Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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. …
Engine starts and runs, but as soon as I put it into any gear but park, the car immediately dies. It will restart, but again dies when placed in a gear. The check engine light came on so I had my mechanic look at it. He checked for codes and this is the code that came up (p0601). It has 83500 miles. He says it need a new computer. This initially started backing into traffic, the car just quit. I started it back up and went to put it in drive and it again quit. This happens over and over, until someone pushed me out of the street. Car is now parked until it is repaired.
Chrysler customer assistance center (kmm7261775v12890l0km)us customer service - Chrysler brand site brief description: transmission failed without warning 2002pt comments: I am very blessed to be able to send this email due to the fact as a PT 2002 owner and a very happy one just had the scare of my life.while driving at 65 MPH my transmission locked up causing my PT Cruiser to lift the back wheels off the ground and threw me into the windshield lucky for me I had my safety belt on.now here I am stuck on a major highway with no reverse and no gears.I was lucky enough to have it towed to a Goodyear dealer who said the transmission is shot. This place does all my work and I have records to prove with this car has been service and well taking care of. My concern is now the transmission place says it will cost 2800.00 dollars to fix. I would like some kind of response from Chrysler. …
The transmission from my PT Cruiser exploded on i95 near kingsland ga while coming back from a trip on 3/3/08. It has a excellent maintainance record on this car. All services where done when due by a Chrysler dealership in hinesville ga, where I purchased this car new in 2002. I have never had any indications that there was anything wrong with my transmission. It never made any strange noise, leaked transmission fluid, skipped gears..and just like that it exploded. It had a complete tune up performed on PT Cruiser sept 2007. I had to have it towed to the nearest Chrysler dealership in kingsland ga. Transmission needed to be replaced with a cost of $3,484.66 a transmission should not have exploded with 80267 miles. I feel overall there is a problem with PT cruisers transmissions and this should be covered under warranty.
I own a 2002 PT Cruiser and have always taken good care of it, by having it always serviced at the dealers and nowhere else. I love this car but just recently I have started have some problems with it. First my A/C started to sometimes blow hot air instead of cold and that stopped and then it seems like when I come to a stop with the A/C on it acts like it is going to stall. Now the transmission started making a noise when I go from reverse to drive. So I took it to a dealer to get it fixed and they are telling me I need a new transmission and it will cost me about $3200.00. My car has 45,000 miles on it. I would think that if it has always been serviced by a Chrysler dealer that this should have been preventable? Can anyone help? Thanks for your consideration.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving into a parking space between 5 and 10 MPH, there was a clicking sound. She exited the vehicle and discovered the transmission on the ground. Goodyear towed the vehicle to a Goodyear dealer and they stated that the bolts separated in half and released the transmission. The headlight switches and a bracket near the timing belt were also damaged. Daimler Chrysler stated that her warranty expired and that she would be responsible for the repair costs. The contact has the bolts and failed parts. The vehicle was repaired by Goodyear. The current mileage was 100,146 and the approximate failure mileage was 99746. The dealer information was not available. Updated 01/11/08.
Vehicle was towed to the dealer after it made a loud noise. Consumer pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle would not go into reverse. Consumer contacted manufacturer, and was told that vehicle had to have a bench inspection. Consumer was told that transmission had not been serviced properly, and assistance was declined. Consumer showed manufacturer paper work which indicated proper service. Currently, consumer was told that the vehicle was a second owner vehicle, and assistance was denied again. While driving on the highway at 65mph the trasmission locked up with no warning. The vehicle swerved and lost all power.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Since May of 2009, the vehicle has been stalling without warning. The most recent failure occurred while driving 30 MPH. After the first occurrence, the contact took the vehicle to a repair shop. The mechanic replaced the powertrain control module with a used one, but the failure was not corrected. The powertrain control module has been replaced twice. The dealer will replace the powertrain control module for the third time for free; however, the part will not be available until two weeks. The current and failure mileages were 124,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and never switched from second gear. The engine just kept revving. The contact drove to a safe area and shut off the vehicle. The vehicle made a sound as if it failed completely. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that they did not have enough time to get an accurate diagnosis. The vehicle still has not been repaired. The current mileage was 97,000 and failure mileage was 95,000.
Noticed a large amount of fluid under car in the morning. After investigation, determined it was transmission fluid. The fluid level in car was very low. Since it was a"special" fluid, I could not buy it at the local parts store. Took a chance and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that it was defective "solenoid pack" and "cooler lines". Parts replaced, OK since. If it had happened on the highway, it would have been a catastrophic transmission failure and possibly fire.
Transmission complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 7% of the model year's 511 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.