Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 07/05/2012 | 35585 | 1 | |
| Loud cracking sounds while driving then the dash started opening up in two places, one through the vent fan all the way to the instrument panel and the other from the vent toward the glove box. chrysler and my dealer claim they have never heard of this problem although many complaints on the web and this site? also many on this site said they contacted chrysler. have made appointment to replace at my cost since it doesn't seem safe to drive a car that's splitting down the middle, and chrysler and the dealer claim no responsibility. my car has been well maintained, used sun shades and only has 35,585 miles, living on the central california coast where the weather is mild all year around. seems like this is defective material that chrysler should replace. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2010 | 55000 | ||
| 2002 pt cruiser 55,000 miles dash cracked in the middle | |||
| 01/25/2011 | 128000 | ||
| While driving heard a loud crack and the dash on the car cracked about 16 inches, so far have only put duct tape on it to hopefully keep the crack from going any further. it has cracked from the left side, just under the window to almost the center vent on the dash. | |||
| 08/01/2010 | 74000 | ||
| Car | |||
| 05/16/2009 | |||
| Dashboard has cracked from center windshield region to the air vent. the grill on the air vent has cracked and broken. | |||
| 09/30/2009 | 43450 | 1 | |
| Dashboard in 2002 pt cruiser has cracked down the middle and has began to separate into pieces. this includes the center defrost vent. per the june 18, 2007 miami herald you had 9 complaints from owners of 2002 models and 12 from 2001 owners. this was over 2 years ago. an internet search shows many more complaints that probably haven't been filed with the nhtsa. chrysler denies responsibility. various manufacturers ( e.g. coverking) have already started making dash covers for the pt cruiser specifically to cover cracked dashes; but i cannot use one as these covers do not include the center defrost vent which has broken into pieces and fallen into the vent. the only solution is to replace the entire dash cover. it has happened to enough cars surely to initiate a defect investigation. chrysler should be made to replace these defective dashes! *tr | |||
| 06/01/2009 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that the dashboard was completely cracked and houses the passenger side air bag. the manufacturer and dealer have not been notified. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were less than 100,000. | |||
| 05/25/2009 | 98000 | 1 | |
| I purchased my 2002 chrysler pt cruiser a few years ago now. i have sent chrysler many letters about these problems. the most recent incident was very scary. i bought the car at about 31,000 miles. about a month later my paint started peeling off of the front bumper and my dash started to crack. mind you i keep my car garaged and it is washed and waxed regularly by a shop that i have used for years with no problems. i went back to the dealer i bought it from and they were gone. so i contacted my next closest dealer. they said they could not do anything for me. about a month after that my cpu went out which was covered under the extended warranty that i purchased. they had to replace it twice before it finally lasted more than a day. then my dash completely crumbled. it cracked from the windshield to the front in the center and on both sides. i wrote a letter and email with no answer. i then contacted chrysler by phone and the lady told me to f%*k off and hung up on me. so i gave up. obviously i was not going to get anywhere with them. then about 3 months ago my check engine light came back on. i took my car to a friend who is a licensed mechanic and he scanned it on the computer and said it was my cpu again! i took it to the dealership and was told my warranty had expired. so i wrote another letter because this repair was going to be $1400.00 dollars. no response. but the scariest was about 2 weeks ago i was driving with my 13 month old niece in the car and smoke started coming from the left hand side of my steering column. i almost had got in a wreck trying to get us to safety. the smoke stopped so i figured whatever it was done for now. we were on the side of the road in a not so desirable neighborhood at night so i decided to take my chances with the car. we headed off on our way and my headlights started flickering. i parked the vehicle at home and the next morning my fairly new battery was dead. my flood lights would not turn off and had been on all night. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 18000 | 1 | |
| Dashboard began crumbling about 3-4 years after i bought the car (new) and is now in terrible shape and may be near collapsing. i have not checked into replacement yet. i have seen many complaints regarding this same issue with other pt cruiser owners and other chrysler-made cars. *tr | |||
| 05/10/2008 | 32000 | 1 | |
