Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Takata recall this vehicle was involved in a t-bone accident in which drivers side back seat to rear hatch was t-boned. Both front airbags deployed at impact. The passenger side airbag was pristine white without any fray when deflated. The drivers side airbag was full of gun shot residue and bag frayed. The drivers seat belt was burned (belt was charred) onto drivers chest and there was an apparent puncture wound left of center chest and my significant other was deceased. This happened jan 27, 2019. I'm waiting on certified reports from la county coroner and chp. Due end March, early April.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the front passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bag deployed and metal fragments struck the contact's face. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained chest injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
On July 10, 2003, my wife was returning home after donating blood. She passed out and the 2002 PT Cruiser that she was driving hit a small pine tree with a glancing blow to the driver's side fender, and then hit a power pole head on. The vehicle struck the power pole hard enough to break the pole and bring the high voltage wires down across the top of the car. According to the police report, she was traveling approx. 30 to 35 MPH when the impact occurred.the airbags did not deploy. Even though she was wearing her seat belt , her head snapped forward and hit something (I assume the rim of the steering wheel) which caused a bone-deep gash in ber forehead requiring 10 (ten) stitches to close.I contacted Chrysler, and they sent an investigator to look at the car before repairs were begun. …
Takata recall: I was driving north, turning right on a 20 MPH curve, when someone heading south, turned left on the curve, went over the line and hit me head on. When I came to, I heard myself screaming that I was on fire! ( but my car was not on fire.) then I didn't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital. I was covered in this hot powdery substance and I had burns where ever my skin was showing. I had cuts everywhere and dark marks in my skin for years. I had corneal scratches and irritated eyes too, along with dislocated jaw, seat belt injuries and a few other injuries. My tmj specialist realized I had metal in my face, looking at my mri. …
While sitting at a red light, I was rear-ended by a delaware cab (crown victoria); which continued to drive me into the car stopped in front of me and both of us into the pickup truck in front of her. It was a four car collision, with three of us being totally stopped when I was rear-ended. I contacted Chrysler and inquired as to why the air bags did not deploy and was told "we need to offer you a settlement". Chrysler had an "independent investigator" do an evaluation and has informed me that "we can not give you a copy of this report as it is a safety issue and if you want a copy you will have to sue us". My car was not running when the cab drove me into the Chevrolet lumina in front of me. The officer that responded to the accident asked if I had a switch to turn off the air bag, which the car did not. …
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. Updated 12/7/2005. The battery had to be replaced at 14972 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated indicating an air bag malfunction. The contact sustained neck injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Wife was sitting in a line of traffic waiting at a light. Vehicle came from behind and hit her at approximately 40. M.p.h. Car was thrown into car in front of her which was then thrown into car in front of them. Breaking hood latch system, radiator, A/C cooler/, and bending hood up. Air bags never deployed. Wife sustained whiplash and cervical sprain, and had to be transported from scene by ambulance due to accident. Our car had in excess of 2500 dollars damage.
I was involved in a single car, front end collision, in which I hit a concrete structure head on at approx 45 MPH. The airbags, neither driver or passenger, deployed, resulting in my hitting my head. I feel this is a defect and surely a great enough force to deploy the airbags. Dealer says it was simply that the sensors were not triggered. What more does it take to trigger the sensors?
Airbag complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 9% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 3 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 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 32 crashes, 0 fires and 34 injuries and 1 death to air bags 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.