turbo engines, which have a different power steering hose routing that provides substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and hose.daimlerchrysler will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the power steering hose assembly inspected and relocated, or replaced, as necessary, and to confirm the torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end.
PE04028
Safety belt cinching latch plate
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.
PE02082
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 68
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead
- Return: Wiring Assy
- Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy
- Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your...
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17-19 | 23-27 | 20-22 |
What 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she could smell fuel in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who located a fuel leak on the fuel trail line. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 02V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasn’t far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in great condition! I’m really concerned because I had my 6 year old child in the car! I now can’t make appointments work or even take my child to school I’m in need for help! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the vehicle are cracked/cracking & I believe one has a hole or 2 & another 1 is forming one. It's also scratching & ruining the rotors. Its not the pads they are fine but I need at least 1 new rotor & can't because the rims are defective causing it to happen again which can easily damage the calipers locking up the wheel causing a crash plus sometimes theres a loud crunching noise not grinding like the pads are bad cause they are not. I know the difference. The trac off & airbag lights are on then they go off then come back on again.The dashboard is cracked and it caused the vent to break where anything can get in it.The clear coat is peeling and yet the paint under it is in great shape.I also believe that the instrument cluster is causing the lights to come on the dashboard.The vehicle can be picked up when ever you have a spot open for it. I would like 48 hours notice due to work. This is a safety issue if the power steering goes while driving I cant steer it because I didn't know it was leaking it went out and I was stuck blocking traffic and couldn't turn it the passenger had to do it for me, If the rims get worse or hole bigger it can crack or break in half while I am driving. The defrost vent is open to particles that can get in there that shouldn't. The airbag light on could be a defect or the air bags defective. Nothing has been inspected on it since I just found out when looking up this make, year and model a price on power steering to find out there's a recall on it as well as other issues. There were no warnings and the only code that came up was the high fan relay switch. Since then the trac off light goes on and off as well as airbag light and now is currently on.
While driving the vehicle I could begin to smell a strong odor of gas them almost like the smell of plastic melting and the vehicle engine started running hot temperature so I immediately turned off the engine as I pulled over to the side of the road and as I stepped out of the car aflame began under the hood and ended up burning my entire engine. Fire department had to come and extinguish the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag sensor warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Drove the vehicle 12 miles to get home. (the vehicle was stationary) immediately turning off engine after making it home. Power steering fluid leakage (big leak) from hose and smoke smell from under hood. (engine looks chard)
My check engine light goes off and on. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors were reading as the issue according to the odometer code system.. My car shuts off at anytime even while driving in the middle of the road. My battery terminal seems to be weak possibly having shortage moments from time to time. My vehichle will pull one way or the other. My breaks feel like there going to give out or are brand knew . My vehichle makes a noise as if the front cv axels or ball joints need to be greased. My wiring and engine is my main concern. My AC doesn't work my radiator seal has been replaced my car will make a guzzling noice due to the coolant . The list goes on. I bought my vehichle approx. 4months ago. The issues have progressed over the past month.
Upon starting vehicle all warning test lights such as airbag,oil pressure etc. Come on as normal,but often the red "airbag" light stays on indefinitely or goes off then bells and "airbag" red light reappear and stay on 5 to 10,seconds then go off every few minutes for several seconds. This seems to occur when I am in 1000 to 1500, low rooms like when I'm slowing to make a stop.yesterday, the airbag light stayed on the entire 20 minute trip. I took car in for repair on my own $ but problem returned. Problem has occurred at all,highway and street speeds but mostly with deceleration turning the airbag off. Very dangerous. Why haven't you put the pt cruiser on the airbag recall list? I bought the car new in 2002 and am,the sole owner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the high beam head lamps would illuminate randomly day or night. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least six times in one week. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the multi-function switch that controlled the headlights was replaced by him. The contact noticed that the plastic clip holding the electrical harness to the switch had burned. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
Compare the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Other model years
Questions about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Is the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Owners have filed 511 complaints about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 2.4 times a typical PT Cruiser model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser year score?
The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Electrical system, with 97 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles. Next is body (67).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
3 recalls, covering steering, fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 01V288000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have the most electrical problems?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (138 complaints), 2002 (97 complaints) and 2001 (78 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-19 city and 23-27 highway.
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