| The dash pad cover on our 2002 chrysler pt cruiser limited has cracked and broken into numerous sharp pieces. this car has been well maintained and this should not happen to a car of this age. we have other cars, older and newer that have had no issues with cracking dashboards. this is a manufacturing defect and potential safety hazard. we have become aware of this defect/safety hazard occurring on many other chrysler pt cruisers. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2008 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2002 p t cruiser by chrysler the dash board in my car started cracking. i am holding it together with tape. i am fearful of the plastic caving in and causing me to have an accident. when i reported this to chrysler corp., using their 800 number they were rude and said they would not help. i have found on the internet i am not the only one with this problem. what will it take for this defect to be corrected? bonita smith *tr | |||
| 09/15/2008 | 1 | ||
| 2002 pt cruiser: dashboard cracked in center from front window to inside edge, running across vent,requires replacement of dashboard.*tr | |||
| 06/02/2008 | 1 | ||
| 2002 pt cruiser: cracking dashboard, improper materials used in construction, requires replacement of dashboard. *tr | |||
| 11/14/2007 | 1 | ||
| Dashboard cracked in center from front window to inside edge, running across vent, which has falling into dash in pieces; also frequently shorts out and radio, inside lights, dash lights, all go out making night driving dangerous. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2008 | 103400 | 1 | |
| 2 cracks in my 2002 pt cruiser dashboard suddenly appeared and are expanding. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2008 | 75000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser and, i noticed a small crack in the dashboard, and a couple of weeks later the small crack is now bigger and almost to my a/c vents and the vent in the dashboard is cracking badly. i feel that something might fail because of this. *tr | |||
| 06/10/2008 | 86000 | 1 | |
| Dashboard has cracked in about 5 different places and falling in. *tr | |||
| 04/25/2007 | 51000 | 1 | |
| Dashboard cracking on 2002 pt cruiser. watching crack work it's way along dash.. ...today heard a loud crack sound and now dash is cracked in half. i do not see any recall info from chrysler. i was told i would need to pay for a replacement dash. this car is garaged except when working during the day. probably not a major problem...but could be a safety issue. *tr | |||
| 03/02/2008 | 1 | 07/04/2006 | |
| Cracking dashboard and the cooling fan assembly has failed. *tr | |||
| 04/08/2008 | 1 | 10/11/2001 | |
| I have a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser that i have had since it was new. it has always been garaged. a couple of months ago, i noticed the dashboard had two cracks running from each side of the center vent to the windshield. now there is a large crack running from the center of that vent to the front of the dash. the dash in this car is just a cover, a piece of plastic. the crack is not like the cracks you used to get in a dash that was foam covered metal. these cracks are where the plastic has completely broken through. in a web search, i found where this is happening on a lot of these vehicles. *tr | |||
| 01/10/2008 | 1 | ||
| Dashboard cracked straight down the middle (north to south). *tr | |||
| 06/30/2007 | 1 | 03/22/2003 | |
| The dashboard on my 2002 pt cruiser has literally crack straight down the middle. i am sure this could be a safety issue if it gets any larger. *jb | |||
| 06/04/2007 | 124157 | 1 | 12/08/2001 |
| My 2002 chrysler pt cruiser received a crack on the dashboard. the crack slowly grew around the vent and started to collapse. i am concerned that the pieces will fall into the wiring under the dash. carmax (where i bought the car) and chrylser would not pay for the repair because it is out of warranty. the car is only 5 1/2 years old. for my safety, i will have to pay for the repair myself. *tr | |||
| 01/02/2007 | 1 | 09/21/2001 | |
| I own a 2002 p/t cruiser and the dash oard cracked right down the middle from the windshield to the top of the control console, about a foot long or 15 inches long crack. there was no vehicle accident causing this, or any other trauma to the dashboard. it simply cracked in the 5 years we owned the car.*ak | |||
| 05/13/2006 | 1 | 10/08/2001 | |
| I own a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. i was aware chrysler only offered a 3 year warranty on my car when purchased, so i opted and paid extra for an extended warranty to cover an additional 2 years. basically last may 2006, i noticed a crack appeared on the top dashboard next to the windshield and the grill on the top dash also had a crack. i called the local chrysler dealer and explained the situation and they said there was not a recall and there was nothing they could do to assist me. i explained i purchased an extended warranty and they then said that this was considered more of a cosmetic issue not anything that is covered under the extended warranty policy. we then called the main chrysler headquarters office they claimed the same thing. so to this day i still have the crack on the top part of dashboard which now is cracked all the way across vertically (dash is split in half) because no one at chrysler considered this a defect issue for some odd reason and lack the customer service all companies need to run a successful business. i vowed since then to never purchase another chrysler. *ak | |||
