Automatic Transmission problems of the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

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.

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.

: 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.

I have a 2003 Pt Cruiser with about 30,800 miles on it. This car when stopped in gear and your foot on the break suddenly goes into gear and it takes two feet on the break pad to hold it. This only lasts about 3 seconds and then stops. On 03-28-06 I was dropping off my daughter and as she went to cross in front of this car it jumped into gear and I almost hit my daughter. I took it to the local dealership and told them about this problem. They said they did a road test and drb test and showed no codes. They said wait until it gets more regular and bring it back in. I did email Chrysler corp. On this and have not heard back from them yet. I don't feel this car is safe to drive until this get fixed. It seams they could rebuild the transmission instead of waiting for me to run someone over. My 3 year/36,000 will be up sometime this April. I don't feel its fare for me to wait till it gets worse and then dig me $1500. 00 to rebuild the transmission especial after it has been brought to Chrysler attention during the warranty period. Very frustrated right now with all this.

Automatic transmission went out after 42,000 miles, mostly highway miles.

2003 Pt Cruiser gt turbo, bought new in 2004 with 400mills on it. Transmission will lag when down shifting from 2nd to 1st gear. Also, all lights will dim when braking or windows are brought down. Dealer said. " theres nothing they could do for the dimming lights. " for the transmission down shifting lag, the dealer corrected output speed sensor connection. I'm still have the problem and in stop and go trafic I noticed when the vehcile was down shifting the radio stoped working and the lights dimmed for a second. Dealer said to wait to see if it does it again before repair.