Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 10/13/2012 | 46200 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated while traveling 50 mph he smelled something burning. the contact merged to the side of the road to assess the situation. upon inspection it was found that the driver front brakes were smoking. the vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the brake tube had failed and needed to be replaced. the contact was made aware that there was a recall that might be related to the failure similar to nhtsa campaign id number 04v481000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock). the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 46,200. pmb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC | |||
| 10/23/2002 | 24800 | 10/22/2002 | |
| Rear brakes on 2001 pt cruiser w/25000 miles makes grinding noises when coming to a stop as if the pads are worn out. dealer has checked the brakes multiple times and said they're showing normal wear on the pads. i was told that they've experienced this problem on other cruisers and dodge neon's and there's nothing they can do. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 10/01/2002 | |||
| Consumer states both rear backing plates have severe cracks causing the rear calipers, which are attached to the plates, to potentially fall off. ts | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 03/01/2012 | |||
| Last thursday you were driving in normal city traffic. the speed limit on the street is 45 mph and you were going with the flow of traffic. there were a few cars ahead and you saw something on the road so you needed to slow suddenly. you slammed on the brakes but the car didn | |||
| 08/15/2008 | 34837 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that she replaced her entire brake system in august 2008; however, the failure has recurred. a second chrysler dealer also advised her that she had to replace the entire brake system. the chrysler manufacturer informed the contact to take her vehicle to a dealer to have it repaired. there were no recalls and the warranty has expired. the failure mileage was 34,837 and the current mileage was 47,420. | |||
| 11/27/2007 | 68000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact purchased the vehicle in november of 2007 and the wiring harness was replaced due to electrical failures. in april of 2008, while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the brake pads and calipers. recently, the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. the dealer's diagnostic indicated that the transmission solenoid switch needed to be replaced, along with the power steering pump. the dealer stated that the warranty does not cover the parts. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls that applied to her vin. the failure mileage was 68,000 and current mileage was 75,551. | |||
| 01/22/2003 | 12000 | 1 | 09/28/2000 |
| On 1/22/ 03 we took our 2001 pt cruiser (odometer 12,000 miles) into the dealer because the front disc brakes were squealing. we had previously noted that the passenger side front disc brake had locked when we tried to back the car out of the garage. after hitting the brakes several times, the brake finally unlocked. the dealership told us that the front rotors on both sides were grooved and could not be turned because the metal was so thin to begin with that there was not enough to machine even on a brand new rotor. the dealer also told us we didn't need to replace the pads yet, just the rotors. we opted to replace both the pads and the rotors at the time due to the labor costs. it is now 8 months and 5,671 miles later and the brakes are again squealing. we called the dealership to see if they would do something about the problem. they said their hands were tied and they could not help us other than to replace with the same parts. according to the service manager, chrysler is very much aware there is a problem with the disc brake rotors and premature wear, but they refuse to take any remedial steps. we have the same tires that originally came on the car and they are barely worn indicating we are not the kind of drivers who are hard on a car. the service manager appears to be just a frustrated with chrysler's lack of attention to this problem as we are. our only reasonable and intelligible recourse is to have the rotors and pads replaced with after market products. we will not use oem rotors & pads again. this is not normal wear and tear. this is faulty manufacturing or faulty design or both. in checking your website for 2001/2002 pt cruisers, we see that several other owners have had the same problems with their disc brakes. this is a safety issue as well as a monetary issue. please investigate. *jb | |||
| 04/11/2003 | 35400 | 2 | |
| The left front brake engaged itself without warning, which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 05/20/2004 | 17000 | 1 | |
| Consumer states the brakes wear out prematurely. *ak | |||
| 06/30/2004 | 21440 | 1 | |
| While driving at any speed abs warning light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the abs pump needed to be replaced. this information was provide rowland jones husband of barbara jones.*ak | |||
| 03/14/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| Brakes have smelled entire life of vehicle. brake pads and rotor had to be replaced pre-maturely at 18000 miles. brakes still smell. believe that the root cause of the problem was not determined and problem will reoccur. believe that there is a manufacturer defect with brake assembly or anti-lock brake system. originally purchase car at robert green cpj, have serviced at salerno cp.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 06/02/2003 | 30077 | 1 | 04/22/2002 |
