Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 1802004 | 05/04/2004 | 10007938 | Flash: engine sag or rough idle or veichle surge at engine speeds around 3000 rpm. *mj | 07/16/2004 | |
| 0900704 | 03/02/2004 | 10006455 | Irregular engine snapping sound. *tt | 05/03/2004 | |
| 1802603A | 09/12/2003 | 1802603 | 10003985 | Engine no start (engine will start immediately after cycling the ignition key), malfunction indicator lamp illumination with false diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0016, p0116, p0335, p0339, p0340, p0462, p0498, p0499, p0522, p0622, p1604, p | 11/10/2003 |
| 0700103 | 09/26/2003 | 10003982 | Engine overheat. *tt | 11/10/2003 | |
| 1802903 | 08/08/2003 | 10003543 | Slight engine mis-fire above 5200 rpm. *tt | 10/23/2003 | |
| 070303 | 08/01/2003 | 10003528 | Engine overheating. turbo model. *tt | 10/22/2003 | |
| 1801203 | 03/14/2003 | 10002285 | Erroneous diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0137 and p0339/cold start engine performance, turbo equipped. *tt | 08/20/2003 | |
| 1802603 | 06/27/2003 | 1802902 | 10002044 | Engine no start (engine will start immediately after cycling the ignition key), malfunction indicator lamp illumination with false diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0016, p0335, p0339, p0340, p0462, p0498, p0499. *tt | 08/12/2003 |
| 1802902 | 10/07/2002 | 10000313 | Engine no start (engine will start immediately after cycling the ignition key), malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0016, p0335, p0339, p0340, p0462, p0498, p0499, p0522, p0622, p1604, p1681, p | 02/21/2003 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||||
| 0700104 | 03/16/2004 | 10006459 | Accessory drive belt squeaking/chirping sound. *tt | 05/03/2004 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 1100202 | 09/16/2002 | 10006128 | Engine hesitation, loss of boost, screeching sound from turbo, diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0234. *tt | 04/21/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||
| 10/05/2011 | 37000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated the power steering hose was leaking on the engine. the contact also heard a loud noise and the smell of burning fumes emitting into the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the hose and motor mount needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 42,000. | |||
| 10/05/2011 | 37000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated the power steering hose was leaking on the engine. the contact also heard a loud noise and the smell of burning fumes emitting into the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the hose and motor mount needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 42,000. rvk | |||
| 10/05/2011 | 37000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that the power steering hose was leaking on the engine. also the contact mentioned that she heard a loud noise and burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local shop who diagnosed that the hose and motor mount needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included on any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 42,000. pm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 07/14/2011 | 104000 | ||
| I am having overheating problems. i have talked with other owners of pt cruiser who have had the same issues. it overheats at idle and while driving. i have not found a solution to the problem yet. i have had it pressure tested and the thermostat changes and it is still overheating to dangerous levels. | |||
| 01/13/2006 | 97700 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated the passenger side motor mounts bolt fractured causing the engine to lean onto the passenger side axle. as a result, the cv boot fractured from the constant friction of the engine leaning on the axle. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that the vehicle was not under recall. the dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash therefore, they were unable to assist. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash because of the failure. the contact stated that the motor mount bolts were replaced three times previously but none of the repairs remedied the failure. the failure mileage was 97,700. | |||
| 01/13/2006 | 97700 | ||
| Tl. the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated the motor mount bolt on the passenger side has come off causing the engine to leans on the passenger axle rubbing the cv boot off. this can cause the axle to brake and cause a crash. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated the vehicle does not have any recalls. also the dealer stated since the vehicle was involved in crash they will not look at the vehicle. the contact stated the crash was due to the engine mount. the contact has had the motor mount bolt replaced three time but none of the repairs have remedied the issue. the failure mileage was 97,700. jo | |||
