2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 3 safety recalls and 511 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

511

Crashes / fires

40 / 34

Injuries / deaths

50 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Recall 04V-268: Steering

Reported Jun 3, 2004 · 438,391 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-215: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 8, 2002 · 345,436 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 01V-288: Electrical System

Reported Sep 10, 2001 · 43,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles are being recalled for a software error in the instrument cluster microprocessor. Under certain conditions, the cluster, with the majority of its gauges, illumination, and warning lamps, could become inoperative.

Risk: Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will re-flash the cluster software to correct the condition. Owner notification began october 8, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	101
Structure	69
Exterior Lighting	55
Steering	49
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	46
Air Bags	46
Suspension	41
Engine and Engine Cooling	39
Power Train	36
Unknown or Other	28
Engine	22
Wheels	21

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 24
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 15
Air Bags › Frontal — 13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 12
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 11
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 11
Exterior Lighting › Fog Lights › Switch — 11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility · at 70,000 miles · reported Jun 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the rear quarter glass fasteners on both sides of the vehicle had started to separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windows were violently shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact was concerned that the windows might fall out while driving and cause injury to a pedestrian. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 138,000 miles · reported Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she could smell fuel in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who located a fuel leak on the fuel trail line. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Steering · reported Jun 11, 2023

Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasnât far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in great condition! Iâm really concerned because I had my 6 year old child in the car! I now canât make appointments work or even take my child to school Iâm in need for help! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Steering · reported Nov 21, 2021

Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the vehicle are cracked/cracking & I believe one has a hole or 2 & another 1 is forming one. It's also scratching & ruining the rotors. Its not the pads they are fine but I need at least 1 new rotor & can't because the rims are defective causing it to happen again which can easily damage the calipers…

Engine · reported Jul 27, 2021

While driving the vehicle I could begin to smell a strong odor of gas them almost like the smell of plastic melting and the vehicle engine started running hot temperature so I immediately turned off the engine as I pulled over to the side of the road and as I stepped out of the car aflame began under the hood and ended up burning my entire engine. Fire department had to come and extinguish the car.

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001

Compare all Chrysler PT Cruiser years · All Chrysler models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser: 04V-268 (steering), 02V-215 (fuel system, gasoline), 01V-288 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (101 reports), followed by structure (69). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 miles.

Are Chrysler recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chrysler dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.