Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
OK maybe 4th time is a charm on trying to get PT Cruiser off road. I had a fire in this vehicle due to overheating which was reported but dumb me put it out and replaced grill and radiator and had to take seperate loan out for $2500 in repairs and now vehicle won't start and now being told is computer well that explains why when we were trying to get out of car when was on fire the door locks didn't won't to work first time. The car is a 2002 with 100,000 miles on it and I have already put new tires on it and battery and had all these repairs done trying to save the car because I am a single mom on disability maybe since Chrysler is under investigation for injuries and deaths not being reported you can add me because I was burned during the fire trying to put out. …
Hello. I tried copying and pasting my letter into this box however, my letter is too long. Therefore, I am completing this online form and then will mail in my entire letter, documentation and the like to your mailing address along with a copy of this online form. The complaint is regarding my 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, VIN# [redacted] and it is relating to the fact Chrysler refuses to repair my vehicle under the current and active NHTSA recall # 01V288000 (instrument cluster problem). Today, 8/5/05 I will mail my letter detailing the entire problem but I am submitting this portion online to get the process started. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [redacted] . The vehicle was in motion when a pop noise was heard caused by a spark within the dash above the speedometer. White smoke had come billowing out of the instrument cluster. …
My check engine light goes off and on. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors were reading as the issue according to the odometer code system.. My car shuts off at anytime even while driving in the middle of the road. My battery terminal seems to be weak possibly having shortage moments from time to time. My vehichle will pull one way or the other. My breaks feel like there going to give out or are brand knew . My vehichle makes a noise as if the front cv axels or ball joints need to be greased. My wiring and engine is my main concern. My ac doesn't work my radiator seal has been replaced my car will make a guzzling noice due to the coolant . The list goes on. I bought my vehichle approx. 4months ago. The issues have progressed over the past month.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the high beam head lamps would illuminate randomly day or night. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least six times in one week. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the multi-function switch that controlled the headlights was replaced by him. The contact noticed that the plastic clip holding the electrical harness to the switch had burned. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.
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.
Takata recall. I was driving down the highway and my headlights went out I pulled over and I didnt have door locks to unlock the doors. All the fuses are good. I was researching online and alot of PT cruisers are having the issue it seems that the connector for the fuse block goes bad I have been dealing with this for a few months now. I think its redundant that ypu have to pay 150-250 dollars every time this happens. When no one really has that kinda money
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled, a warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The failure recurred ten times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alarm system needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard exhibited a long crack which originated on the front driver's side windshield that crossed over the dashboard vent and extended to the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start when prompted. The dealer required that a new computer be installed into the vehicle related to the manufacturer's key in order to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While attempting to start the vehicle, all the meters, gauges, and instrument panel lighting failed to function. In addition, the interior lighting also failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles are being recalled for a software error in the instrument cluster microprocessor. Under certain conditions, the cluster, with the majority of its gauges, illumination, and warning lamps, could become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will re-flash the cluster software to correct the condition. Owner notification began October 8, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Electrical complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 97 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 19% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-288 (interior/under dash, Sep 10, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system 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.