Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving out of the driveway at approximately 10 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and heard a cracking sound. The brake pedal immediately stuck to the floorboard on top of the accelerator pedal, which caused the vehicle to accelerate out of control. The contact managed to slow down the vehicle and crashed into two tree trunks. The failure occurred without warning. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle sustained front end damage and was towed to a local dealer. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer stated that the failure would be investigated. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
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.
2001- PT Cruiser -emergency brake disengaged while running. Was in neutral (manual transmission) and on an incline. The car drifted backwards down the drive and into a utility pole across the road. On other instances the brake handle was pulled upward and immediately disengaged (like a broken spring). When parking brake was reapplied, it worked properly? Also, the car has drifted backwards on steeper inclines while in gear. At this point the latest incident was reported, but no action was taken thus far.
My car just shuts off leaving me no control to stop, turn, or get out of the way of traffic behind me..... @ 55mph to nothing is asking to be hit from behind. Or if turning across a divided highway, to be left stuck with 2 lanes of semi coming for me and my kids. Now it sometimes wont even do anything when I crank over the ignition (like there is no battery) or if it cranks and starts it will shut off right away. It wants to idle down at stops and stall. I have had it in the shop more than I like n spent more money to have to be told they can't find anything. I read of so many other owners with the same problems who end up junking these cuz they just stop starting....sad, we need our cars to run. Chrysler knows they r riddled with serious issues including the lights and transmissions.....these are a bad combination on the road. Someone needs to look @ some stats! Thanks.
Tl 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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated without warning after starting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosis. The dealer stated that the power brake booster hose was not connected to the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer also stated that there was never a clamp holding the power brake in place. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 111,145. The current mileage was 112,416.
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.
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.
Tl 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.
Brake complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 6% of the model year's 618 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.