| 09/15/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chrysler cruiser. while the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, the engine exhibited hesitation with a slight loss of power. the failure was sporadic. in addition, on a separate occasion the engine completely stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on six different times for diagnosis, pertaining to the identical failure. the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. a mobile computer was installed in the vehicle to possibly detect future failure occurrences. when the engine failure reoccurred the mobile computer was unable to project an accurate reading. the technician recommended the oxygen senor be replaced; however he could not guarantee the repair would correct the problem. the contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer to replace the oxygen sensor. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000. js | |||
| 07/10/2009 | 112000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. thirty seconds after starting the ignition, the engine stalled without warning. the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. he was able to restart the engine and resume normal operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions. the technician was unable to locate cause of the failure. the vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer on six separate occasions for the identical failures. the engine control module (ecm), four fuel injecters , spark plugs, and both oxygen sensors. were replaced. none of the repairs have remedied the failure. the failure mileage was 112,000. the current mileage was 113,000. | |||
| 12/04/2008 | 38000 | 1 | |
| Lower front control arm bushings and front wheel bearings went bad at 38,000 miles. 2 water pumps went bad on the car and car only has 38,000 miles on it. camshaft sensor went bad with only 25,000 miles on it. oil pan on engine started leaking when car had 17,000 miles on it. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2005 | 55000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. while driving less than 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and was taken to the dealer. the failure could not be duplicated; however, an independent mechanic performed a fuel injector flush, cleaned the battery, installed fuel system cleaner in the tank, and also cleaned the throttle body. the repairs did not correct the failure and the vehicle continued to stall repeatedly. the contact heard a thumping noise and the vehicle went from 55 to 15 mph before stalling. in addition, the check engine warning indicator has remained illuminated on the instrument panel since the vehicle was purchased. the failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 150,000. | |||
| 10/25/2008 | 15000 | 1 | |
| Power failure. *tr | |||
| 05/30/2006 | 35326 | 3 | 05/22/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. after purchasing the vehicle the brakes began squeaking. the contact was told that the brakes would be replaced before she bought the vehicle. when she arrived to pick up the vehicle she was informed the dealer that the brakes were still squeaking. the dealer stated that it would take two to three days before the brakes would stop squeaking. however, the failure continued. a few days later the contact returned to the dealer the tires were removed and orange dust was found on the brakes. the dealer cleaned the brakes, but never replaced them. three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the contact had the air conditioning repaired because it would not blow cool air. in august 2006 the vehicle began running hot and failed while driving 58 mph. the vehicle was towed, and shortly thereafter the failure recurred and the vehicle was towed again. in september 2006 the engine was replaced. on april 19, 2007, a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle because of steering failure. the contact was told that the steering wheel needed immediate attention because steering fluid was leaking into the bottom of the car and could cause a fire. she was informed that the engine that was installed in september 2006 failed. the contact did not provide an accurate vin. the current mileage is 50,400, and failure mileage was 35,326. *ak the consumer stated she went to the dealership to have the car repaired and they were rude and refused to help her. later, the dealership asked for information to rent the consumer a car and the rental place refused to rent her a car if the vehicle was not fixed by smith chrysler. the consumer stated the dealer sold her a car then changed the name on her paperwork, refused to give her the tags to the car unless payment was provided and told her she had the wrong vin number for the car. the consumer stated wants her money back for the car and the dealer to take the car back. updated 07/06/07 *tr | |||
| 01/10/2007 | 51747 | 2 | 05/01/2005 |
| Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the vehicle would not start. the tow truck mechanic jump started the vehicle. the contact drove the vehicle to a repair shop, the vehicle began to smoke. during diagnosis the repair shop found the vehicle to be operating with our errors. the following day the vehicle would not start and the contact had to jump start the vehicle. the contact purchased a new battery, and while driving at 40 mph the vehicle lost power in traffic. there was smoke under the hood, and the vehicle would not restart. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the mechanic removed the head gasket and discovered the motor was burned and would need to be replaced. the vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting to be repaired. the contact stated there were no warning indicator lights. the failure mileage was 51,747. *jb | |||
| 04/21/2006 | 1 | ||
| My 2003 pt cruiser, still under the original warranty, has had a serious problem with oil leaks. the first time i took the car in for service was one year ago. now, within the past several weeks, i have had to bring the car in for oil and/or brake fluid leaks three times. i am taking it in for a fourth time tomorrow. i am simply looking for any and all avenues with which to formally complain about the lack of quality in the vehicle and the lack of quality service at the five star dealership i bought the car from. i have notified chrysler of the problems and the cavalier response was extremely disconcerting. it is quite clear to me chrysler does not care about quality or its customers. *jb | |||
| 10/12/2005 | 4 | 07/05/2003 | |
| Check engine light comes on, car idles at low rpm, and stalls at anything near 1000 rpm, which is its normal idle speed, at least 25 stalls in the past 2-3 months. so far chrysler knows there is a problem but can't find it, so they keep giving it back to me. *jb | |||
| 10/19/2004 | 10362 | 4 | 01/04/2003 |
| The consumer stated the spark plugs continued to burn out. it was always spark plug #1. the consumer has taken the vehicle back to the dealer on 4 separate occasions for this defect. the owner also stated that the spark plugs have been re-wired and the fuel injector was replaced in march 2004, this happened after the second visit to the dealer. *jb the vehicle acted as though it wasn't getting any gas. the vehicle would buck at red lights and or stop signs with a difficult time continuing to drive. the check engine light had come on and the vehicle experienced rough idle. *sc | |||
| 08/14/2004 | 14737 | 3 | |
| Consumer noticed excessive amount of oil in the air filter box, and an oil stained filter. the oil pressure light came on intermittently, back soot on the tail pipe, and there was a distinguished mechanical knocking noise coming from the engine at idle. vehicle had been in repair shop 3 times. on the third time the oil pressure sensor was replaced, but the knocking noise and excessive oil problem was still present. upon investigation of the problem, consumer found that an improper machine part, that was related to the valve train/camp shaft, caused the problem. but, manufacturer didn't have a solution for it. if this part failed while driving at highway speeds it could result in engine failure followed by rapid deceleration which could result in an accident. this vehicle was equipped with traction control.*ak | |||
| 05/03/2004 | 22000 | 1 | |
| While driving engine light illuminated and stayed on the remainder of the time that vehicle was being operated. dealership will be notified. *ak | |||
| 06/21/2004 | 2 | ||
| While driving at an undetermined speed vehicle stalled, causing the consumer to drift off the road. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 05/10/2009 | 57000 | 1 | |
| Repeated overheating due to a problem with the cooling system. antifreeze is properly mixed and the reservoir is full. engine overheats after only a few minutes of operation. thermostat and radiator cap have been replaced to no avail. when engine is shut off, gurgling noise can be heard from inside the car. radiator was pressure tested and found no leaks. antifreeze seems to evaporate constantly causing the overheating issue to occur again after additional amounts of antifreeze has been added. *tr | |||
| 09/11/2008 | 1 | ||
| Approached vehicle after visit and noticed strong fuel smell from 20 ft. away. opened car door, fumes even stronger. felt dizzy & disoriented. called service to have it towed (did not want to start car with strong fumes). was told there was a problem with fuel line (recall) and that it was repaired. nearly 1 year later, same problem, check engine light on. 1/2 tank of gas leaked in one day. no obvious source of leak from exterior. lingering gas smell in interior. was told nvld pump was replaced. very concerned about safety, possible adverse health consequences, likelihood of fire. car has had many other issues as well, including smell from ac system (originally non-functional) which smells like an electrical fire/burning plastic. dealership is dismissive. possible lemon. *tr | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 45000 | 1 | |
