Chrysler Pt Cruiser owners have reported 69 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (69 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
Car suddenly began overheating without warning. Very scary situation,evidently this is common with Pt Cruisers. Why have there been no recalls.
I was driving down the interstate at 65 mph and I started to hear this very low wine. I took my car into the dealership and they said it was my clutch. I had a 1200 clutch replacement done at approx 56000 and now at 101000 I am having an issure with the clutch not going into gear when its hot outside or the ac is on. My car works perfectly in the winter and early morning hours but once it reaches 85 ddegrees outside I am having to force it into gear. No car should have 3 clutches in less that 5 years.
Loud cracking sounds while driving then the dash started opening up in two places, one through the vent fan all the way to the instrument panel and the other from the vent toward the glove box. Chrysler and my dealer claim they have never heard of this problem although many complaints on the web and this site? also many on this site said they contacted Chrysler. Have made appointment to replace at my cost since it doesn't seem safe to drive a car that's splitting down the middle, and Chrysler and the dealer claim no responsibility. My car has been well maintained, used sun shades and only has 35,585 miles, living on the central California coast where the weather is mild all year around. Seems like this is defective material that Chrysler should replace.
I purchased my 2007 Pt Cruiser used in 2007/8 I have driven it and it is in need of bushings, tie rods and other things under the car. The motor is fine. I found out that this is a common thimg for the Pt Cruisers. I think it is a defect and should be investigated.
Dashboard cracked for unknown reasons.
Purchased a used 2009 Pt Cruiser in may 2011, with 37,000 miles. Approximately 2 months and 3,000 miles later the instrument cluster on the dash started to light up like a christmas tree. First the seatbelt light came on, then the whole cluster lit up and then the seatbelt light came on and went off. The speedometer and tachometer also dropped. I thought this might be an alternator problem, but it checked out ok and I did not have the problem again for a few more months. This time it flashed on and off approximately 3 times. Today, 10/29/11, at 49,000 it happened approximately 10 times. I did not lose power or acceleration, but at one point I did feel a hiccup in the acceleration. I have heard that several people have stalled out in traffic and that the dealerships cannot explain this. I looks like there is a problem and Chrysler needs to address it.
My car has decided to "sometimes" not start at the end of the day. It runs just fine in the morning, but then on my return trip home, you turn the key and nothing. The lights go on, but no ignition, no sound of the engine turning over. Three battery replacements, and that is not the problem. Called Chrysler personally as directed by a website that sited hundreds of complaints over this exact same problem, but they denied knowledge of any such complaint. Complaints date back to 2002. Tried having our trusted mechanic look at it, but since he can't recreate the problem, he is at a loss. Car has 100k miles and ran fine up until the start of summer.
The Pt Cruiser 2005 turbo was purchased new and currently has 68,296 miles. The vehicle has shut off on numerous occasions while we were driving. We immediately contacted cerritos Dodge Chrysler Jeep (cerritos, CA) and glen e. Thomas (signal hill,CA} and both serviced veicle. Neither dealers fixed the problem. The last time we paid a service technician almost $100 to just ride around with us to see if vehicle would stop. Again nothing was done. After finally bringing the car back 6 times for the same problem, within a 12 week period, they told us to contact the corporate division at Chrysler because they would not service our vehicle. The most recent occurence was in September 2011( which put others life in danger) we were driving on the freeway at 60 miles/hr. The car just shut off, again without any warning. We are afraid to drive the vehicle on a regular basis, for fear of risking the lives of others and ourselves. We are currently seeking a recall because we know of other owners who has experienced the same problem.
Fog lights automatically turning on by themselves without the owners knowledge. . . Later on in the day it would cause issues with the headlights not wanting to work or them going off when you need them which could potentially cause an issue. . Read more...
When starting car in morning, it made a very unfamilar sound then the sound disappeared. After driving a short distance the car was parked. Upon restarting the car, we heard two loud thuds as if something had fallen to the pavement. We saw nothing under the car, but after looking under the hood two motor mounts were broken and engine was completely dislodged. Mechanic told us this was his third repair of this type because the motor was too heavy for the type of motor mounts chyrsler used in the Pt Cruiser. Please call owners to have this problem corrected before official recall damages chrylers image.
