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.
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 40 of 40, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
2002 pt cruiser sport model. Car would not start, when sitting far a few days, had been driving car all day and turned car off to do an errand and car would not start. Car has left me stranded where I had to have it towed several times. Bought car new and have had this problem for 7 years. Kept bringing back to the dealer and couldn't find any problems every time. Finally found a dealer service manager that knew the problem. Insufficient quality parts were being used when chrysler was about to go bankrupt. The battery wires from the battery to the alternator were not supplying enough voltage to maintain enough to recharge the battery. Upgraded the wires to a higher voltage and have not had the problem for about 10 months. It took 7 years to find the problem which caused problems of me using the car. Chrysler used low grade parts through out the car and people are getting rid of them and then someone else buys it and it continues. I will never buy a chrysler made car again, very unsatisfied customer considering how much I paid for it. Was way over priced at the time I bought it. I could buy a much better car and higher end model for what I paid for my car.
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.
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.
Front wheel bearings worn out at 79,000 miles all 4 brake rotors worn out 79,000 miles.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* -the contact was traveling at approximately 55 MPH, hit a bump, and the vehicle started to swrve. The vehicle was a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The driver had to slow the vehicle down below 55 MPH so that it would not to swerve. The contact stated that the rear passenger tire was loose ,and he believed the wheel might fall off. The contact took the vehicle to a chrysler dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed as needing a rear axle. The contact stated that when the odometer reached 61,000 miles he began to hear a humming noise and felt vibration.
2002 pt cruiser, at 59000 miles both lower control arm bushings were replaced under extended warranty. A year later at 75000 miles both lower control arm bushings are gone again and both front wheel bearings are now worn due to this failure, dealer refuses to cover any of the failures.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle there is a chemical smell which gave contact headaches and an occasional sore throat. The dealership inspected the vehicle and determined there was not a defect in the vehicle. *ak the front end of the vehicle was out of alignment. There was excessive wind noise when the windows were rolled up. The speakers made a loud noise. The rear seat backing was replaced. Updated 07/25/06.
I was informed by service advisor james quinn at brunswick auto mall in brunswick, ohio (330‑273‑3300) that the rear control arm(rubber bushings on my 2002 chrysler pt cruiser were worn out and need to be replaced at 44,971 miles. I did a web search and found numerous pt cruiser user forums and found references to chrysler changing the supplier of the bushings sometime after my vehicle was built. Chrysler changed the bushings supplier due to very early failure and also upgraded the quality of the bushings. My bushings failed due to having the older style bushings. 45k miles is very early for control arm bushings to wear out. I contacted chrylser warranty at 800‑992‑1997 to complain and was assigned reference number 14736996. After explaining the situation, the chrylser representative informed me that chrysler would offer no customer good-will assistance with paying for the repairs since I was 1 year and 4 months out of warranty. The chrysler service representative also informed me that I should have bought the chrysler extended warranty in anticipation of unanticipated vehicle repair problems like my bushings. The "unanticipated" early failure of rear control arm bushings on older model pt cruiser bushings is a severe safety threat to consumers who expect quality parts in their vehicles that should normally last at least 100,000 miles. The unanticipated failure of the pt cruiser bushing can easily result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, or much worse. Thank you for taking the time to read my complaint. Best regards.
I have a 2002 pt cruiser and took it in for an oil change and they said: bushings (both lower-front) remove & replace control arm shaft and bushings, lower both control arm. Bearing & seals. From what I am reading it seems to be a common problem with pt cruisers.
Dt*: at 45,000 miles the front lower control arm bushings and link failed and had to be replaced. Updated 03/17/06.
The front suspension bushing on all chrysler pt cruisers are designed in such a manner that they can dislodge from their positions without warning, causing the front suspension to lose it's alignment. The bushing failure is covered with chrysler's warranty but the excessive tire wear associated with it, is not. The tire damage happens so fast that the tires cannot be salvaged. This is a common problem with pt cruisers. The dealers refuse to accommodate for the tire wear caused by their problem.
