2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: engine failure

Filed Jun 10, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 85,000 miles · CA · fire

Car stopped at red light. Engine died and smoke began to rise from engine compartment, then flames shot out. Driver could not get door open at first then after short time locks released and driver was able to escape. Fire department extinguished flames and said fire appeared to be started by fluid leakage. This model had been subject to recall due to fires. Car had recall fix on 9/23/04. It now appears the recall fixes were not permanent and the original problem can recur. It is potentially life threatening. Attempts to discuss the problem with chrysler were unsuccessful. Chrysler stone walled and falsely rigged their response procedure so as to avoid any responsibility. Chrysler refused to allow me to speak with any person in a position of authority. The clerks I spoke with stated that someone would be in touch with me. Finally after three attempts to speak with someone at chrysler, and after more than one month from original contact, a letter dated may 13, 2015 was received from chrysler stating they had tried numerous times to contact us and the claim would be dropped if we did not respond in 10 days. This quite simply is a lie! No attempt was ever made to contact us, even after we contacted chrysler on three occasions asking to speak with someone. The letter instructed us to contact dekra automotive to arrange an inspection. We did and gave them all the information once again. We offered to send photos of the damage but dekra was not interested. On may 27 we received a letter stating they were unable to inspect the car since it had been sold (salvaged) and were closing the file. Thus, chrysler had created circumstances through obfuscation and manipulating the response time which they felt relieved them of any responsibility, even the need to discuss the issue with us. This fire hazard still exists.

Filed Feb 24, 2014 · Brakes · 33,500 miles · FL

We were in stop & go traffic for an hour, the right front brake seized up and stuck on. Smelled burning brake smell. Got home and let sit and cool for 5 hours, all was ok. What has caused this ? Garaged kept, low mileage, car babied.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the engine exhibited hesitation with a slight loss of power. The failure was sporadic. On a separate occasion, the engine completely stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer six times for diagnosis pertaining to the failure. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. A mobile computer was installed in the vehicle to possibly detect future failure occurrences. When the engine failure recurred, the mobile computer was unable to project an accurate reading. The technician recommended the oxygen senor be replaced however he could not guarantee that the repair would correct the problem. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer to have the oxygen sensor replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 01/14/11 *bf the consumer stated both oxygen sensors were replaced and the vehicle is operating as designed. Updated 02/23/11

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 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 Sep 3, 2004 · Engine · 14,737 miles · MD

Consumer noticed excessive amount of oil in the air filter box, and an oil stained filter. The oil pressure light came on intermittently, back soot on the tail pipe, and there was a distinguished mechanical knocking noise coming from the engine at idle. Vehicle had been in repair shop 3 times. On the third time the oil pressure sensor was replaced, but the knocking noise and excessive oil problem was still present. Upon investigation of the problem, consumer found that an improper machine part, that was related to the valve train/camp shaft, caused the problem. But, manufacturer didn't have a solution for it. If this part failed while driving at highway speeds it could result in engine failure followed by rapid deceleration which could result in an accident. This vehicle was equipped with traction control.

Filed Jul 13, 2003 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · UT · crash

I bought my 2003 pt cruiser turbo oct 13th 2002, in feb 2003 I took it in for service because I had noticed red fluid leaking . I was alarmed 2 c atf leaking from a car with less than 9,000 miles on it. Anyway I took it in & they replaced the seal & bearing on the left side. On may 28th I took it to a bodyshop 2 get ghost flames painted on it. June 12th came along and they called me to come see the car finished. It took my breath away. I proudly approved of the work they could then buff and detailed it. On june 14th after being buffed out the car was being driven to the detail shop on the freeway when all of a sudden the front left tire seized up and threw the car across 4 lanes of traffic and into an embankment where it came to rest.the driver got out of the car after collecting himself. The front left wheel was broken off, fluid everywhere. Utah highway patrol impounded the car until I could be notified. I got the call from the bodyshop owner, he took full responsability and was willing to do whatever to make my car new "again". Upon investigating the damage he noticed that the left front axle would not come out of the transmission. He littrially had to take the right side apart and use a bar to pound out the left side. He got 2 second opinions before calling me 2 tell me that the axil had seized 2 the bearing inside of the tranny. He suggested that I call the dealer. Finially on the 23rd of june the dealer came and got my car where it is still sitting up till this current day. They found $5500.00 worth of damage to the transmission/axle and such. They called a accident investagator that showed up july 2nd. I took him to the accident site where after 3 weeks you could still see the skid marks. The investigator gathered all his information and went back to chrysler. I have call nearly everyday. I have just found out that my file is in their "legal" department. No one is talking. Now 2 wait and see what chrysler is going to do.