Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I drove 15 miles an pulled at 55 MPH into oskaloosa ia reduced speed to 35 down to 25 an thought I smelled something burning like wires an antifreeze ,black smoke rolled out from under neath my hood on passenger side put in park popped hood opened hood flames coming from underneath engine in front of alternator grabbed snow throwing it on flames called 911 got fire extinguisher sprayed got fire out fire dept.showd looked they said smelt like wiring& antifreeze burnt smell .then looked in side of car keys in my hand dash lights all lite up an flashing .fireman said electrical melted the windshield washer fluid container .cause car was off we discounted battery took neg off laid it where nothing touch an went take pos.off sparks shot out of neg.cable end. …
Front lower control arm bushings failed on both sides of car. Reported by dealer repair tech while replacing failed head gasket. Both lower control arms replaced. Dealer reports entire control arm must be replaced when bushings fail.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle exhibited a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the front driver and passenger side wheel bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the technician verified that the wheel bearing and hubs were defective once again. In addition, the contact stated that she had to replace the battery on three different occasions within a very small time frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,000 and the current mileage was 69,000.
Front control arm bushings need to be replaced. Car has only 39,000 miles on it. I purchased this vehicle used as a rental return with only 389 miles on it. Seems that the bushings shouldn't be going out with less than 40,000 miles on a vehicle. Vehicle has had all required maintenance and new tires - I baby this car. Also, panel with controls on left side of drivers seat has detached. I have tried to reattach many times with no success. I will need to bring to the dealership to fix. Unfortunately both of these items happened just after my 36/36 warranty was up and is not covered by my lifetime powertrain warranty. Have been quoted nearly $1000 to fix both.
I had stopped at a signal light and was hit in an front /head on crash there was no air bag deployment - thecar was deemed as a total lost per my insurance the damage was front left finder - hood = bumper - grill left suspension parts radiator oil cooler and frame I feel that if the car is going to sustain that much damage the car would have deployed the air bags. I have seen cars that the airbags deployed when hit hard enough to scuff the front bumper also the horn would like to stick when depressed some time the horn would sound some time the horn would not make any sound till you beat the darn thing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud abnormal noise. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front passenger's side axle cracked, the front driver's side axle had completely failed and a bolt in the motor mount was missing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.
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. …
Ball joint bolt failure;causing front suspension failure;same as NHTSA recall of 2005 PT crusier;NHTSA reference #o8eo33ooo.vehicle was in motion on city street coming to a stop approx.15mph, earlier 70mph hiway. Repair invoice $493.00 repair,$65.00 towing. 05 PT crusier was recalled for this prob. NHTSA ref # 08e033000
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (66), 2002 (40), 2004 (36), 2003 (35) and 2005 (32) model years. Suspension complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Chrysler PT Cruiser model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (46 mentions), followed by the front › wheel bearing (38).
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.