2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 8%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,004miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 8% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,004 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2002 pt. Cruiser I have had to replace the right side front control arm bushings and wheel bearings and now I am having to replace the left side control arm bushing and wheel bearing with in a month of each other. This is for the second time in 3 years I also think this is to often for them to be replaced and the manufacture should do something about this before someone get hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10407165, filed 2011-06, 114,000 miles“My cruiser was in the shop for regular maintenance, when the mechanic found that the lower control arm bushings were worn. In reading this site, I see that this has become a real problem fleet wide. I had to pay for the front end alignment, plus the $100 deductible on the extended warrant. Based on what I read, I think that the cars should be recalled and repaired at no cost to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10221041, filed 2008-03, 48,380 miles“Lower control arm bushing seperation: lower control arm bushing failed while driving to work the sudden failure caused the car to drop on passenger side. Tech at local wal-mart stated that if it had failed when I was turning the reduced clearnce would have caused my front right corn to dig into the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #10086599, filed 2004-08, 36,000 miles“..on my 2002 Pt Cruiser the front suspension cross member has rotted so bad that it broke in a few places causing the lower a arm to move in such a way as to cause the steering wheel to pull out of your hands all the way to the left and or right,the car could not be driven more then 15 MPH,..and that was while holding the wheel tightly....if this cross member was to break while driving 65 MPH there would be a very bad crash,..I suggest any one that has a pt cruise have it checked for the cross member rotting before a crash takes place,,,I was able to buy a new cross member and the cheapest…”
NHTSA complaint #10913849, filed 2016-10, 116,500 miles“I have a 2002 Pt Cruiser and took it in for an oil change and they said: bushings (both lower-front) remove & replace control arm shaft and bushings, lower both control arm. Bearing & seals. From what I am reading it seems to be a common problem with pt cruisers.”
NHTSA complaint #10151790, filed 2006-03, 41,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 14% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 36 | 17% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 40 | 8% |
| 2001 | 66 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
97 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsExterior lighting
55 complaintsSteering
45 complaintsAir bags
44 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 30, 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