| 2003 chrysler pt cruiser with defected control arm bushings. consumer stated that the bushings are wearing prematurely. *kb the consumer stated he has had problems with the transmission, steering column, front bearing and water pump. *jb | |||
| 02/09/2003 | 1765 | 4 | 12/11/2002 |
| Vehicle is a new 2003 pt-turbo gt w/auto stick, air, etc. vehicle is the very first new vehicle that my wife has ever owned. i bought it for her as a xmas gift in dec., 2002. since february 2003, the vehicle continues to overheat. it has had numerous parts replaced from theromstat/cooling fan and its theromstat switch, trans-cooler (turbo), water pump, etc. vehicle has been in the shop for almost 11 weeks. both the zone and the manufacturer has been contacted by dealership, and they responded on previous trips into the service bay. my wife actually was able to drive it for almost 5 1/2 weeks after receiving the vehicle back from dealership. then, on sunday, 20 july 2003, the vehicle overheated again!! my wife drove it to victorville motors (local chrysler dealer, victorville, ca) on monday, 21 july and there it has been since. we understood that it was the water pump again and the dealer was waiting for the zone and/or mfg to contact them to see what else could be done to rectify this anomalous condition. either in design and just a bad engine. block is iron, water pump and heads are aluminum. engine has overheated into the red line so many times, the block and other components have been severly heat stressed. my wife recently (jan 2003) discovered she had renal esrd (total kidney failure) and is currently doing dialysis. we live in victorville, ca and she must drive to fontanna, ca kaiser hospital for her treatments. approximately 40 miles each way climbing through a desert mountain pass, elevation 4340 ft. she requires a reliable vehicle and at this point in time, she does not have one. my wife could be stranded in the middle of a desert mountain pass with this problem vehicle. all we have asked for is chrysler replace the entire engine....my wife has wanted this dream car. for over 2-years. it.....thank you........ron & gwen repass. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 02/09/2003 | 1765 | 4 | 12/11/2002 |
| Vehicle is a new 2003 pt-turbo gt w/auto stick, air, etc. vehicle is the very first new vehicle that my wife has ever owned. i bought it for her as a xmas gift in dec., 2002. since february 2003, the vehicle continues to overheat. it has had numerous parts replaced from theromstat/cooling fan and its theromstat switch, trans-cooler (turbo), water pump, etc. vehicle has been in the shop for almost 11 weeks. both the zone and the manufacturer has been contacted by dealership, and they responded on previous trips into the service bay. my wife actually was able to drive it for almost 5 1/2 weeks after receiving the vehicle back from dealership. then, on sunday, 20 july 2003, the vehicle overheated again!! my wife drove it to victorville motors (local chrysler dealer, victorville, ca) on monday, 21 july and there it has been since. we understood that it was the water pump again and the dealer was waiting for the zone and/or mfg to contact them to see what else could be done to rectify this anomalous condition. either in design and just a bad engine. block is iron, water pump and heads are aluminum. engine has overheated into the red line so many times, the block and other components have been severly heat stressed. my wife recently (jan 2003) discovered she had renal esrd (total kidney failure) and is currently doing dialysis. we live in victorville, ca and she must drive to fontanna, ca kaiser hospital for her treatments. approximately 40 miles each way climbing through a desert mountain pass, elevation 4340 ft. she requires a reliable vehicle and at this point in time, she does not have one. my wife could be stranded in the middle of a desert mountain pass with this problem vehicle. all we have asked for is chrysler replace the entire engine....my wife has wanted this dream car. for over 2-years. it.....thank you........ron & gwen repass. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 04/20/2008 | 32208 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact heard a loud humming noise coming from her vehicle. she took the vehicle to a dealer and they stated that the power steering pump failed. power steering fluid leaked out and caused the air conditioner to fail. the unit was replaced at the cost of $1,583. the technician stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. several weeks after the repair, the air conditioning unit failed again. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions, in which she had to replace the water pump, the throttle body, the radiator, and various components in the powertrain and steering unit. the repairs cost $4,000. typically, the failures immediately recur after the repairs are made. the manufacturer gave her a small reimbursement of $878. the failure mileage was 32,208 and current mileage was 66,500. | |||
