Chrysler PT Cruiser overheating problems

Filed May 17, 2026 · Engine · NC · fire

So I had been having issues with the car overheating well I'm almost home and my daughter says she smells smoke so pull over and rush to get my babies out of the car because under the hood it had caught on fire

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated with the temperature gauge reading hot. The vehicle was taken to I-10 chrysler dodge jeep ram (79200 varner rd, indio, ca 92203) and was informed that the cooling fan was defective. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where the cooling fan assembly, module, high and low speed relays, the thermostat, cooling fan, radiator cap and coolant were all replaced however, the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, several warning lights illuminated on and off and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to crystal chrysler dodge jeep ram (36444 auto park dr, cathedral city, ca 92234) where the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to manufacturer and left a message however, the contact had not heard back form the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 8, 2020 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · MA

The car has been overheating at idle. When driving, it maintains the correct temperature and returns to it even if it has gone up. Idling at a drive thru is enough to cause a full overheat with smoke. When the car is turned off, a loud bubbling can be heard. The entire fan assembly and harness was just replaced. Problem has been ongoing. Originally, fan would not turn off about 2 years ago. Even when car was off. Spent many months having to remove the fuse because the ran would run the engine dry of power. This would happen even after short drives when the car was in park and off.

Filed Sep 1, 2019 · Engine · 85 miles · PA

Car has problem with overheating (also found out this is common with this model and make). This is a safety issue as you can break down on road which can either cause an accident or cause road blockage.

Filed Apr 13, 2019 · 55,000 miles · UT

I was involved in an accident with my wife and I and it almost took our lives but I was able to get out of it alive and the insurance and the attorneys gave me some money so I went out and bought me a chrysler pt cruiser for $4, 700 for a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser from larry h miller honda I started having overheating issues right after I purchased it from them and eventually blew the head gasket in it not knowing that the water pump was also going in it I had nothing but problems from the first day I bought it I spent my whole $4, 700 from my settlement to get this vehicle and I have nothing but problems on it's got 60, 000 miles on it and it's it's in my backyard my wife and I don't have a vehicle because this overheated and caused it to blow the head gasket I change the water pump timing belt everything and then it blew a head gasket please help me my wife and I are stuck because we have no way to getting around and I'm not able to work because I don't have a vehicle we struggled since our auto accident and this is just been one hurdle that we are not able to get over it please help me

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Engine · 159,245 miles · PA

Engine fan does not turn on causing car to overheat. I have spoken to other owner that have a pt cruiser (different years) and they also have the same problem with the fan. I called the chrysler dealer which did not have enough complaints about this so they are not issuing any recalls yet. I took this car to my mechanic and he could not determine what is causing this but he did not have the equipment to check the car computer. Another place has the equipment but wants $200. To see if it is a problem with the computer. I feel that chrysler should cover this since it does not just effect my vehicle but many pt cruisers.

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Airbags, Engine · MI

Passenger seat airbag light remains off when unoccupied, goes on and chimes when someone is seated. Horn sticks. Overheats when idled short periods (traffic lights, etc.) blows cold air when at idle, only provides heat when rolling. All these problems are common to this vehicle.

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Engine · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate severely. In addition, the vehicle overheated without warning. The contact noticed fumes and smoke coming from the hood. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 6, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · TN · fire · 1 injury

Ok maybe 4th time is a charm on trying to get pt cruiser off road. I had a fire in this vehicle due to overheating which was reported but dumb me put it out and replaced grill and radiator and had to take seperate loan out for $2500 in repairs and now vehicle won't start and now being told is computer well that explains why when we were trying to get out of car when was on fire the door locks didn't won't to work first time. The car is a 2002 with 100,000 miles on it and I have already put new tires on it and battery and had all these repairs done trying to save the car because I am a single mom on disability maybe since chrysler is under investigation for injuries and deaths not being reported you can add me because I was burned during the fire trying to put out. I have forwarded every single documentation of every incident not only to chrysler but the federal safety agency and now want me to replace a computer at $1300 this car is dangerous and have been told by everyone who has examined car it is serious but I guess if me or my son had died in car then maybe something would have been done. I have made my payments and paid full coverage insurance for 6 months while all this has been going on and only was able to drive car for a month. The vehicle is at chrysler dodge in columbia,tn and phone number is 1‑931‑380‑0326. I have 9 tow bills and nobody cares that me or my son could have lost our lives!

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Engine · 89,000 miles · TN · fire

Ok this is my 3rd complaint on this vehicle the first problem was overheating and yes caught fire after a month of that everytime temperature gauge would rise I pulled car over and had towed I have 7 tow bills on that well last time caught fire was able to put out had to replace radiator,hoses,had a cracked head,fan,fan sensor and thermostat and grill that was $2000 for all that. I got car back and now have had back for a month and car won't start had battery changed out,had 25 point inspection done and now saying alarm system is triggering something or possibly computer going bad. This is a 2002 with only 100,000 miles on it. I owe $2300 to chase for purchase then have 2nd lien because of all these other problems of $2000. I bought the car back in 4/2013 and had to have all recalls done on it and I have reported all this before and chrysler refuses to admit it is a lemon. I have been told by dealer and 2 other mechanics this car is not safe and should not be on road. I am a single mom with ms and on disability and now scared to drive car. The car is parked and I am still making payments on something I can't drive. I do know car was assembled in mexico and don't know if a siesta was taken during my car or not. I am told not to drive car it is a hazard and chrysler after fire should have taken car back but they refused a fire and was me and my son 2 lives could have been lost. I want car taken back by chrysler and I want payoff on loan of $3000.00 by chrysler this car won't be driven. I have been very cooperative reporting everything but when mine and my son's life is at risk that is enough! If you do research the overheating and electrical has been a serious problem and I would think that a fire would get you to make chrysler take these cars back.