| 11/22/2006 | 30000 | 2 | 11/01/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact noticed a crack in the dashboard. as years went by, the crack grew larger. the vehicle has not been taken to the mechanic. the vin, engine size, and # of cylinders were unknown. the current mileage is 35,000 and failure mileage was 30,000. updated 08/07/07. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2007 | 56100 | 1 | 01/11/2003 |
| 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. cracked dash. *mc *tr | |||
| 03/15/2007 | 1 | 04/25/2002 | |
| The dashboard of the 2002 p.t. cruiser had cracked in two (2) places, and i felt that chrysler should be responsible for this defect, as a new dashboard cost approximately $220.00 - please advise. *ak | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 1 | 04/18/2004 | |
| Dashboard falling apart. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2006 | 38000 | 1 | 12/16/2001 |
| Dashboard cracking in 2002 pt cruiser. *ak | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 1 | ||
| 2002 pt cruiser, dashboard has cracks. *ak | |||
| 08/01/2006 | 48000 | 1 | 03/28/2003 |
| Dashboard has cracked. *ak | |||
| 02/05/2005 | 39000 | 08/19/2004 | |
| 2002 chrysler pt cruiser has dash board that is severely cracked | |||
| 05/05/2007 | 1 | ||
| Pt cruiser dashboard is cracking and growing longer. when i took the car to be serviced at chrysler and showed them the crack they said they have never seen or heard of this happening to any other cars then gave a quote for me to pay and fix it. however the local news has been investigating and this is a widespread problem with the pt cruisers and a dodge truck. *tr | |||
| 02/12/2007 | 57500 | 1 | 02/07/2003 |
| I noticed the crack in the dashboard . at the end of the evening the crack went from the vent on the dashboard to the windshield. another crack opened about 3 inches to the left and continued cracking until it was completely cracked in half . now ,there was a third fissure starting. the pieces of the vent were falling inside of it. *ak | |||
| 03/07/2006 | 1 | 01/07/2002 | |
| Large crack in dashboard, from window to bottom of dashboard through air vent. another crack was starting near passenger side. *ak | |||
| 04/12/2007 | 1 | 02/05/2002 | |
| The dashboard started cracking last month on the pt cruiser and appeared to be getting worse. i was concerned that this will make driving the car dangerous. some of the cracked vent was already falling into the inside of the car. here is a picture of the dashboard at www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski/image/78561344. according to the local tv news 6 problem solvers at orlando, florida this was a wide spread issue. we felt this was a defect of the car that should be fixed by the manufacturer.*ak | |||
| 12/04/2006 | 86000 | 1 | 11/04/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chyrsler pt cruiser. the vehicle's entire dashboard burst into several pieces. the temperature was approximately 80 degrees. the manufacturer will not repair the dashboard due to the state's climate. the engine size is not available. the current mileage is 97,000 and failure mileage was 86,000. | |||
| 03/09/2007 | 1 | 01/25/2006 | |
| Dashboard collapsed on 2002 pt cruiser purchased in january 2006. approximately 6 months ago two cracks appeared on the dashboard, then in march 2007 the ventilation grill started to break, and the dashboard was now basically in two halves. as the gap in the dashboard appeared to be getting larger. a temporary repair was made using super glue to hold the dashboard together. *ak | |||
| 05/09/2007 | 1 | 06/05/2002 | |
| Dashboard on the 2002 pt cruiser is cracking down the middle and vibrates badly when driving. concerned that it will collapse.*ak | |||
| 01/02/2007 | 51000 | 1 | 09/01/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. while driving 15 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle's dashboard was cracked. the mechanic at the local dealer was notified of the failure. the current mileage is 54,000 and failure mileage was 51,000. | |||
| 06/22/2006 | 22299 | 1 | 03/22/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle there is a chemical smell which gave contact headaches and an occasional sore throat. the dealership inspected the vehicle and determined there was not a defect in the vehicle. *ak the front end of the vehicle was out of alignment. there was excessive wind noise when the windows were rolled up. the speakers made a loud noise. the rear seat backing was replaced. updated 07/25/06. *jb | |||
| 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 | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 11/10/2009 | 61000 | ||
| I have a 2002 pt dash started cracking at center vent cracked 2 ways now is a large crack an very sharp edges on peices no wrecks , has been well taken care of .the car has very low miles on it . this upsets me on the problem with it . i need it fixed | |||
| 05/05/2004 | 25000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle's panels for the windows are beginning to discolor because of the chemical used when washing the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 12/09/2001 | 1 | 12/09/2001 | |
| Wind from outiside was coming inside of vehicle while traveling, also there was a rough idling problem, dealership was aware of the problem.*ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 100 | 1 | 01/03/2003 |
