2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 11%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Fog lights won't turn off, stayed on long enough to run down battery. Not good for single elderly woman volunteer stuck in a parking lot across town. Understand the problem has been reported in many, many vehicles for at least 10 years. Did I miss a recall? I'm the original owner. Where in the world will I find a multifunction switch and someone to install it? Will the company cover the cost? Are they on a fixed income?”
NHTSA complaint #10594932, filed 2014-05, 98,000 miles“Takata recall. I was driving down the highway and my headlights went out I pulled over and I didnt have door locks to unlock the doors. All the fuses are good. I was researching online and alot of pt cruisers are having the issue it seems that the connector for the fuse block goes bad I have been dealing with this for a few months now. I think its redundant that ypu have to pay 150-250 dollars every time this happens. When no one really has that kinda money”
NHTSA complaint #10919959, filed 2016-10, 135,000 miles“My lights shut off while driving. Not only did my headlights shut off but my dash board lights and the lights on my gear shift did as well. My doors will not lock as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11057044, filed 2017-12, 224,441 miles“Fog lamps stayed on when 2002 Pt Cruiser was turned off. After dissembling of the switch box the internal switch had arched enough that it welded itself together causing the plastic to melt and smoke. I used a real relay to rewire the circuit with a switch on the dash. This is in addition to rebuilding the front suspension and now I have a oil leak. Great car from Chrysler. I only have 74,000 on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10265934, filed 2009-04, 72,000 miles“I had just put fuel in my car and was driving across a parking lot. I proceeded to park my car and noticed smoke rising out of my steering wheel and a burning smell. My lower set of lights ( fog lights) had turned on by themselves, which is odd since they haven't been working for at least two years. In order to stop the smoking in the steering wheel, I had to remove fuse #8. Same set of lights have turned on before a few years back draining my battery since I couldn't turn them off with their switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668604, filed 2014-12, 124,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10130080Aug 22, 201605182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 6% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 55 | 11% |
| 2001 | 48 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
97 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsSuspension
40 complaintsEngine cooling
38 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 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