| Vehicle was parked for approx. two days, started vehichle and all lights on the instrument panel stayed on; brake light, abs light, engine light, security light, crusie control, etc. as well as words no bug over the odemeter/mileage gage. these lghts would not go off after turning the engine on and off several times. the engine light stays on and will not shut off. scheduled an appointment with dealer to connect to computer. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 04/11/2002 | 0 | ||
| Engine racing when starting,and at time when stopping. also, transmission was slipping and brakes squeaked. mechanic refused to do anything about the brakes. vehicle has been in shop about 6-8 times in less than a year.*ak | |||
| 01/03/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Brakes are warped, pedal goes all the way down to the floor. dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer is stating that the vehicle is driven only 2000 miles since brakes changed and new brakes already squeal and grind. *yd | |||
| 08/13/2001 | 3 | 10/07/2000 | |
| Vehicle was parked in front of consumer's driveway on an incline and on a hill. he went to pull parking brake, and vehicle was rolling backwards.applied brakes, brakes went straight up and didn't hold. dealership was aware of problem.*ak *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/20/2002 | 1 | 10/12/2000 | |
| Brake system has to be replaced because it has worn out. *ak front rotor failure. rotors could not be turned down. extremely high wear on rotors and pads.*jg | |||
| 03/14/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| Brakes have smelled entire life of vehicle. brake pads and rotor had to be replaced pre-maturely at 18000 miles. brakes still smell. believe that the root cause of the problem was not determined and problem will reoccur. believe that there is a manufacturer defect with brake assembly or anti-lock brake system. originally purchase car at robert green cpj, have serviced at salerno cp.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 09/02/2003 | 14420 | 2 | 04/28/2001 |
| ) on 9/2/03 i had to take the car in to have the brakes checked. problem found was the front right caliper piston stuck > closed causing uneven wear > of brakes pads ( metal to metal on front right and 50% pads on other three). dealer replaced the caliper piston, replaced pads and machined rotors. had to get a rental for one day. 2) on 2/21/05 had the car in the shop again to have the tires rotated and brakes checked. dealer said although the pads where wearing evenly now, they stated but worn out front and rear, need to be replaced. brakes front and rear, replaced front rotors, resurfaced rear rotors this time i had to have a rental for three days. 3) on 3/12/05 not even a month later, while i was driving on the freeway to work the, entire windshield became engulfed with steam, i could not see a thing and the wipers could not take the steam away, so again i had to head back to the dealership to have this checked out. dealer stated found engine cooling fan not working & radiator cap not holding pressure replaced fan and radiator cap. another rental for two days. 4) on 6/14/06, 161 miles after the extended warranty runs out, i have a major transmission problem. engine light comes on, i get the car to the shop and the dealer states transmission solenoid pack shorted out and damaged the controller and i had to have this item replaced. no rental required this time but the bill was $1055.66 on my dime. now ....the grand daddy of them all! 5) the car was back at the dealer on 8/1/06 for the same front right caliper piston issue as on 9/2/03, but on my dime this time. *jb | |||
| 01/24/2004 | 68000 | 2 | |
| The front brakes and tires exhibit extreme wear and tear. front tires replaced approx. 40,000 miles, real ok at 68,000. front brakes replaced twice so far, with rotors and calipers needing replacements. the front suspension system appears to be overly stressed due to vehicle design.*ak | |||
| 01/20/2004 | 25602 | 1 | 05/02/2001 |
| My 01 chrysler pt cruiser, 25,602 miles, had a stiff brake pedal. car felt as if i was driving w/foot on brake. chrysler towed car to dealer. they said i had contaminated brake fluid, repairs not covered by regular or ext. warranty. my bill for repair was $2643.48. they replaced all brake system components.*ak | |||
| 03/28/2003 | 28138 | 2 | |
| 2001 pt cruiser, caliper freezing to rotor causing brake pads to wear down to medal and rotor to turn blue, only on passenger front side of vehicle. i have the brake pads from the vehicle and the pads from the driver's side look like new. i filed a complaint with daimler chrysler over the warranty on the caliper and contemporary chrysler dodger said it was normal wear and brake dust and dirt particles that cause the caliper to stick? i believe it is not normal for one side to be worn down to the medal? the right rear caliper froze and caused the same problem at approximately. 20,316 mi. but the service was performed at a different dealer. also, causing shimmy in the front end. *jb | |||
| 03/28/2003 | 28138 | 2 | |
| 2001 pt cruiser, caliper freezing to rotor causing brake pads to wear down to medal and rotor to turn blue, only on passenger front side of vehicle. the right rear caliper froze and caused the same problem at approximately. 20,316 mi. but the service was performed at a different dealer. also, causing shimmy in the front end.*jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 03/21/2005 | 32000 | 100 | 02/24/2005 |
