Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 490 of 511 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 341 of 511 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
101 complaint records8 fire reports1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT UNDERHOOD BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK PE04028_CAT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Body & structure
69 complaint records1 crash report
"THE VEHICLE'S PANELS FOR THE WINDOWS ARE BEGINNING TO DISCOLOR BECAUSE OF THE CHEMICAL USED WHEN WASHING THE VEHICLE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
61 complaint records14 fire reports1 crash report
"DURING AN INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK *SC *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04028 opened Mar 2004 | closed Jun 2004 | Steering | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 04V268000 PE04-028 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE SEVEN COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER VEHICLES.ON JUNE 3, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2001-2005 PT CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH... |
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V268000 | Steering | 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. | Normally free |
| 02V215000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH. | Normally free |
| 01V288000 | Electrical System | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2004186 2004-06-04 | Steering | 40,837 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L non-turbo engine and an automatic transaxle, routing variation in the high pressure power steering hose could allow contact with the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the... |
| 2002150 2002-08-09 | Fuel System | 33,929 | On certain vehicles, frontal barrier collision tests have indicated that the top flange surface of the fuel pump module may crack resulting in a possible fuel leak and risk of fire. |
| 2001227 2001-09-12 | Electrical | 1,084 | Certain sport utility vehicles are being recalled for a software error in the instrument cluster microprocessor. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. | |
| 23-015-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 9003623 Nov 2016 | Equipment | Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or... | |
| 23027 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. | |
| 23137 Aug 2016 | Equipment | Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 23104 Aug 2016 | Exterior Lighting | 05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 20244 Aug 2016 | Equipment | CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order. | |
| Volume 2, Issue Aug 2016 | Equipment | Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations | |
| 22892 Aug 2016 | Equipment | Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA. | |
| 22867 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. | |
| 22958 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | 1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 20616 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached. | |
| Volume 2, Issue Jun 2016 | Equipment | Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9002519 Mar 2013 | Equipment | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,... | |
| 0800107 Feb 2007 | Air Bags | PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION. *KB | |
| 0803006 Aug 2006 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB | |
| 1900805 Nov 2005 | Steering | REVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC | |
| 2100903 Oct 2005 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC | |
| 0802801 Aug 2005 | Exterior Lighting | MOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE A VENTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONDITION. *TT | |
| 2304304 Mar 2005 | Unknown Or Other | TRANSIT FILM REMOVAL. 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER, AND 2005-2006 RAM TRUCK *SC | |
| 0801505 Mar 2005 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC | |
| 0600105 Feb 2005 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION GEAR RATTLE SOUND AT IDLE. *TT | |
| 0300604 Sep 2004 | Power Train | FRONT HUB/HALF SHAFT CLICK/POP SOUND. *TT | |
| 1900304 Aug 2004 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT | |
| 1802004 May 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FLASH: ENGINE SAG OR ROUGH IDLE OR VEICHLE SURGE AT ENGINE SPEEDS AROUND 3000 RPM. *MJ | |
| 1900702 Apr 2004 | Steering | LOWER STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT | |
| 1900402 Apr 2004 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *MJ | |
| 0900704 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT | |
| 0801003 Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT | |
| 1801603 Apr 2003 | Electrical System | INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LAMPS FLICKER. *TT | |
| 1100103 Jan 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LOSS OF POWER, SQUEALING / ASPIRATION SOUND, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 02020 Oct 2002 | Power Train | DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP. *TT | |
| 1400102A Oct 2002 | Fuel System | FUEL CAP DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *TT | |
| 27 Oct 2002 | Power Train | THE TRANSAXLE LOW/REVERSE ACCUMULATOR COVER O-RING ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY BECOME DISLODGED. *TT | |
| 02012 Aug 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SLIPPING OR NO DRIVE CONDITION IN REVERSE OR FIRST GEAR. *TT | |
| 2100102 Jul 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE A TRANSAXLE THAT WILL NOT MOVE OR SLIPS IN REVERSE OR FIRST GEAR. *TT | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 1400102 May 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING FUEL CAP DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. *SLC | |
| 1900402 Apr 2002 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *SLC | |
| I0880302 Apr 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING SPIRAL PLATE DIESEL BATTERY TESTING, CHARGING, AND VEHICLE STORAGE PROCEDURES. *SLC | |
| 2301502 Apr 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 02001A Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT OUTLET RUBBER PLUG LEAK FOR PT CRUISER DIESEL, THIS IS A REVISION TO CORRECT A PART NUMBER AND ADD A PICTURE OF THE PART FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES. *SLC | |
| 02001 Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING COOLANT OUTLET RUBBER PLUG LEAK FOR PT CRUISER DIESEL. *SLC | |
| 2200102 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC | |
| 02002 Mar 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 230052 INCORRECT INFORMATION, 2002 (PG/PT) PT CRUISER.*SLC | |
| 2300502 Jan 2002 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING WHITE FILM ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEZEL AND/OR PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER. *TT | |
| 2300402 Jan 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR SQUEAK. *TT | |
| 1802701 Nov 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MODERATE TO SEVERE HIGH WAY SPEED 45-60 MPH VEHICLE SURGE. *TT | |
| 0801701 Sep 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING SAFETY SYSTEMS - VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / REPAIR. *TT | |
| 2302701 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 1900701 Aug 2001 | Steering | INFORMATION ON NEW POWER STEERING FLUID.*SLC | |
| 0801601 Aug 2001 | Equipment | INFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RADIOS WILL HAVE A NEW LOCKING RADIO ANTENNA CONNECTOR. *SLC |
Showing 60 of 64 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chrysler PT Cruiser →