2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 4% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ok maybe 4th time is a charm on trying to get Pt Cruiser off road. I had a fire in this vehicle due to overheating which was reported but dumb me put it out and replaced grill and radiator and had to take seperate loan out for $2500 in repairs and now vehicle won't start and now being told is computer well that explains why when we were trying to get out of car when was on fire the door locks didn't won't to work first time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10780214, filed 2015-10, 100,000 miles“Ok I am so upset I bought this car 2 years ago it is a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser with a back check from my disability cause I had to have something low to the ground to get in and out of. I have had nothing but problems and I can't afford anymore on this car this is like a brand new car with such low miles I can't get to therapy, doctor's appointments and when you go on all these sights it is the same report overheating for model tears 2001-2005. …”
NHTSA complaint #10713391, filed 2015-04, 98,000 miles“My check engine light goes off and on. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors were reading as the issue according to the odometer code system.. My car shuts off at anytime even while driving in the middle of the road. My battery terminal seems to be weak possibly having shortage moments from time to time. My vehichle will pull one way or the other. My breaks feel like there going to give out or are brand knew . My vehichle makes a noise as if the front cv axels or ball joints need to be greased. My wiring and engine is my main concern. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242425, filed 2019-08, 147,000 miles“Car has been overheating when AC is put on. Overheating while idling sometimes. I have spent over $2000 trying to fix it. It's not head gasket or heads according to 2 shops. I called Chrysler, they said no complaints about cooling system have ever been reported. I filed a complaint. Shops have changed everything and can not find the problem. Check engine light stays on even after everything has been replaced. There should be a recall!!”
NHTSA complaint #10508957, filed 2013-04, 12,000 miles“Our Pt Cruiser overheated one day after my wife had left work, thankfully she made it home before it got worse. I have replaced all components known to cause overheating problems such as thermostat, radiator, spark plugs and wires, water heater, flushed the block out, even changed the temp sensor. I have also checked all the hoses and gave it an oil change and yet it still over heats. I have researched this problem online and have found that thousands of people are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10726409, filed 2015-06, 161,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 23% |
| 2009 | 26 | 27% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 55 | 16% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
97 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsExterior lighting
55 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsSuspension
40 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsOther or unknown
28 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 28, 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