| Consumer bought car that had not been thoroughly inspected. after two weeks a noise in both the back and front of the car was heard. the consumer took the vehicle back to the dealership, placed a support because brake pads were gone, metal on metal. the motor mount broke, needed rotors/spark plugs, and tune up along with a pvc valve. needed to be fixed, but dealer refused to fix anything.*ak | |||
| 01/19/2004 | 10000 | 3 | |
| The brake pads failed at 10,000 miles. the brake light illuminated approximately 200 miles later after having them checked there was a loud moaning noise. found that the pads had cut into the rotors, and the rotor dished was bent very badly. now at 15000 miles the vehicle needed new brake pads and rotors.*ak | |||
| 06/25/2004 | 34000 | 1 | 03/25/2003 |
| Brakes: noticed squealing and lots of brake dust (6/04). had to replace pads and rotors. after repair, passenger front brake still squeeled. took back, rotor replaced again. my front right break still squeels and both front brakes are shooting off much break dust. this is very frustrating. i would think after a month the semi-metalic breaks would have been broken in by now.*ak | |||
| 09/19/2003 | 2 | 06/15/2000 | |
| Front brake pads crystalize requiring rotor replacement every 30000 miles. brake shop says every pt comes in this way. rear brakes do not adjust out and the front brakes stay partially engaged. this over heats the brakes causing many components to fail. in addition to the expense of replaceing theese parts, i am worried that i could have a brake system failure leading to a crash. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 03/21/2005 | 32000 | 100 | 02/24/2005 |
| Consumer bought car that had not been thoroughly inspected. after two weeks a noise in both the back and front of the car was heard. the consumer took the vehicle back to the dealership, placed a support because brake pads were gone, metal on metal. the motor mount broke, needed rotors/spark plugs, and tune up along with a pvc valve. needed to be fixed, but dealer refused to fix anything.*ak | |||
| 01/19/2004 | 10000 | 3 | |
| The brake pads failed at 10,000 miles. the brake light illuminated approximately 200 miles later after having them checked there was a loud moaning noise. found that the pads had cut into the rotors, and the rotor dished was bent very badly. now at 15000 miles the vehicle needed new brake pads and rotors.*ak | |||
| 06/25/2004 | 34000 | 1 | 03/25/2003 |
| Brakes: noticed squealing and lots of brake dust (6/04). had to replace pads and rotors. after repair, passenger front brake still squeeled. took back, rotor replaced again. my front right break still squeels and both front brakes are shooting off much break dust. this is very frustrating. i would think after a month the semi-metalic breaks would have been broken in by now.*ak | |||
| 47000 | 1 | ||
| The driver heard a squealing noise when braking. took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the front rotors. *ak | |||
| 12/17/2003 | 1 | 07/25/2001 | |
| I own a 2001 pt crusier and have had to replace the front rotors because of exesseive whear and the car has less than 50k miles please advise . *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states of having problem with the brakes which there was recall and dealer stated that her rotors were not good. nlm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 05/05/2005 | 60000 | 2 | 05/01/2003 |
| Dt: the contact states there is a nhtsa recall campaign 04v268000 concerning the steering hydraulic power assist hoses, piping, and connections. this vehicle experienced the same symptoms as indicated in the recall, but this affected the brake fluid lines as well. she repaired the vehicle at her own expense prior to receiving the recall letter. *ak | |||
| 03/05/2005 | 69000 | 4 | 11/15/2001 |
| Dt the brake lines collasped and has not allowed the brake fluid to go through. has to grip steering wheel and pull over in order to get the vehicle to stop shaking. standing next to the brakes consumer can feel the heat coming off the brakes. this happened in mar 2005. tuffy fixed it, they said had other pt cruiser's in for the same defect. the second time this happened it almost caused an accident when hitting the brakes it shook badly. it was uncontrolable at that point. *ak | |||
| 05/30/2005 | 400 | 3 | 11/15/2001 |
| Dt the brake lines collapsed and were not allowing the fluid to go through, causing the vehicle to shake tremdously when hitting the brakes, had to stop the vehicle in order to get the vehicle to quit shaking. had the brake lines replaced at brake shop. they saw s this many times with the pt cruiser. had new brakes and rotors put on. if consumer would stand beside the brakes she could feel the heat coming out of them. this was ongoing a couple years, and mostly recently happened on may 30,2005.*ak | |||
| 01/20/2004 | 25602 | 1 | 05/02/2001 |
| My 01 chrysler pt cruiser, 25,602 miles, had a stiff brake pedal. car felt as if i was driving w/foot on brake. chrysler towed car to dealer. they said i had contaminated brake fluid, repairs not covered by regular or ext. warranty. my bill for repair was $2643.48. they replaced all brake system components.*ak | |||
| 05/01/2001 | |||
| Fuel line routed alonside metal a/c tube. fuel line frayed by rubbing against a/c line. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 01/20/2004 | 25602 | 1 | 05/02/2001 |
| My 01 chrysler pt cruiser, 25,602 miles, had a stiff brake pedal. car felt as if i was driving w/foot on brake. chrysler towed car to dealer. they said i had contaminated brake fluid, repairs not covered by regular or ext. warranty. my bill for repair was $2643.48. they replaced all brake system components.*ak | |||