While driving in heavy rain, my windshield wipers stopped working in the middle of a wipe cycle. I could not see because ofthe heavy downpour and had to slow down to a crawl and try to get on the side of the road. After pulling over, the wipers started working again. Once back on the road, they stopped again. This happened a total of 3 times until I could get to an exit.
On 12/6/10, I was in my 2007 Pt Cruiser when I was involved in an accident. I was proceeding straight thru an intersection when a 1993 Nissan altima turned left in front of me (was coming form direction opposite me), striking me dead center of my front bumper. The crash did the following resulting damage to my Pt Cruiser: radiator smashed, rad. Support broke, all wires on wiring harness cut (including the wire to the airbag sensor--the airbag did not deploy), hole busted into manifold, front bumper assembly torn off, hood bent/caused right-side passenger door to jam, broke starter completely off, and a multitude of other things. As a result of the severe damage, my Pt Cruiser was deemed unfixable and was totalled. This wreck occurred at a speed of less than 25 mph! what gets me is that if the speed had been any greater, my passenger and I would have been severely injured/possibly even fataly because of not having airbag protection. The mechanic at the body shop where my car was taken cab confirm this---I have copies of pictures that were taken of the car, along with a copy of the report that was submitted to the insurance companies involved. Something need to be done about the location of the wiring harnes/airbag sensor wire so that nothing severely happens to another driver. I will never, never ever have/purchase another Chrysler product---this wiring harness problem needs to be fixed ASAP! there were no injuries, except for a sore knee (mine), which I did end up going to the hospital later when the pain in my muscles/tendons got to severe---no bones were broken---just sore for several days.
While attempting to add air to the rh rear tire a section of the valve stem broke and the valve core was expelled. This caused an immediate loss of tire pressure. Had this valve stem failed while traveling at turnpike speeds it is quite possible the car could lost stability. The stem demonstrated advanced corrosion. An additional note the valve cap in use was not metal by plastic eliminating galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals.
While driving the car on a highway at approximately 50 mph the driver side rear window shattered. Most of the glass went inside the car. No rock or other object was found that might have caused the failure.
Date: January 9, 2012 current case file #21570150; previous case file #21250626. To date, Chrysler dealerships have not been able to diagnose and consequently fix a reoccurring stalling problem with the above referenced vehicle; a problem that first occurred in October of 2010. The mckinney dealership in easley, SC first attempted a fix, then the big o dealership in greenville, SC (twice), and most recently the benson dealership in greer, SC. Overall, the vehicle has been out of service 3 weeks and 2 days while at these dealerships. Mckinney's attempt occurred while the vehicle was under the Chrysler extended warranty. Big o and benson's attempts have been made after the expiration of the warranty (from time, not mileage), as a follow up to a pre-existing condition. Meanwhile, between attempted fixes the vehicle poses a safety hazard, actually putting Chrysler at a liability risk. A stalling vehicle in heavy, fast moving traffic has a high potential of creating an accident, an injury, or even a death. In reality a very serious accident almost occurred recently on interstate 26 in hendersonville, nc as a tractor trailer was following the vehicle when it went into a stall. Fortunately, the shoulder of the highway gave an escape route from being run down. Wide shoulders are not always available for escape. Additionally, within the time frame beginning in 2010, we have not been offered an opportunity to speak with a Chrysler area representative and have not had the best CO-operation from the Chrysler case managers in auburn hill, mi. Without Chrysler offering the options of fixing , trading or buying back the vehicle, we must exercise other options available to us. Note: this vehicle was purchased new and I have been the only owner.
My daughter's 2006 Pt Cruiser was involved in a minor fender bender in a walmart parking lot. Her car was struck on the left front bumper from a 90 degree angle. Neither vehicle could have been going more than 15 mph. The impact knocked the front bumper loose, pushed in the grill, and buckled the hood slightly on the Pt Cruiser. It did not catch the fender as the left front headlight lens assembly was not broken. Within a few seconds of the impact, my daughter sighted flames in the engine compartment which were visible underneath the buckled hood. She and her passenger immediately gathered their personal belongings and exited the car. Both my daughter and the other driver called 911 but even with the fire department 300 yards away, the fire destroyed the vehicle. What should have been a $1500 bumper replacement and body shop job resulted in a totaled vehicle due to the fire. The police did not cite either driver.
