2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 6%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,418miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 6% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,418 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes: noticed squealing and lots of brake dust (6/04). Had to replace pads and rotors. After repair, passenger front brake still squeeled. Took back, rotor replaced again. My front right break still squeels and both front brakes are shooting off much break dust. This is very frustrating. I would think after a month the semi-metalic breaks would have been broken in by now.”
NHTSA complaint #10083163, filed 2004-08, 34,000 miles“My 01 Chrysler Pt Cruiser, 25,602 miles, had a stiff brake pedal. Car felt as if I was driving w/foot on brake. Chrysler towed car to dealer. They said I had contaminated brake fluid, repairs not covered by regular or ext. Warranty. My bill for repair was $2643.48. They replaced all brake system components.”
NHTSA complaint #10058218, filed 2004-02, 25,602 miles“Web site topix will confirm the incredible # of folks that have had fog lamps turn on after car is shut down causing battery drain. 100's have paid for replacement part multi-function switch. This controls fog, head, accessory, & dash lighting. To prevent the fog lamps from coming on by themselves, most have removed fuse # 8 to remove the fog lamps from the circuit. People report smoke coming from turn signal lever, & the complete loss of all lighting is quite common. I personally have replaced the multi-function switch 3 times on my wife's 2001 p.t. …”
NHTSA complaint #10457944, filed 2012-05, 40,000 miles“On 1/22/ 03 we took our 2001 Pt Cruiser (odometer 12,000 miles) into the dealer because the front disc brakes were squealing. We had previously noted that the passenger side front disc brake had locked when we tried to back the car out of the garage. After hitting the brakes several times, the brake finally unlocked. The dealership told us that the front rotors on both sides were grooved and could not be turned because the metal was so thin to begin with that there was not enough to machine even on a brand new rotor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10039149, filed 2003-09, 12,000 miles“2001 Pt Cruiser, caliper freezing to rotor causing brake pads to wear down to medal and rotor to turn blue, only on passenger front side of vehicle. I have the brake pads from the vehicle and the pads from the driver's side look like new. I filed a complaint with daimler Chrysler over the warranty on the caliper and contemporary Chrysler dodger said it was normal wear and brake dust and dirt particles that cause the caliper to stick? I believe it is not normal for one side to be worn down to the medal? The right rear caliper froze and caused the same problem at approximately. 20,316 mi. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014164, filed 2003-04, 28,138 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 7% |
| 2007 | 6 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 4% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 5% |
| 2002 | 37 | 7% |
| 2001 | 39 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSteering
61 complaintsWheels
61 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsTires
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology