2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Apr 25, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 35,326 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. After purchasing the vehicle the brakes began squeaking. The contact was told that the brakes would be replaced before she bought the vehicle. When she arrived to pick up the vehicle she was informed the dealer that the brakes were still squeaking. The dealer stated that it would take two to three days before the brakes would stop squeaking. However, the failure continued. A few days later the contact returned to the dealer the tires were removed and orange dust was found on the brakes. The dealer cleaned the brakes, but never replaced them. Three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the contact had the air conditioning repaired because it would not blow cool air. In august 2006 the vehicle began running hot and failed while driving 58 MPH. The vehicle was towed, and shortly thereafter the failure recurred and the vehicle was towed again. In september 2006 the engine was replaced. On april 19, 2007, a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle because of steering failure. The contact was told that the steering wheel needed immediate attention because steering fluid was leaking into the bottom of the car and could cause a fire. She was informed that the engine that was installed in september 2006 failed. The contact did not provide an accurate VIN. The current mileage is 50,400, and failure mileage was 35,326. *ak the consumer stated she went to the dealership to have the car repaired and they were rude and refused to help her. Later, the dealership asked for information to rent the consumer a car and the rental place refused to rent her a car if the vehicle was not fixed by smith chrysler. The consumer stated the dealer sold her a car then changed the name on her paperwork, refused to give her the tags to the car unless payment was provided and told her she had the wrong VIN number for the car. The consumer stated wants her money back for the car and the dealer to take the car back. Updated 07/06/07

Filed Dec 2, 2006 · Transmission · 35 miles · CA

I have a 2003 pt cruiser with 82000 miles on it. In march of 2005 with 47765 miles on it, I took the vehicle to a chrysler dealer to repair a vibration while braking. The chrysler dealer noted there was a grinding noise coming from the transmission and stated the compressor was rubbing against the front frame due to some kind of collision and stated there was a broken motor mount. We took the vehicle to the dealer where we purchased the vehicle to address this diagnosis since this was a new vehicle when we purchased it. The dealer claims they found no broken motor mounts, no signs of accident and did not even address the transmission noise. On 11/17/2006 I was traveling on a two lane highway with my 3 year old daughter at night, and without warning,noise, hesitation, or lack of power, my transmission went out. I was not able to move in any gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where I purchased it and they told me it has major transmission damage and the transmission needs to be replaced. The cost of the transmission replacement is $2715.00 and the dealer will not cover any of the cost.

Filed Sep 20, 2006 · Acceleration, Brakes · 29,902 miles · WI

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds when depressing the brake pedal, the brakes squealed. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who replaced the front pads and rotors. Also, while driving up hill the vehicle lost speed and intermittently when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle shook. The dealer could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2006 · Seat belts, Transmission · 77,566 miles · TN

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH on a highway on-ramp, the transmission seized up stalling the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair facility. Also, the seat belt buckle constantly failed to remain secure. The vehicle was towed to an independent transmission shop for service. The manufacturer was notified, but the service dealer was not. Updated 10/25/2006 - the tech found that the transmission gears had slowly been grinding away, throwing metal shavings into the converter and the pump.

Filed Nov 10, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 59,712 miles · OK

My 2003 chrysler pt cruiser, gt model, has had problems since I have had it. First, the engine light came on and they replaced a hose, then it came on again, and they said they didn't know what was wrong with, and they would have to wait until it went completely out. It did, at 28,000 miles, it was the turbo charger. Secondly, the airbag malfunctioned, they had to replace the seat, took three times to get the right seat. Third, now, I would put the car in drive or reverse, and it just sit there, then jerks into gear. Sometimes if you give it gas it would just rev up. They said it was the pump in the transmission, they took 4 plus days to replace it. When I picked it up I heard a noise and smell something burning. When I took it out there they didn't hear or smell anything so I was sent on my way. Then it started doing the same thing it did when you put it in reverse or drive. I took it in, he said it needed a battery. I put a diehard battery in it, but sears said that was not the problem. Then the check the engine light came on, they said it was the evac pump. They fixed that. They claimed that was not covered under the warranty I had when I brought it in two weeks before. Now, I hear a grinding when I start the car up, someone said it sounds like the flywheel and they didn't assemble the transmission correctly, and that was probably where the burning smell was coming from. I am taking it in to the shop today for this.

Filed Oct 4, 2005 · Electrical, Steering · CA

I have taken my pt cruiser into dealer 10-12 times for problems that they are unable to correct. There have been parts loose that needed to be tightened, such as belts, hoses, connections and interior parts that have fallen off the car and dealer does not know how to fix. I submitted a complaint to manufacturer and applied for lemon law, but chrysler representative did not listen and took dealer side. They claim they cannot duplicate noises, but I recently found out the shop supervisor who has been checking out my car for the noises has a severe hearing loss and a claim against insurance company for hearing problems. There are high pitch whining noises, squeals and loud screeching noises coming from the engine compartment. The car loses power and seems to hesitate at freeway speeds. There is also a noise that sounds like a train whistle in the distance. I have heard popping sounds in the front end and squealing and screeching sounds from the brakes and under hood is constant. There is also a noise that is heard sometimes in steering and turning. The dealer told me they would replace the power steering unit to see if it would solve the problems and ordered the part. When I took the car in for the service, they said they could not duplicate the noise again and did not do anything. When I step on the brakes the noise is so loud it can be heard for a long distance. It sounds like cars being crushed. The noise is also present in turning corners and driving, but worse in stepping on brakes. The dealer acknowledges a brake problem but say they do not know how to fix it. There have been other problems such as radio/cd player did not work when new, sensor light replaced, rattles under dash, check engine light, etc, but the noises and in-ablility to repair have me worried about serious problems. They hear the noise, but then tell me the mechanic cannot duplicate and do nothing to repair. This has been an ongoing problem since I got the vehicle in 2003.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · NJ

On july 30, 2005, I was driving home from work when I suddenly heard a horrible screeching/grinding noise. I managed to get my car to the nearest chrysler dealership and was informed that there were no rear brake pads left and that there were grooves in the rotor (metal on metal). I recently had my front brakes replaced in may 2005 and the rear brakes were in good condition with 1/2 brake pads left on both sides. I primarily do highway driving so my brakes tend to last long. I was informed that chrysler uses metallic brake pads on the pt cruisers which most manufacturers do not use as it causes much heat and friction when stopping and prematurely wears out the brakes. There was no indication that the rear brake pads were low, there were no noises, squeaking, etc. The only noises I heard were when the brake pads were completely gone and the caliper was digging into the rotors every time I stepped on the brake pedal. I later learned that chrysler uses wear indicators only on the two front brakes, not the rear. There are no wear indicators on the rear brakes so customers will never know that the rear brakes are getting low until they have no more brake pads left and the caliper starts eating up the rotor. This is a huge safety issue. I routinely have my car inspected (every month). The rear brake pads should have never worn so prematurely in the span of 3 months, considering 95% of my driving is on the highway. Additionally, there is no excuse for not having wear indicators on all 4 brakes. It is unacceptable to be driving around with only 2 front brakes and no rear ones and to not even know it until it is too late!