Replaced the "leak detection pump" on March 20, 2010 and again on October 26, 2011.
While cleaning dashboard on a 2001 Pt Cruiser, the dash cracked down the middle near the vent in the dashboard. While it is primarily cosmetic, this is not something that should be breaking in a 7 year old (8 model years) car. I do have some concerns about further failures in the dash while driving and a piece potentially getting lodged by the gas or brake pedal, the shifter, or steering wheel.
Failure of both front wheel bearings under 60000 miles.
The dashboard on my 2002 Pt Cruiser has 3 cracks in it. About a year ago I noticed the grate in the dash that disperses the air from the defrost vent on the top of the dash was deteriorating and the plastic grate pieces were breaking off. Earlier this year I noticed 2 cracks in the dashboard between the windshield and the defrost vent. Finally, in may while driving down the road I heard a loud noise that I thought was a rock hitting my windshield. When I looked at my dashboard I had a huge crack that now split the dashboard in half from the defrost vent all the way to the front of the dashboard back toward the inside of the car. At this time I have not taken any action to repair the dashboard because it is beyond warranty.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. A few months ago, the contact noticed that her dashboard was cracking. She recently noticed that the entire dashboard was completely cracked, mostly on the passenger side and in the middle. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The current mileage was 103,591 and failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed that the dashboard in his vehicle was beginning to split in two different locations. One split was in the middle and the other was approximately a third of the way from the left. He was able to lift up the center piece. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it would cost approximately $270 to replace the entire dashboard. The manufacturer has not been notified and the vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 150,000 and failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Vehicle does not have backing plates on front spindles. Ball joints are only . 375" from the front brake discs. If the ball joint boot discharges excess grease un-noticed onto the disc, the inner brake pad becomes useless. The only workable repair is to replace the disc pads. Updated 12/04/07.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard has a very long crack that extends from the windshield to the steering wheel. A shield for the windshield is not used to prevent sunlight from entering the vehicle. The current mileage is 89,000 and failure mileage was 88,500.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed that the dashboard has been cracking for quite some time. The crack extends from the window to the radio. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The contact has pictures of the damage. The current and failure mileages were 52,067.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that she has two cracks on her dashboard, which are approximately 2-3 inches long. She has not notified the dealer. The VIN, purchase date, engine size, and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. On June 10, 2007, the contact noticed an 18 inch crack in the center of the dashboard. The crack begins at the base of the windshield. The manufacturer stated that if the warranty has expired, they would be unable to assist him. The contact also read an article that includes details about the dashboard cracking in 2001-2002 Pt Cruisers. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 40,050 and failure mileage was 39,850.
Cracking dashboard.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The dashboard is cracked in the center. Over time, the crack has expanded. No wires are exposed. The crack has been present for three to five months. The dealer has not been notified. The current mileage is 129,000 and failure mileage was 126,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. Two years ago, there was a small crack in the dashboard one morning. By the evening, the crack had grown larger. There are now three cracks in several places. Two years ago, the dealer stated that there were no related incidents. The contact filed complaint number 17372167 with the manufacturer and confirmed that there were no recalls. The vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000 and current mileage was 57,000. Updated 04/22/08.
Ladies and gentlemen: this appears to be a recurring new car purchase scam (bogus warranty illegal activity) that is mentioned several times on a Chrysler website discussing hundreds of corporate safety, contract and warranty issues. Yesterday a woman from Chrysler corporate headquarters told me that when you purchase a new car from them and if it is two years old (but brand new never sold to an actual customer) that the warranty begins the day that it is built vs. When it is actually sold. So when I purchased a new car from them April 2005 and the car was built in Dec 2003 they tricked me and changed the paperwork to say that it was a used car, but never owned by anyone other then a Chrysler dealer. Thinking that you have a new car with a 3 year and 36,000 mile warranty when you drive off the lot you are in fact screwed out of 1 & a half years of a car warranty withy new stickers still on the window. See comments below. I could not get in touch with anyone except this woman that had no clue about what she was talking about and ended up faxing a complaint to daimler Chrysler in stuggart, germany vs. Detroit, mi. .
