2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser brakes problems

Filed Nov 13, 2009 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the left and right front tires caught fire due to intense heat in the wheels. The brake caliper also locked which caused the left wheel to lock and melt the brakes. The dealer stated that they corrected the failure in april of 2006. A different dealer confirmed that the brake line was never replaced or repaired which is why the failure has occurred. The failure mileage was 21,000 and the current mileage was 37,800.

Filed Nov 13, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 21,181 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. She noticed a loud rubbing noise in the steering wheel every time she drove the vehicle. The dealer stated that they could not find the cause or reason for the noise. She received recall notice (04v268000) for the power steering and the repair was performed according to that recall; however, she noticed that the recall repair did not remedy the issue. The dealer later stated that they could not hear the noise in the steering wheel and were unable to diagnose the failure. While driving away from the dealer, she smelled smoke, drove back to the dealer and smoke began to "bellow" from underneath the left front tire. The dealer provided assistance and replaced the hose, caliper, brake pad, rotor and the wheel cover. She was charged $406.60 for the repairs. The manufacturer was advised of the repair cost; however, they advised her to take the matter up with the dealer. The following year the failure recurred, the same dealer told that the caliper was leaking. They caliper was replaced according to the warranty. She asked the dealer why they had not replaced it the first time according to warranty and was told that the first time, it was a new issue. She went back to the dealer the following year for the identical failure and was billed $239 to replace the caliper since the warranty had expired. Recently, she smelled smoke and an authorized dealer stated that the caliper was warped because of intense heat and the brake line had soot in it and that the warped caliper was holding the wheel in place. She provided the dealer with a reference number from the manufacturer. The dealer tried to speak with the representative and was unsuccessful. The current mileage was approximately 37,900. The failure mileage was 21,181. Updated 12/7/09 *cn updated 12/08/09

Filed Dec 17, 2008 · Brakes, Suspension · 28,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving less than 50 MPH, the contact heard noises coming from the vehicle. The dealer stated that the struts needed to be replaced and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The repair would cost $539. The brakes and rotors were also replaced. The system would not accept the VIN provided by the contact. The failure mileage was 28,000 and current mileage was 49,000. Updated 8/10/09 *cn updated 08/13/09.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Brakes · 140,085 miles · FL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact parked the vehicle and when he pulled the brake handle up, it went all the way to the top. There was no braking ability. He purchased a parking equalizer and clip because the cable was burned and frayed. He was informed at that time that he had to purchase the entire braking system assembly (lever, grip, handle) rather than just the 8 to 10 inch equalizer cable and clip. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 140,085.

Filed Apr 12, 2008 · Brakes, Suspension · 79,000 miles · OH

Front wheel bearings worn out at 79,000 miles all 4 brake rotors worn out 79,000 miles.

Filed Jun 19, 2007 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact heard a loud scraping noise coming from her vehicle. She stated that the vehicle was parked all winter and began making this noise one month ago. The speed and the weather are not factors. The noise is produced when the brakes are applied. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage is 41,900 and failure mileage was 41,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2006 · Brakes · DE

Rear brakes have not worked correctly since car was bought new in 2002 (pt cruiser). Rear brakes have always made a grinding noise for first or second use and then the grinding noise goes away. Car has 69,600 miles on it and I bought it new. I recently pulled the rear wheels and found that the brake pads were not worn (for both rear wheels) and the drums had rust streaks on them. Also, rust dust was covering everything. It appears that the brakes are not working correctly and I plan on replacing the calipers.

Filed Aug 7, 2006 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · FL · fire

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate and felt as if it was dragging. There was also a smell was coming from the front of the vehicle. It was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the front left brake was sticking. The caliper was replaced and bolts were tightened. One week later, the same thing occurred. This time the independent repair shop replaced the caliper with the original and suggested a visit to the dealer for further assistance. The dealer flushed the brake system and during a test drive the front left and the rear right brakes caught on fire. It was determined the rotors and pads and ABS system needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 16, 2006 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated the brakes squeaked and brake dust was observed on the hubcaps. The brakes pads have been replaced and the rotors have been turned frequently at every 3,000 miles. The braking capability of the vehicle is defective and causes the vehicle to swerve all over the road. The dealer and the manufacturer determined the brake pads and the rotors are not compatible. Three dealerships and have admitted this is a design defect but because it does not affect the functioning of the brakes they are not qualified to issue a recall. According to the contact this failure does affect the function of the brakes.

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 3,001 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. There was no prior warning. Also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. He could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. He contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. He was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak updated 12/7/2005. The battery had to be replaced at 14972 miles.