Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||
| 04/20/2007 | 41000 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact heard a loud scraping noise coming from her vehicle. she stated that the vehicle was parked all winter and began making this noise one month ago. the speed and the weather are not factors. the noise is produced when the brakes are applied. the purchase date and powertrain were unknown. the current mileage is 41,900 and failure mileage was 41,000. | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 30080 | 1 | 02/24/2003 |
| Faikure of abs | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 01/14/2003 | |||
| While applying his brakes the vehicle brakes lock up and the abs light appear on the dashboard. ts | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 04/09/2006 | 21000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that the left and right front tires caught fire due to intense heat in the wheels. the brake caliper also locked which caused the left wheel to lock and melt the brakes. the dealer stated that they corrected the failure in april of 2006. a different dealer confirmed that the brake line was never replaced or repaired which is why the failure has occurred. the failure mileage was 21,000 and the current mileage was 37,800. | |||
| 11/10/2007 | 28000 | 1 | 03/03/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. while driving less than 50 mph, the contact heard noises coming from the vehicle. the dealer stated that the struts needed to be replaced and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the repair would cost $539. the brakes and rotors were also replaced. the system would not accept the vin provided by the contact. the failure mileage was 28,000 and current mileage was 49,000. updated 8/10/09 *cn updated 08/13/09.*jb | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 3001 | 1 | 01/17/2002 |
| Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. there was no prior warning. also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. the right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. he could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. he contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. he was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak updated 12/7/2005. the battery had to be replaced at 14972 miles. *nm | |||
| 01/13/2005 | 29996 | 1 | 08/18/2003 |
| I was driving to my next client on icy pavement at 35 degrees below zero. i applied the brakes, but had a hard pedal, no abs braking, nothing. crashed into pick-up truck in front of me who was able to stop at light. his truck was 1996 and did not have abs. is there a problem with brake fluid at this extreme temperature? *nm | |||
| 06/22/2004 | 3000 | 12 | 07/31/2001 |
| The consumer stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the brakes were defective and performed poorly when applied. the consumer suspects that the dealership did not work on the brakes at all. *ak there was a screeching noise and the brakes would sometimes go almost to the bottom of the floor. the driver's seat belt did not always lock, the brakes would rub and hesitate to stop, the a/c did not get cold on high settings, the entire dashboard electronic system was off, the fuel, mph and the rpm lights had come on, at the inside top of all four doors, the lining was buldging in and out, the driver's side seat belt needed several attempts before locking, the right signal had to be manually stopped, and the left signal light did not hold. there was also an issue with the odometer reading. (the consumer felt that it did not display the proper mileage) *sc | |||
| 07/05/2002 | 1 | 12/22/2001 | |
| I have excessive rear brake noise. it sounds almost like there is grinding metal to metal. this noise happens more in the cold weather but still happens all year around. i have taken it in to the shop numbers of times and every time i'm told that there is no problem with the breaks and that some noise is normal. *nm | |||
| 12/02/2003 | 14500 | 1 | 08/27/2002 |
| The front brakes started squeaking as i come to a stop. the vehicle only had 14,500 miles. *nlm | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 24000 | 1 | 02/06/2003 |
| The consumer stated the vehicle's brakes failed at 24000 miles. the dealer was notified. *ph the dealer did not cover the total cost. *scc *jb | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 15348 | 0 | 09/10/2001 |
| Premature, unexplained wear, requiring replacement of front discs and calipers, brakes. *nlm | |||
| 10/27/2002 | |||
| Consumer states, that the abs system on the vehicle is not working properly, that when applying the brakes, will squealing and moaning. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 03/10/2006 | 15000 | 1 | 06/02/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate and felt as if it was dragging. there was also a smell was coming from the front of the vehicle. it was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the front left brake was sticking. the caliper was replaced and bolts were tightened. one week later, the same thing occurred. this time the independent repair shop replaced the caliper with the original and suggested a visit to the dealer for further assistance. the dealer flushed the brake system and during a test drive the front left and the rear right brakes caught on fire. it was determined the rotors and pads and abs system needed to be replaced. | |||
| 03/16/2006 | 40000 | 1 | 08/01/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the brakes squeaked and brake dust was observed on the hubcaps. the brakes pads have been replaced and the rotors have been turned frequently at every 3,000 miles. the braking capability of the vehicle is defective and causes the vehicle to swerve all over the road. the dealer and the manufacturer determined the brake pads and the rotors are not compatible. three dealerships and have admitted this is a design defect but because it does not affect the functioning of the brakes they are not qualified to issue a recall. according to the contact this failure does affect the function of the brakes. | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 6 | ||
| Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. there was no prior warning. also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. the right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. he could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. he contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. he was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 10/30/2005 | 31000 | 2 | 07/01/2002 |
| Subject: 2002 pt cruiser brakes / transmission i do not know if you are the proper person to bring up some safety issues with the chrysler pt cruiser but it is my sincere hope that maybe you could direct this to someone who can. about two months ago, i had my brakes services at a local shop that i have been dealing with for 10 years. when i was younger, i used to do much of the work to cars myself, and once in a while i do an audit of the work he does. as always, he does a great job. recently i was driving back from lake tahoe on i80. this is mostly full of mountains with very steep grades and a lot of sheer cliffs. i had a full car load of human and personal property so i would conceder it to be close to the max weight of the car. i placed the automatic transmission from over-drive to the next lowest gear during the steep grades. we did not slow down at all! i discovered to my horror that the next lowest transmission speed was third. so i dropped it down again to the next lower gear and it was first gear. since our speed was 55 miles per hour, it did not engage at all. thank goodness it did not. so i applied the abs front discs and rear drums. by the time we got down from this area, i totally burned out the brakes. i have driven other cars from california to texas to florida with similar loads, but never with a transmission with no second gear. i have never burned new brakes up in a similar fission and required one new disc. i do not think that they | |||
| 08/08/2003 | 1 | ||
| While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. also, when applying the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 22000 | 2 | 04/01/2002 |
| Grinding noise when applying brakes, cracking noise when anti-lock system activated. the brake pads have been replaced at approx. 22,000 miles and the pads where worned on the driver's side to the metal. there was no pre- warning of the condition. i purchased a ptcruiser when first manufactored the brakes had the same problem.*ak | |||
| 08/21/2003 | 1 | 04/04/2002 | |
| Uncontrollable wobble of front wheels as brakes are applied . the higher the speed ,the greater the wobble. *ak | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that when trying to apply the anti lock brakes they will lock up, causing vehicle to have extended stopping distance. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 03/19/2002 | 1 | 12/01/2001 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 11/10/2001 | |||
| While driving 60 mph abs brake and traction control system lights came on, and then vehicle stalled. vehicle has not been taken to dealer. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 03/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway the front brake locked up causing the driver to loose control of the vheicle and run into a ditch, the dealer is aware of the problem. nlm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 10/25/2003 | 25000 | 5 | |
| While braking consumer heard a loud grinding noise. consumer was able to decelerate the vehicle with no problem. took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic could not determine the cause of the noise. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 06/19/2007 | 21181 | 1 | 06/03/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. she noticed a loud rubbing noise in the steering wheel every time she drove the vehicle. the dealer stated that they could not find the cause or reason for the noise. she received recall notice (04v268000) for the power steering and the repair was performed according to that recall; however, she noticed that the recall repair did not remedy the issue. the dealer later stated that they could not hear the noise in the steering wheel and were unable to diagnose the failure. while driving away from the dealer, she smelled smoke, drove back to the dealer and smoke began to bellow from underneath the left front tire. the dealer provided assistance and replaced the hose, caliper, brake pad, rotor and the wheel cover. she was charged $406.60 for the repairs. the manufacturer was advised of the repair cost; however, they advised her to take the matter up with the dealer. the following year the failure recurred, the same dealer told that the caliper was leaking. they caliper was replaced according to the warranty. she asked the dealer why they had not replaced it the first time according to warranty and was told that the first time, it was a new issue. she went back to the dealer the following year for the identical failure and was billed $239 to replace the caliper since the warranty had expired. recently, she smelled smoke and an authorized dealer stated that the caliper was warped because of intense heat and the brake line had soot in it and that the warped caliper was holding the wheel in place. she provided the dealer with a reference number from the manufacturer. the dealer tried to speak with the representative and was unsuccessful. the current mileage was approximately 37,900. the failure mileage was 21,181. updated 12/7/09 *cn updated 12/08/09 | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 6 | ||
| Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. there was no prior warning. also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. the right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. he could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. he contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. he was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 03/10/2006 | 15000 | 1 | 06/02/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate and felt as if it was dragging. there was also a smell was coming from the front of the vehicle. it was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the front left brake was sticking. the caliper was replaced and bolts were tightened. one week later, the same thing occurred. this time the independent repair shop replaced the caliper with the original and suggested a visit to the dealer for further assistance. the dealer flushed the brake system and during a test drive the front left and the rear right brakes caught on fire. it was determined the rotors and pads and abs system needed to be replaced. | |||
| 03/16/2006 | 40000 | 1 | 08/01/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the brakes squeaked and brake dust was observed on the hubcaps. the brakes pads have been replaced and the rotors have been turned frequently at every 3,000 miles. the braking capability of the vehicle is defective and causes the vehicle to swerve all over the road. the dealer and the manufacturer determined the brake pads and the rotors are not compatible. three dealerships and have admitted this is a design defect but because it does not affect the functioning of the brakes they are not qualified to issue a recall. according to the contact this failure does affect the function of the brakes. | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 6 | ||
| Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. there was no prior warning. also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. the right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. he could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. he contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. he was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 22000 | 2 | 04/01/2002 |
| Grinding noise when applying brakes, cracking noise when anti-lock system activated. the brake pads have been replaced at approx. 22,000 miles and the pads where worned on the driver's side to the metal. there was no pre- warning of the condition. i purchased a ptcruiser when first manufactored the brakes had the same problem.*ak | |||
| 12/16/2003 | 26100 | 1 | 07/13/2002 |
| The brakes started making a scratch/grinding sound every time i would come to a stop. there was no difficulty with braking, just the noise. so, i visually inspected them and noticed the front right rotor was worn on the outer edge. i took the vehicle to the local, reputable, tire store and they found the damage to have been caused by a clip that came loose, that is supposed to be part of the brake pad. i have kept the defective part. the car had 26,000 miles, much of those miles were highway driving. *ak | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 27000 | 1 | 12/28/2001 |
| Brake warning indicator light started coming on intermittently at 27,000 miles, of which 20,000 of those miles are freeway miles. took the car to the dealer and was told that the brake pads and rotors were both worn out. i asked for the old parts and saw that the inside pads were nearly gone. when i questioned why 1.) there was never a warning from the brake pad chirpers and 2.) the brakes were worn out so soon, i was told by the dealer that chrysler is using lesser quality materials in the rotors and pads. the dealer also said that only the outside pad has a chirper (a worn pad warning device) and that the inside pad will grind the rotor before the outside pad is worn enough to warn the driver. in other words, you will ruin your brake rotors before you are warned.*ak | |||
| 07/10/2003 | 2 | 11/29/2002 | |
| Brakes needed replacement at approximately every 11,000 miles. the first incident was approximately 11,480 miles, not only the pads needed replacing rotors were worn as well. the dealer did this under warranty stating it was early wear and tear. the second incident was at approx. 22,080 miles, this time it was only the pads but it was caught early when the vehicle lost all power steering fluid because of a break in the hose there were no warning sign of a problem with the brakes or the power steering. and the dealer stated this was not early wear and tear this time so i had to pay for the repair. when i contacted chrysler with this issue they stated this is normal wear and tear. i may be a woman but i know a thing or two about cars and 11,000 miles for brakes is not normal' wear and tear!*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/12/2008 | 79000 | 1 | 01/10/2008 |
| Front wheel bearings worn out at 79,000 miles all 4 brake rotors worn out 79,000 miles. *tr | |||
| 03/10/2006 | 15000 | 1 | 06/02/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 15 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate and felt as if it was dragging. there was also a smell was coming from the front of the vehicle. it was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the front left brake was sticking. the caliper was replaced and bolts were tightened. one week later, the same thing occurred. this time the independent repair shop replaced the caliper with the original and suggested a visit to the dealer for further assistance. the dealer flushed the brake system and during a test drive the front left and the rear right brakes caught on fire. it was determined the rotors and pads and abs system needed to be replaced. | |||
