Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the fog lights illuminated independently and would not turn off. The contact also stated that there was an odor and evidence of smoke coming from the steering wheel. Afterwards, the contact was able to turn the fog lights off and the odor dissipated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
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. …
On returning home from an event in the evening I parked my vehicle in the garage. I turned off lights and then the ignition and everything shut down except the fog lights stayed on (the vehicle was completely shut off). I never had the fog lights on that evening. I tried various a temps I.e. Pushing the butten in, turning the vehicle on and then off again, etc., but did not have any success. My wife went online and found (from many people having the same problem with their PT crusiers) to put the left turn signal on, shut off the vehicle, then push the fog light butten in. This worked so that I didn't wake up to a dead battery. If you go online you will find many people who own PT cruisers with the identical problem including some having smoke coming from the multi function switch. I hope to hear from someone soon!!
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.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at approximately 30 MPH with the fog lamp illuminated, the contact noticed a burning smell. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where a switch in the steering column was replaced. Some time later, the contact was unable to turn off the fog lights. She called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current mileage was approximately 56,000. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
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 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.
Fog lights would not turn off. Brought into dealership in el segundo, ca for repair on 03/29/06 was told it was an internal switch and repaired for $86.58. I thought the problem was repaired. Then in 2008 it happened again and I took it into another dealership in w. Los angeles, ca and they told me it was a switch in the steering column so it had to be replaced and that totaled approximately $340. Now on easter (04/04/10) on my way to a bbq to my parents home, the fog lights came on again ...and wouldn't turn off again. But this time it caused me to panic because it overheated and smoke started to come out of the hazard light switch and turn signal switch while I was just getting off the freeway. I was lucky because I was not to far from my parents home where my brother who was formally a mechanic had the mind to pull out the fuse to the fog lights. …
The consumer stated that since the vehicle was purchased, the brakes were defective and performed poorly when applied. The consumer suspects that the dealership did not work on the brakes at all. There was a screeching noise and the brakes would sometimes go almost to the bottom of the floor. The driver's seat belt did not always lock, the brakes would rub and hesitate to stop, the A/C did not get cold on high settings, the entire dashboard electronic system was off, the fuel, MPH and the RPM lights had come on, at the inside top of all four doors, the lining was buldging in and out, the driver's side seat belt needed several attempts before locking, the right signal had to be manually stopped, and the left signal light did not hold. There was also an issue with the odometer reading. (the consumer felt that it did not display the proper mileage)
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the multi-function switch, which controls the fog-lights, headlights, and interior panel is faulty. It shorts out, causing smoke, or the fog lights come on when the car is parked, and drains the battery of all power. Driving down the road, the light comes on indicating the fog lights are on, when they have not been activated, then there is a burning smell coming from the steering column, you have to turn the lights on, turn on the blinkers or stop to get this problem to subside. Chrysler has had this problem with thousands of the multi-function switches that have the fog-light option. Please issue an immediate recall before a fire occurs which means the loss of someone's' life. This can be prevented by immediate action on the governments part. The multifunction switch is faulty, very weak.
Headlight complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the lights of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is fog lights › switch (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.