Four problems related to power train have been reported for the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser based on all problems reported for the 2001 Pt Cruiser.
Was driving vehicle going 55 mph and dashboard faults out with incoherent readings and transaxle shifts self into neutral. I shift gear selector into neutral and back into drive. Dashboard readings go back to normal and transaxle goes back into drive. 15 seconds later battery light comes on. Continue driving to find a place to park. After about 10 seconds engine stalls out. Shift gear selector into neutral and try to restart vehicle but it won't start. Coast to a stop and open hood. Notice an odd smell. Open hood and alternator is on fire. Close hood and grab personal belongings (except for phone charger) out of vehicle. Call 911 as vehicle burns up. Fire and police arrive and extinguish fire but vehicle badly destroyed by being engulfed in flames.
Pulled into work shut car off noted leakage part on ground was told pressure switch.
Upon inspection during a repair for another problem it was discovered that the front suspension crossmember known as the k-frame is severely corroded and will likely not pass another safety inspection. The rest of the underneath of this car is relatively rust-free and this is a low mileage vehicle for its age. If this part fails going down the highway the engine, transmission, etc. Will all drop and cause the vehicle to lose control.
During routine oil change the mechanic found that the threads welded into the oil pan had come loose. Car needed a new oil pan. I was told that this is a "fairly common problem" because the pan is aluminum and the threaded piece is steel and since the two metals have different expansion and contraction temperatures that over time the weld is broken and the thread "breaks loose" from the pan. Seems to me this should be a recall as it is a poor design.