| 03/16/2006 | 40000 | 1 | 08/01/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the brakes squeaked and brake dust was observed on the hubcaps. the brakes pads have been replaced and the rotors have been turned frequently at every 3,000 miles. the braking capability of the vehicle is defective and causes the vehicle to swerve all over the road. the dealer and the manufacturer determined the brake pads and the rotors are not compatible. three dealerships and have admitted this is a design defect but because it does not affect the functioning of the brakes they are not qualified to issue a recall. according to the contact this failure does affect the function of the brakes. | |||
| 04/23/2003 | 6 | ||
| Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. there was no prior warning. also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. the right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. he could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. he contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. he was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/08/2003 | 1 | ||
| While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. also, when applying the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Consumer took vehicle to dealer for a 36000 miles check up. two months later, the brakes started to squeal metal to metal. mechanic stated they had only examined the brakes, and wanted to charge the consumer for the repairs. consumer went to another mechanic, and was told that the rotors had been turned too much.*ak the consumer was made responsible for repairs after being told the rotors where turned to much by the mechanic. *tc | |||
| 12/16/2003 | 26100 | 1 | 07/13/2002 |
| The brakes started making a scratch/grinding sound every time i would come to a stop. there was no difficulty with braking, just the noise. so, i visually inspected them and noticed the front right rotor was worn on the outer edge. i took the vehicle to the local, reputable, tire store and they found the damage to have been caused by a clip that came loose, that is supposed to be part of the brake pad. i have kept the defective part. the car had 26,000 miles, much of those miles were highway driving. *ak | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 27000 | 1 | 12/28/2001 |
| Brake warning indicator light started coming on intermittently at 27,000 miles, of which 20,000 of those miles are freeway miles. took the car to the dealer and was told that the brake pads and rotors were both worn out. i asked for the old parts and saw that the inside pads were nearly gone. when i questioned why 1.) there was never a warning from the brake pad chirpers and 2.) the brakes were worn out so soon, i was told by the dealer that chrysler is using lesser quality materials in the rotors and pads. the dealer also said that only the outside pad has a chirper (a worn pad warning device) and that the inside pad will grind the rotor before the outside pad is worn enough to warn the driver. in other words, you will ruin your brake rotors before you are warned.*ak | |||
| 07/10/2003 | 2 | 11/29/2002 | |
| Brakes needed replacement at approximately every 11,000 miles. the first incident was approximately 11,480 miles, not only the pads needed replacing rotors were worn as well. the dealer did this under warranty stating it was early wear and tear. the second incident was at approx. 22,080 miles, this time it was only the pads but it was caught early when the vehicle lost all power steering fluid because of a break in the hose there were no warning sign of a problem with the brakes or the power steering. and the dealer stated this was not early wear and tear this time so i had to pay for the repair. when i contacted chrysler with this issue they stated this is normal wear and tear. i may be a woman but i know a thing or two about cars and 11,000 miles for brakes is not normal' wear and tear!*ak | |||
| 08/05/2003 | 20000 | 1 | |
| Front rotors had to be replaced after only 20000 miles.*ak | |||
| 18000 | 1 | ||
| Rear brake drums failed within 18,000 miles. consumer was told that rotors were made of a cheap metal. *ak | |||
| 04/21/2003 | 23000 | 0 | 11/20/2001 |
| After 23,000 miles the brake light began coming on only when taking off quickly from a stop. brakes did not squeal and there was no other sign there could be a problem except for the intermittent light coming on. i went to the dealer to get my oil changed and had them check the light while i was there. they told me the brake pads were slightly worn, but the rotors were down to 30% thickness and must be replaced as soon as possible. this car is only a little over a year old with only 23,000 miles on it! plus it's a manual transmission and i down shift a lot to slow the car instead of braking. other than that occasional light, there was no indication whatsoever there was a problem with the brakes. i never imagined the rotors would wear out that quickly, therefore i might have just ignored the intermittent light. this is a safety and design issue i think chrylser needs to look into. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 18000 | 1 | ||
| Rear brake drums failed within 18,000 miles. consumer was told that rotors were made of a cheap metal. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS | |||
| 09/03/2006 | 1 | 02/28/2002 | |
| Rear brakes have not worked correctly since car was bought new in 2002 (pt cruiser). rear brakes have always made a grinding noise for first or second use and then the grinding noise goes away. car has 69,600 miles on it and i bought it new. i recently pulled the rear wheels and found that the brake pads were not worn (for both rear wheels) and the drums had rust streaks on them. also, rust dust was covering everything. it appears that the brakes are not working correctly and i plan on replacing the calipers. *jb | |||
| 90800 | 1 | ||
| The spring in the brake broke and destroyed the flack adjuster and the drums. dealership indicated that they don't have the part in stock because this part shouldn' t break.*ak | |||