I bought a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser in February 2007. When I bought it there was a crack in the dashboard,that became quite larger in just a few months, I am concerned about this because the crack/split was growing. Since I bought the vehicle used I figured it was my problem, but I knew of other people with the same problem. This was a defect in the vehicle that could cause problems with the vehicle. My husband and I bought a dashmat cover to help so the dashboard won't get as hot, but it still grew. What could I do about this?.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard has begun to crack. He applied crazy glue to the failure, but it has gotten worse. The VIN, engine size, and # of cylinders were unknown. The current mileage is 39,762 and failure mileage was 37,000.
Excessive oil consumption, 1 quart /per 1000 miles future engine failure 2006 Pt Cruiser with only 4500 miles on it with excessive oil consumption.
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard has cracked in two spots. The cracks are located on both sides of the middle vent. The vehicle is parked in the sun for hours at a time. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 36,000 and failure mileage was 34,000.
I bought my car in June of 2006, and when I was driving and had to brake whether it was a quick braking or normal braking anything on the floor like a cheezit box or water bottle, or any nylon clothing(gym running pant) went under my seat and under my brake pedal and 2 out the 3 times I almost wrecked. I have had the last straw this week when I stopped at a light normal braking and my rain jacket along with my water bottle rolled under my seat and I could stop my car for all of the stuff under my pedal again. Pt cruisers need a recall a drawer or something should be put under the seat to stop articles in the back seat from going to the front.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the entire dashboard has cracked. The current mileage is 102,000 and failure mileage was 97,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. Approximately six months ago, the contact noticed that the dashboard was cracking. The crack began from the middle of the dashboard above the vent and is approximately 14 inches long. She uses a sun protector for the windshield when she can, but admits that the dashboard is exposed to a lot of sunlight. The current mileage is 35,000 and failure mileage was 28,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. Within the last 6-7 months, the dashboard has started to crack. The contact believes that it could be due to a manufacturer defect because she always applies a sunshield on the interior windshield. The vehicle has not had much exposure to the sun. The current mileage is 49,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed a crack on the dashboard. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage is 68,600 and failure mileage was 67,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact has had a crack on the vehicle's dashboard for over a year. The dashboard was not repaired. The current mileage is 45,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that she noticed a crack on the dashboard. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage is 54,000 and failure mileage was 37,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. Around October of 2006, the contact noticed a small tip of the dashboard beginning to crack. The crack is now approximately 5-6 inches long. A few months after it began cracking, the contact noticed another crack forming. Currently, the second crack is as long as the first one. The current mileage is 69,000 and failure mileage was 61,000. Updated 07/24/07.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed that the dashboard began cracking approximately a year ago. The dashboard is exposed to the sun and a windshield screen is not used during the day. The crack has now spread across the entire dashboard, separating it into two pieces. The crack extends from the windshield to the center console of the vehicle. The current mileage is 104,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked around the vent located in the middle of the dashboard. The current mileage is 78,000 and failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed a crack on the dashboard. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of failure. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 95,848 and failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. In the middle of 2006, the vehicle's dashboard began to crack. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer who advised her to glue the dashboard back together. The contact complied, but the dashboard is still cracking and the glue is beginning to separate. The vehicle was garage kept, therefore the sun was not a factor. The current mileage is 56,900 and failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 06/14/07.
