2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Brakes Problems

“I was driving to my next client on icy pavement at 35 degrees below zero. I applied the brakes, but had a hard pedal, no ABS braking, nothing. Crashed into pick-up truck in front of me who was able to stop at light. His truck was 1996 and did not have ABS. Is there a problem with brake fluid at this extreme temperature?”

“Subject: 2002 Pt Cruiser brakes / transmission I do not know if you are the proper person to bring up some safety issues with the Chrysler Pt Cruiser but it is my sincere hope that maybe you could direct this to someone who can. About two months ago, I had my brakes services at a local shop that I have been dealing with for 10 years. When I was younger, I used to do much of the work to cars myself, and once in a while I do an audit of the work he does. As always, he does a great job. Recently I was driving back from lake tahoe on i80. …”

“Brake warning indicator light started coming on intermittently at 27,000 miles, of which 20,000 of those miles are freeway miles. Took the car to the dealer and was told that the brake pads and rotors were both worn out. I asked for the old parts and saw that the inside pads were nearly gone. When I questioned why 1.) there was never a warning from the brake pad chirpers and 2.) the brakes were worn out so soon, I was told by the dealer that Chrysler is using lesser quality materials in the rotors and pads. …”

“After 23,000 miles the brake light began coming on only when taking off quickly from a stop. Brakes did not squeal and there was no other sign there could be a problem except for the intermittent light coming on. I went to the dealer to get my oil changed and had them check the light while I was there. They told me the brake pads were slightly worn, but the rotors were down to 30% thickness and must be replaced as soon as possible. This car is only a little over a year old with only 23,000 miles on it! Plus it's a manual transmission and I down shift a lot to slow the car instead of braking. …”

“Grinding noise when applying brakes, cracking noise when anti-lock system activated. The brake pads have been replaced at approx. 22,000 miles and the pads where worned on the driver's side to the metal. There was no pre- warning of the condition. I purchased a ptcruiser when first manufactored the brakes had the same problem.”