2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 7%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 7% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,400 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2002 Pt Cruiser, was serviced about 3-4 mos prior, running fine, all of a sudden smoke was coming out of the inside of the car vents, I pulled over when I exit the car, I saw smoke and heard something ignite in the hood. There was no warning of anything was wrong with the car, there were no warning lights, there was no stalling of the car, nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10237755, filed 2008-08, 88,000 miles“Every time I unplug my battery it takes some hours of driving before the fan comes back on and that causes overheating by the time the car's fan start working again. When it over heat it boils the coolant and I would have to put the heater on full blast in order to suppress the overheating. And the power steering hose is on part of the radiator that makes it melt when the coolant gets too hot.”
NHTSA complaint #10341479, filed 2010-07, 66,000 miles“Bought a 2002 pt cruise new. Before the 3 year warranty ran out the water pump had to be replaced and at the 36,000 mark the head gasket had to be replaced. Now at just over 60,000 the water pump again had to be replaced. Now I noticed it is starting to run on the hot side. I am so afraid it is the head gasket again.”
NHTSA complaint #10188510, filed 2007-04, 65,000 miles“I was driving my 2002 Pt Cruiser, I was stopped and noticed flames coming from under the hood. I got out and within a minute the car was fully engulfed. The car was completely destroyed. I have pictures of the car after the damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10297622, filed 2009-12, 123,000 miles“May 17, 2003 was the most recent episode. The car has been in for service 5 times for overheating. They've been unable to satisfactorily fix the problem or admit it's a defect. I've lodged complaints with Chrysler corporate, but they refuse to replace the vehicle. The only resolution they're willing to offer is extended coverage, which won't keep my car from overheating every time I attempt a trip longer than 30 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #10069073, filed 2004-01, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 27 | 18% |
| 2006 | 36 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 13% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 29 | 11% |
| 2002 | 38 | 7% |
| 2001 | 62 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
97 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsExterior lighting
55 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsSuspension
40 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsWheels
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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