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2002 Chrysler PT CruiserProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 511 owner complaints about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
29
CarFlaw IndexUse caution2.4× the PT Cruiser median · #2 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints511117 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage61kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 20, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser has problems

511 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system979
Structure672
Exterior lighting552
Steering458
Air bags4433
Suspension403
Engine and engine cooling389
Power train353
Service brakes, hydraulic336
18 other systems14627

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 04V-268 · Jun 3, 2004 · 438,391 vehicles

Risk. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: interior/under dash

Recall 01V-288 · Sep 10, 2001 · 43,000 vehicles

Risk. DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chrysler.

Mileage at failure

When do electrical system problems start?

61kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 74 electrical system complaints. 70% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
19under 30k miles52under 100k miles22100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other PT Cruiser year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the PT Cruiser median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser safety ratings

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082 · closed Apr 23, 2003
    No recall
  2. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE04028 · closed Jun 18, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-268
In owners' words

What PT Cruiser owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON. CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS WERE READING AS THE ISSUE ACCORDING TO THE ODOMETER CODE SYSTEM.. MY CAR SHUTS OFF AT ANYTIME EVEN WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. MY BATTERY TERMINAL SEEMS TO BE WEAK POSSIBLY HAVING SHORTAGE MOMENTS FROM TIME TO TIME.…
Complaint 11242425 · Aug 8, 2019 · 147,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEAD LAMPS WOULD ILLUMINATE RANDOMLY DAY OR NIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC…
Complaint 11219448 · Jun 12, 2019 · 153,000 miles
MY LIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. NOT ONLY DID MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF BUT MY DASH BOARD LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS ON MY GEAR SHIFT DID AS WELL. MY DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AS WELL.
Complaint 11057044 · Dec 28, 2017 · 224,441 miles

Own a 2002 PT Cruiser?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.