2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser: engine failure

Filed Jun 5, 2019 · Engine · 85,300 miles · NY

2007 chrysler pt cruiser conv. Has 85,300 miles on odometer. Car developed a severe engine oil leak problem. Investigation by me revealed a well known manufacturing defect with the 2.4l engine. Complete oil loss can happen very quickly and seize the engine resulting in a sudden stop in traffic. A dangerous event if traveling on a high speed road. Repair can cost up to $6000 for an engine replacement even if it does not seize. Chrysler acknowledges the defect in tsb # 09-001-13 / the federal safety agency # 10128948 but no recall has been issued.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Engine · 17,340 miles · NV

My 2007 pt cruiser with 17,340 miles (yes, that's correct), started leaking a good amount of oil. Researched and found this to be a common problem with some folks getting stranded on highway when car dropped all of its oil, brought to dealer. The invoice states the following: "customer states vehicle is leaking oil. Verified the concern. Found oil leaking from cam and crank seals. Disassembled engine to replace seals, and found excessive crank shaft end play, causing the crankshaft seal to push out. Inspected motor, found broken thrust washers and damage to the crankshaft. Replace the engine and recheck, no more oil leaks." and that's what they did...total cost, including tax was $6,055. This was not an easy decision. Checking online, I found it to be a common problem. Based on what I read, I asked dealer to replace with a short block. Said they are no longer made. Car is only worth about 6k but there's no way I could afford a new car. This way I do have a 3 yr warranty on the new engine.

Filed Jul 16, 2015 · Engine · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering column started to lock up as the vehicle approached a stop sign. The steering column seized and the engine shut down. The contact stated that smoke appeared underneath the hood and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was notified and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a collision yard. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Electrical · 69,000 miles · WI

Totally integrated power module (tipm) is not turning on the low speed fan resulting in overheating of A/C coolant which in turn increases pressure in A/C system and total evacuation of system coolant, a real environmental problem. The increase in operating temperature also increases load on engine cooling system and threatens total engine failure. Ma 10/2 the consumer stated the vehicle had not been repaired because it was too expensive. Updated 12/28/2015

Filed May 14, 2015 · Brakes · 107,000 miles · MO

I was driving through town when I smelled something like rubber burning, saw smoke billowing out from passenger front side of car. I immediately pulled off of road, turned car off & looked to see what was causing this. No leaks of any kind. My mechanic is in the process of repairing my pt. The front passenger brake seized & burned up my caliper, rotor & brake pads. It was so hot, it literally melted parts. I came close to a major fire & it was a good thing I was not on a highway. I hope this does not happen again. I do not know if there were any recalls on this vehicle due to brake problems- but I would like to know as I feel this is a major safety issue.

Filed May 20, 2011 · Engine · 86,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated the piston ring in the engine has burned out causing the engine to fail. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who stated the vehicle needed a new engine. The contact did not notify the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed May 13, 2009 · Engine · 56,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that there was too much end ply on the crankshaft of her engine. As a result, the seal on the engine is separating and causes oil to spill, which could lead to a fire. The dealer was aware of the issue, but the vehicle was 20,000 miles out of warranty; therefore, they refused to repair the issue. The failure began on may 9, 2009 and the engine blew out a few days later. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2008 · Engine · 13,000 miles · PA

Bought 2007 pt cruiser with 00003 miles at 12 months of use and 13000 mi engine had to be dismantled,camshaft was pushing seals out faulty engine assembly , these cars were manufactured in mexico and built cheaply, oil dipstick was dry no oil lamp ever came on found the problem by the puddle of oil on driveway,could of blown engine while driving on highway.