| I have discoloration on both bumpers similar to what is described in odi complaints 10058425 and 10105776. the dicoloration has been noticeable since shortly after the purchase of the car but has gotten worse over time. looks like there was masking tape on the bumper when a protective coating was put on the rest of the bumper leaving the plastic under the masking tape unprotected when it was removed. the discoloration clearly indicates that there had once been tape on the bumper leaving a faded spot in the shape of a square of tape which has become pronounced over time. *nm | |||
| 12/29/2004 | 2 | ||
| Front & back bumpers. both front and back bumpers appear to have like a masking tape marks . the area is approximately the widthe of masking tape and goes around the edge of the front bumpers. *ak | |||
| 03/01/2004 | 29000 | 1 | 06/10/2002 |
| Consumer was pulling into a parking space and hit a concrete curb. the consumer was backing up and heard a loud streaking noise coming from underneath the vehicle, the front bumper fell off. consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and a customer service rep informed the consumer that the bumper was designed too low to the ground. *ak *jb | |||
| 01/01/2004 | |||
| Front and rear bumpers have what looks to be masking tape marks on them where the paint has now faded. the faded area is approximately the width of masking tape and goes from the edge of the passenger side of both bumpers across to the driver's side of both bumpers. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 09/21/2007 | 105 | 1 | 06/20/2006 |
| I decided to drive to a city about an hour and a half way. not knowing on the way back i was going to have to tie the back door shut. me, my boyfriend, and my 4 year old daughter were with me. we had went into a mall. when coming back out i had opened the back driver's side door open to let my daughter in. after i had her buckled in i tried to shut the door and it wouldn't shut. after several attempts we used shoe strings and belts to hold the door shut and my boyfriend road home in the back to also help hold the door. for i didn't want my 4 year old to fall out the door on the way home. so for the next two weeks i had a rope tied from one door to the other door and my kids had to ride in the front seat to the babysitters a few blocks away which is completely illegal because of being 4 and 5. but what was i to do i'm a single mom. the dealer wanted to charge me 80 dollars just to tell me what was wrong and then another 80 to fix it plus the part. now i'm having other issues with my 2002 pt cruiser and no money to fix it. *tr | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD | |||
| 12/28/2001 | 1 | 12/01/2001 | |
| Hood damage is experienced due to the hood rod being installed at the rear next to the firewall. if closing the hood is attempted prio to lowering the rod, the rod pops up into the prop cavity and damages the hood. there is no protection between the rod and the hood. this is a poor design and chrysler should be required to make the repairs,, put out a service bulletin to all pt cruiser owners, along with a warning label, , and correct the design. a stop should prevent the rod from pushing up into the cavity and damaging the hood.*ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 3000 | 03/05/2002 | |
| Front and rear door pillars on booth sides have developed a discolorization/opaque film that cannot be removed. dealer says they have no record of any problems. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE | |||
| 12/01/2001 | |||
| Rear passenger side window makes a loud flapping noise when the vehicle is driven 50 mph or faster. also, windows vibrate. dealer has yet to be contacted. please provide further details. *ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 02/15/2011 | 90000 | ||
| 2002 pt cruiser motor mounts keep going out. i had my mounts replaced 6 months ago. then within 2 months they went out again. now they are making noise again. these are obviously defective. if these mounts all fail, the engine can fall on to the axle and who knows what will happen? | |||
| 10/30/2010 | 48100 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. while making a right hand turn at 5 mph the sub frame under the front of the vehicle broke. he could not control the vehicle or drive it. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it was inspected and was told the main cross member/sub frame rotted out and cause the entire front end to come apart. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer was notified and a complaint was file but it was denied due to lack of maintenance on the vehicle. they offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 48,100....mw | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving, vehicle was stuck on rail road tracks, when consumer was able to move vehicle from tracks, there was undercarriage damage and right front tire damage, vehicle shut off and both air bags deployed, consumer sustained severe damage to face and chest and was knocked unconscious and is receiving physical therapy, prior to purchase of vehicle, consumer informed dealer that plastic from the airbag was partially sticking out of the steering wheel, but dealer assured consumer this was ok, consumer is also concerned there may be a recall on vehicle. *tt | |||