| 04/03/2006 | 49000 | 1 | 10/01/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while braking, at any speed, the vehicle stalls without warning. when this occurs, the steering wheel locks up. the vehicle immediately restarts. the vehicle has been to the dealership 15 times and multiple components including the fuel pump have been replaced. these repairs have not repaired the stalling problem. updated 6/12/2006 -*nm | |||
| 01/05/2004 | 4 | 06/01/2003 | |
| Vehicle tends to make noise and rumble from the engine like it is going to stall when started or is moving. dealer changed spark plugs 3 times, but the problem recurred. *ak *nm | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 4 | ||
| While driving vehicle stalled. consumer restarted vehicle ten minutes later. then, vehicle jerked and stalled. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 11/21/2003 | 2 | ||
| Purchased 2003 pt cruiser in oct 02. march 03- check engine light came on and engine idled very rough. brought it in and they said it had a cracked spark plug. fixed? no... june 03 check engine light came on and it idled very rough. brought it in and they said it needed a new alternator. fixed? no. same thing is happening again. check engine light is on and it is idling very rough. *la | |||
| 02/09/2003 | 1765 | 4 | 12/11/2002 |
| Vehicle is a new 2003 pt-turbo gt w/auto stick, air, etc. vehicle is the very first new vehicle that my wife has ever owned. i bought it for her as a xmas gift in dec., 2002. since february 2003, the vehicle continues to overheat. it has had numerous parts replaced from theromstat/cooling fan and its theromstat switch, trans-cooler (turbo), water pump, etc. vehicle has been in the shop for almost 11 weeks. both the zone and the manufacturer has been contacted by dealership, and they responded on previous trips into the service bay. my wife actually was able to drive it for almost 5 1/2 weeks after receiving the vehicle back from dealership. then, on sunday, 20 july 2003, the vehicle overheated again!! my wife drove it to victorville motors (local chrysler dealer, victorville, ca) on monday, 21 july and there it has been since. we understood that it was the water pump again and the dealer was waiting for the zone and/or mfg to contact them to see what else could be done to rectify this anomalous condition. either in design and just a bad engine. block is iron, water pump and heads are aluminum. engine has overheated into the red line so many times, the block and other components have been severly heat stressed. my wife recently (jan 2003) discovered she had renal esrd (total kidney failure) and is currently doing dialysis. we live in victorville, ca and she must drive to fontanna, ca kaiser hospital for her treatments. approximately 40 miles each way climbing through a desert mountain pass, elevation 4340 ft. she requires a reliable vehicle and at this point in time, she does not have one. my wife could be stranded in the middle of a desert mountain pass with this problem vehicle. all we have asked for is chrysler replace the entire engine....my wife has wanted this dream car. for over 2-years. it.....thank you........ron & gwen repass. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - TURBO-CHARGER | |||
| 06/08/2004 | 8733 | 8 | 02/08/2003 |
| Hesitation in vehicle in all speeds (5 speed), took to chrysler at least 5 times (4 different dealers) to correct the problem.....the following was performed... 1) re-flashing of pcm 2) changing of spark plugs 3) check of spark plug wires 4) fuel injectors checked for clogging 3 times dealers replaced one (or more) or all spark plugs (within one year) 1 time pcm was re-flashed 2 times dealer claimed that the hesitation was 'normal' 2 times dealer claimed that the hesitation was not found, when each time it was insisted that the technician or service manager drive the vehicle to confirm the hesitation. gathering all invoices for correct dates... | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV) | |||
| 01/21/2005 | 48780 | 2 | 11/16/2002 |
| 1/30/03,engine check light came on,started running rough. problem was crank sensor, it was replaced,it took 3 days, no part in stock. 1/21/05, engine check light came on again. i called the dealer service center,was asked if light was flashing, if not you can drive, if flashes bring in. im out of warranty this needs to be fixed, it makes no sense. what happens in 2 years? will the same thing happen again? it will be in the shop on 1/23/05. i hope i don't have this problem again, we like to travel to florida, i don't need a break-down like this on my way down there. thank you for your help and consideration in this matter. howard h. herold *jb | |||