The knob on the dash that controls the position for circulation of heat or air conditioning for some unknown reason became stuck and would not move to any position to the left. Took to shop and they played with it but is still a little stiff when turning to left. They can't guarantee how long it will last. Also was informed if and when it goes it will be an $800 job. I have extended warranty which doesn't cover this job. So since we were told that we are not going to be able to adjust were we want the heat or air to circulate. Also my sister has the same year pt and said her knob has been stiff like that since see purchased it new. So I was wondering if this is a defect that should be investigated. Also I'm not usually one to complain this is our second pt, and it isn't our dealerships fault they are really great.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The dashboard has cracked from the windshield to the end of the dashboard over a two week period. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN, purchase date, and engine size were unavailable. The current mileage is 20,000 and failure mileage was 12,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The dashboard began to crack directly down the middle. The crack began at the very edge of the windshield in a horizontal line all the way across. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but they were unable to repair it for free. The contact refused to pay for the repair because he feels that it is not a normal wear and tear failure. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard of her vehicle has multiple cracks. The failure began over a year ago. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 59,040 and failure mileage was 48,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard has cracked in six spots. The cracks have spread across the entire dashboard. The vehicle is often parked in direct sunlight for approximately six hours per day. The dashboard has been covered with armor all protectant and a windshield reflector was used. The current mileage is 40,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked in half. No wires are exposed. The dealer stated that the repair cost would exceed $900. The dealer performed a diagnostic and stated that the vehicle's computer board is failing and reading inaccurately. The dealer also stated that the timing belt and the water pump are failing, which is rare due to the vehicle's mileage. The vehicle is not driven on a daily basis. The contact has photos and invoices available. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 58,200 and failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed a small crack on the dashboard soon after purchasing the vehicle. Now, the entire dashboard is cracked. Chrysler issued her a work order, but will not reimburse her for the repair work. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 67,000 and failure mileage was 45,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact noticed a crack on the dashboard. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and they would be unable to repair the dashboard. The current mileage is 90,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
I own the 2002 chysler Pt Cruiser limited. Hold in the trip odometer reset button while turning the ignition key to run will start a self-test, with a readout on the odometer. It will also activate the instrument panels, one at a time. The test will run for approximately 60 seconds, then automatically shut down. If the test senses a fault, the odometer will show the p-code number for the corresponding (dtc) diagnostic trouble code. The self diagnostic that is on the odometer is giving false reading. Fl0008, ee08, bl01, and 5 of 4. 7. I checked several website and there are several other owners of this model Pt Cruiser that are having the same false readings. I would like to be able to use the "self diagnostic test" that is suppose to be a standard on this model.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard has cracked in four spots. The vehicle was parked mostly in a garage and away from sunlight. The current mileage is 20,051 and failure mileage was 7,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. She noticed a crack on the dashboard that went from the center vent to the windshield. The crack has expanded. The dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The failure mileage 80,000 and the current mileage was 141,000.
Consumer request all pertinent information regarding daimler Chrysler recalls.
Missing ten thousand dollar down payment for 2004 Pt Cruiser. (nar) please review for further investigations.
2001 Pt Cruiser 21,800 miles and our dash started cracking at side vents in 2004. Cracks extend from all vents toward the windshield, similar to other Pt Cruiser owners in the USA. The problem is with Chrysler's choice of suppliers in mexico. Unfortunately, it will take a class action suit against Chrysler to change their service to customers. I am investigating several lawyers involved in this area who are aware of a mass recall problem. The problem is not isolated to one state. The dash will shortly collapse in causing a potential accident. Perhaps at that time NHTSA will consider a recall. Do we have to wait for a tragedy to receive a corrective action?.
Car continues to miss, due to failure of ignition or gas or maybe the transmission. This does not happen all the time. Its been to the dealer three times with no help. This started after 3000 miles on car.
Consumer received a recall letter from the manufacturer, however the dealer refused to honor the recall letter, because the vehicle was manufacturered in canada.
Consumer states that vehicle's dashboard is completely unreadable in sunlight and/or "rainy" weather. Ph.
Consumer is concerned about the electrical stability control in vehicles the consumer believed that adding electronic stability controls as a mandatory feature was an evasive decision. The consumer also protested the proposed legislation of event data recorders. The consumer stated he has not experienced any problems with his vehicle. Updated 06/21/jb.
Dealer problem. The consumer didn't want to leave her vehicle for 3 hours to have the recall performed. . Updated.
Consumer requesting recall information for 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser.
The consumer received two safety recalls that could not be corrected due to parts not being available in which the dealer stated that they'll call when they were. Mr.
Request another sticker advising anyone whom may drive her vehicle that the air bags were disconnected. The consumer had the air bags disconnected due to health concerns. (implanted defibrillator/pacemaker and asthma).