Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over on a dirt patch, which stopped the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off and smoke entered into the vehicle. The brake pads melted, which caused the smoke to rise from beneath the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was coming home from work and driving down the street when the lights on the dashboard went out, the gas gauge went to zero and the car just died. I lost power steering and braking and I was lucky there was no one behind me at the time. The key was locked in the steering wheel and I could not restart. I called 911 for help as cars were now zooming up behind me stalled in the lane. I was so scared that someone would hit me. I sat waiting for the tow truck for about 15 minutes when the lights suddenly came on again and the gas gauge went back to full. I tried to start it and it started right up. I was able to drive it 2 blocks home. The next day I drove to the cleaners and while trying to park it died in the parking lot. I again waited and it finally started again. I took it to the Chrysler dealership and they say they can find nothing wrong. They suggested I junk it for about $100. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH in heavy traffic, the brake pedal was depressed to slow down however the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The contact sustained skin rash and mouth damage due to the substance that came out of the air bag upon deployment. The contact also sustained bruises and knee injuries that required medical attention. The front seat passenger sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention. The driver from the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where the failure was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as the service brake tube failing and the ball joint was detached. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. …
I was driving through town when I smelled something like rubber burning, saw smoke billowing out from passenger front side of car. I immediately pulled off of road, turned car off & looked to see what was causing this. No leaks of any kind. My mechanic is in the process of repairing my PT. The front passenger brake seized & burned up my caliper, rotor & brake pads. It was so hot, it literally melted parts. I came close to a major fire & it was a good thing I was not on a highway. I hope this does not happen again. I do not know if there were any recalls on this vehicle due to brake problems- but I would like to know as I feel this is a major safety issue.
On my 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the brakes and wheels locked up when I had to stop to avoid hitting a truck who had slowed to make a left turn. Air bags did not deploy either, even though I hit the truck at approximately 50 MPH and had major damage to front of my vehicle.
While driving down the freeway the door locks started clicking like they do when hitting the wireless remote. At the same time the flashers would go on. This continued intermittently all the way to work on city streets as well. I have not contacted the dealer at this time. My passenger airbag light went on, sometimes when I was driving. I took the car in to my mechanic in January for a complete brake job. The rotors needed replacing. I had less than 10000 when the car would shimmy violently when the brakes were applied. I took it back to my mechanic, and he informed me that the rotors were not of a material made to with stand much heat. He advised a beefier rotor. There was now a heavy duty rotor available on the after-market. I did not take this problem to the dealer because they most likely will tell me I was too hard on the brakes. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 40 MPH, the brakes failed and the brake pedal became stiff. After removing pressure from the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Consumer writes in regards to the fuel leak location on the inlet nozzle fuel tank. The dealer stated check engine light on, cracked trim around A/C unit, trunk will not stay open, front brakes need replacing, and rear shock need to be replaced.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), 2.4l high output turbocharged engine, and 5-speed manual transaxle, May exhibit inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began October 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (39), 2002 (37), 2006 (15), 2003 (14) and 2004 (13) model years. Brake complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-481 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Oct 8, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chrysler PT Cruiser brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › disc › rotor (22 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (22).
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.