2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 8, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 147,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Dec 2, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 84,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact exit the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger side sub frame had excessive rust and fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the front passenger frame, the cv axles and the lower control arms with ball joint and the stabilizer link had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 90,000 miles · FL

10-18-2011 I just bought my car last month (09-26-2011) and my control arms and bushing have already went bad. Now 2 nights ago (10-16-2011) my headlights stopped working. I took it into the dealership to have everything checked and was told that the wiring under the dash is messed up. I see that there are a lot of recalls for that happening to the 2002 pt cruisers and now the dealer I bought the car from will not fix it (even though I'm still within my 30 day warranty) I do not understand why I should have to come out of pocket to fix this problem. Also, the dealer I bought it from would not give me a carfax on the vehicle. Also, sold me the car with a recall already on it that was issued way back in 2004. (power steering pressure hose) that I was told could cause a fire under the hood.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 64,690 miles · MI

I have had to replace or repair the front and rear wheel bearings several times: front-april of 2005 at 64690 miles, front-april 2006 at 89223 miles, front-may 2006 at 91750 miles, front wheel bearing-july 2009 at 153048 miles, front wheel bearing-april 2011 at 182684 miles, rear wheel bearing-october 2011 at 191072 miles. I have replaced or repaired the suspension parts: front bushing control arm, ball joint lower control arm-march 2006 at 86643 miles, left inner tie rod had excessive play-january 2007 at 107087 miles, two outer tie rods replaced-january 2008 at 127121 miles.

Filed Sep 29, 2011 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt crusier. The contact stated that both lower control arms and the bushings failed and had to be replaced every year since the vehicle was purchased in 2005. After each failure, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance and stated that there were no recalls or warranties addressing the failures. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 121,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2011 · Suspension · 88,000 miles · ME

I own a 2002 pt cruiser. It recently almost caused a severe accident due to the sub-frame that holds the front suspension together. The garage that it is being worked on said that it was completely rusted out and he has never seen such a thing. Also, when it broke, it also broke the tie rod, the steering rack and the a-arm. I was only going about 40 MPH at the time when it happened, had I been going any faster I would have been in a severe accident. I googled this problem and found other complaints from owners with the same problem. I feel that this should be looked into.

Filed Jun 16, 2011 · Suspension · 114,000 miles · KY

I have a 2002 pt. Cruiser I have had to replace the right side front control arm bushings and wheel bearings and now I am having to replace the left side control arm bushing and wheel bearing with in a month of each other. This is for the second time in 3 years I also think this is to often for them to be replaced and the manufacture should do something about this before someone get hurt.

Filed Feb 16, 2009 · Suspension · 45,000 miles · WI

I own a 02 and 03 pt cruiser. Both cars have had to have control arms replaced as well as idler arms. Were considered dangerous at less then 50,000 miles. Chrysler is aware of this situation-all over the net, refuses to do anything, says it's normal wear.

Filed Apr 1, 2008 · Steering · 32,000 miles · RI

Leaking steering rack and solenoid pack. Possible leak in steering pump also. Safety of tie rod ends, bushings, sway bars, control arms noted in inspection of front end both by a chrysler dealer and by an auto-repair chain. Both recommended replacement of parts (in shop right now) to eliminate a safety risk. In speaking to another owner of this same year and model of car with low mileage, I learned that he has experienced the same problems.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Suspension · 48,380 miles · OH

My cruiser was in the shop for regular maintenance, when the mechanic found that the lower control arm bushings were worn. In reading this site, I see that this has become a real problem fleet wide. I had to pay for the front end alignment, plus the $100 deductible on the extended warrant. Based on what I read, I think that the cars should be recalled and repaired at no cost to me.

Filed Mar 9, 2008 · Suspension · 92,100 miles · OH

My 2002 pt cruiser has had two sets of front control arms replaced at 90,000 miles due to the control arm bushing failing. The first time the bushing came out completely. The second time it was still in place but torn. Both repair shops indicate this is a known and very common problem with these vehicles and a safety concern.

Filed Nov 2, 2007 · Suspension · 38,000 miles · KY

2002 pt cruiser. The lower control arm bushings are separating from the rubber. This can cause loss of vehicle control, rattles, severe tire vibration or front end vibration. Currently mine has 46.000 miles and the problem is occurring on mine. I had them replaced one year ago at 38,000 miles. There is no way that these type of bushings should be having this separation problem at such a low mileage. A recall is in order, before a owner has a vehicle accident due to the vehicle loosing steering control.