2002 chrysler pt cruiser developed a noise in which the consumer took the vehicle to have repaired. Parts on the vehicle were replaced but the noise remains.*mr
Hello. I tried copying and pasting my letter into this box however, my letter is too long. Therefore, I am completing this online form and then will mail in my entire letter, documentation and the like to your mailing address along with a copy of this online form. The complaint is regarding my 2002 chrysler pt cruiser, VIN# [xxx] and it is relating to the fact chrysler refuses to repair my vehicle under the current and active the federal safety agency recall # 01v288000 (instrument cluster problem). Today, 8/5/05 I will mail my letter detailing the entire problem but I am submitting this portion online to get the process started. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [xxx] . *nm the vehicle was in motion when a pop noise was heard caused by a spark within the dash above the speedometer. White smoke had come billowing out of the instrument cluster. The overhead lights in the headliner did not work properly. The circuit board was burned. Other problems: transmission fluid leaked and squeaks were coming from the rear suspension. The sway bushings had worn out and were replaced. *sc information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Driving down street at 20 mi per hr. Right front lower a arm broke off wheel causing wheel to turn right hitting a parked car. Is at body shop being repaired.
Lower control arm bushing seperation: lower control arm bushing failed while driving to work the sudden failure caused the car to drop on passenger side. Tech at local wal-mart stated that if it had failed when I was turning the reduced clearnce would have caused my front right corn to dig into the ground.
Based on concerns by other pt cruiser owners, I have checked the condition of the lower control arm bushings on my two year old, 11,000 mile car. The rubber is separating from the metal, due to a poor bond between the two? In any case this is inappropriate for a new car with so little use. I believe damlerchrysler should be directed to be responsible for any costs associated with repairing said bushings: parts, installation, extend warranty, worn tires due said loose parts, and other suspension components. Having owned many cars and quite a few new cars, never a problelm with these components starting to disintegrate. Please review other complaints and trust that you will provide a fair solution to the many owners of this model car, many of which have had to pay for a repair/replacement from their own pocket!!!!
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. Some of my members have had this occur as low as 5000 miles. Currently mine has 36.000 miles and the problem is occurring on mine. I am a ase certified technician. And 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.
I read several pt related forums and many members have commented about lower control arm bushing failures, weel so have mine. I am experencing viberation from the front end and will make arangments at the dealership where I bought the car. From what I have read on the forums it is not a matter of if they will fail......but when they will fail. I believe this is a matter that should be a recall. This is an obvious safty item, as total loss of these bushings would result in loss of controll of the car causing a crash. Thank you 2002 chrysler pt cruiser dream ser 1.
When doing the 30,000 mile oil change/inspection I noticed splits in the lower control arm bushings. This is only noticeable when the suspension is unsupported. The car was dealer serviced for the recalls and was asked for an inspection of the bushings with a written response a this time. Dealer mechanic said it was normal wear but response was suspicious in nature and not forthcoming. The car was then taken to an independent auto mechanic and stated that the bushings appeared to be coming apart. The car was then taken to a different dealer with this concern and they then decided to replace the bushings under the original warranty. No parts retained due to dealer policy that no parts under warranty work will be given to the owner. I request an investigation of the lower control arm bushings for inferior rubber and design. It appears that if the bushings fail the control arm will fall off and may result in severe injury.
While driving at 60 MPH vehicle produces a loud grinding noise. Cause unknown.
The vehicle severely pulled to the right, which resulted in an accident. The driver side air bag deployed, and the module fell out also.
While driving, the alignment is off causing the vehicle to swerve. Notified the dealer 5 times , dealer said the tire is defective. Contacted the tire manufacture, they said it's not the tire. Ph
Since day one have had a "wobble" in front end. Steering wheel moves back and forth. Feel vibration through floor board. This at 35-40 MPH. No "wobble" or vibrations at higher speeds. Tires rotated and front end balanced three times. No help. Dodge dealer no help. They said it was the goodyear tires and to replace them with michelin. Will be looking into front axle or driveline problems next.
On my 2002 chrysler pt cruiser it appears the grease fitting on both left and right front ball joints have been broken off. I am concerned that a broken grease fitting can act as a path for water and other contaminants to enter the ball joint and cause it to prematurely wear out and fail, potentially causing vehicle handling problems. I heard rumors that the grease fittings are purposely being broken off at the chrysler assembly plant.
Vehicle has significant alignment problems, the dealer has attempted several times to fix vehicle, however can not, the vehicle pulled to the right and then after a front and rear wheel alignment it started pulling to the left, midas did diagnostic measurments which show they are outside the manufacturers specifications, midas also stated that the alignment problem can not be corrected.
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