general problems of the 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

See attached document for complaint.

It stalls and won't go over 40mph.

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.

I was driving on the freeway when the engine light came on (which it never had before), and within less than a minute the car ceased up, lost power and died. I was able to make it to the side of the freeway as it started puttering before ceasing completely. This incident has happened at least four more times since original date. I had the motor tested at the auto body shop and the said the cam sensor needs checked but the engine is burning my oil up and since this happened and has had to have oil put in 3 times since then in order to make it run when it stops. Just last month I spent over 500. 00 replacing the radiator and power steering lines which I was informed was part of a recall on this vehicle but was not covered since it didn't apply to my VIN #. I am scared because I have children I drive with and because I cannot afford to keep repairing this vehicle, which is my only means of transportation. The vehicle was paid for in cash in full and has no recourse from the dealer or so I was told.

Without warning, the engine turns off and all power is lost. The ignition switch does not move. Once the care is stopped, you have to turn the key to the off position and then turn it back on. When put on the dealer's computer, the computer only says "there was a sudden loss of power. " dealer suggests putting in a new ignition but does not guarantee this will fix the problem. The car can no longer be trusted on the highway or interstate. I can only drive it in town at slow speeds so I won't cause a crash if it suddenly dies on me.

Front crank case seal failed due to thrust bearing for crank shaft.

Dealer looked at the oil leak and the tech informed me the front crankshaft seal was leaking and that there was a lot of play with the crank. Seems this is a common issue with the 2. 4 liter motor that Chrysler has ignored to report a recall. There is numerous complaints about this problem on the internet. Chrysler has known it has an engine flaw and refuses to correct their mistake. I understand replacing the seal won't fix the problem because of the play with the crank shaft, the seal will start leaking again. An owner with a Pt Cruiser under warranty reported that Chrysler replaced the seal several times without fixing the problem. If the crank has to much play, it's possible that the crank has eaten into the block. The short block may need to be replaced as well. Not cheap by any means. I contacted Chrysler and they stated that because of the mileage they would not offer any financial assistance. This car has been taken care of and looks brand new. The engine should go another 100,000 miles. This is a lemon engine!.

The contact owns a 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the clutch was engaged and the transmission would not shift into any gear. The engine was turned off and then restarted in order for the vehicle to resume normally. The failure occurred when the temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the clutch would need to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent auto shop for a second opinion. The technician replaced the slave cylinder and master clutch. The failure recurred and the contact replaced both parts himself. Most recent, the failure occurred for the third time and the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

As with the other identical complaints, regarding manual transmission shifting and, when the temperature is above 80 degrees shifting gears becomes very difficult and at times impossible. The problem occurred years ago and has always been there. It's as if the bushings in the shift mechanism expand when heated and the shifter sticks in its current gear; with great force you can knock it out and with great force you can re-engage. The next morning at 50 degrees the shifter works properly once again. Later in the day above 80 degrees the problem re-occurs; this happens every time the temperature is above 80 degrees. The resulting hazard leaves you stuck in traffic unable to shift gears, which in turn makes you a hazard to other drivers. I have had two near miss (rear end) collisions as a result. Chrysler stopped production of the manual transmission pt two years before discontinuing the automatic pt. This is a known problem by the manufacturer and they should have issued a recall. Chrysler did not and as a result I'm sure the other affected customers did as I have done and walked away from the brand. I've purchased 4 vehicles since that time and they were certainly not a Chrysler product. The latter is costing Chrysler more than the $300 it would have cost to change the bushings to a type that is not affected by heat.