2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: jerking or lurching

Filed Jan 22, 2018 · Fuel system · 138,528 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk and stalled without warning while in traffic. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to resume driving. The failure recurred twice. When the contact looked under the hood, she noticed fuel around the engine and the area where the power steering fluid was located, which caused a fuel odor to emit through the air conditioner blower. The contact also noticed that the rear of the vehicle was leaking fuel, which came from the fuel line. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 138,528.

Filed Dec 30, 2009 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · CA

With 59,000 freeway miles, at 65 MPH vehicle downshifted abruptly and unexpectedly. Vehicle would only lurch along at a slow speed and unable to go into reverse. It had to be towed. Transmission overhaul required costing over $2,000 to repair.

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Transmission · 56,414 miles · MA

2003 chrysler pt cruiser vehicle with an automatic transmission with 56,414 miles on it began lurching when accelerating or slowing down on interstate. Problem started with no prior warning of transmission problems. Vehicle later died in the middle of a side street. Could not get vehicle to move in any gear, and check engine light came on and stayed on. Finally got vehicle to limp around the corner in drive, then vehicle died. No transmission fluid found in reservoir. Fluid noted on ground under vehicle. Had to tow vehicle 30 miles to dealership, who could not repair it after three days of waiting, due to lack of transmission service technician. Vehicle was ultimately repaired at aamco transmission, requiring another 20 mile tow. Vehicle had to have transmission replaced. Total cost of repairs was $2222.73 between chrysler dealership and aamco transmission - not covered under warranty which ran out at 36000 miles.

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 1, 2004 · Engine · GA

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle ten minutes later. Then, vehicle jerked and stalled. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced.