Chrysler / PT Cruiser / 2002
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Owners have filed 658 complaints about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 15.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 10.5%.
Complaints658
Crashes54
Fires47
Injuries65
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 15.3% · 101
Structure 10.5% · 69
Exterior lighting 8.4% · 55
Steering 7.4% · 49
Air bags 7.0% · 46
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.0% · 46
Suspension 6.2% · 41
Engine and engine cooling 5.9% · 39
Severity
Of those complaints, 54 describe a crash, 47 describe a fire, 65 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser in this data, 2002 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 52,000 miles.
In owners' own words
From the first month that I purchased my vehicle the engine light has been on more than off. I read the owners manual and it said that it was a vacuum issue and it would correct itself. The dealership charged me to diagnose and to fix it but now I see that there was a nhtsa 01v288000 on a cluster panel issue. Why was I charged for something that a dealership should check for to see if it is a known defect? Electrical system · reported at 50 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled, a warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The failure recurred ten times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alarm system needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Electrical system · reported at 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the battery continuously lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 170,583. Electrical system · reported at 170,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…