2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 7%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 7% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 1 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.
“Engine starts and runs, but as soon as I put it into any gear but park, the car immediately dies. It will restart, but again dies when placed in a gear. The check engine light came on so I had my mechanic look at it. He checked for codes and this is the code that came up (p0601). It has 83500 miles. He says it need a new computer. This initially started backing into traffic, the car just quit. I started it back up and went to put it in drive and it again quit. This happens over and over, until someone pushed me out of the street. Car is now parked until it is repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10872620, filed 2016-06, 83,500 miles“Transmission failed without warning. Car came to an immediate stop as if the brakes were locked. Traffic behind me had no warning of such a rapid descent in speed due to no brake lights, I had not pressed the brake pedal in other words. No accident resulted but we were lucky in that aspect.”
NHTSA complaint #10114804, filed 2005-03, 42,000 miles“Bought a new 2002 Pt Cruiser. Automatic transmission went completely bad at 37,000 miles and again at 72,000 miles. Chrysler repaired the first time under the standard warranty. The second time, I paid $100.00 since I have a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10074854, filed 2004-06, 72,000 miles“The transmission from my Pt Cruiser exploded on i95 near kingsland ga while coming back from a trip on 3/3/08. It has a excellent maintainance record on this car. All services where done when due by a Chrysler dealership in hinesville ga, where I purchased this car new in 2002. I have never had any indications that there was anything wrong with my transmission. It never made any strange noise, leaked transmission fluid, skipped gears..and just like that it exploded. It had a complete tune up performed on Pt Cruiser sept 2007. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222048, filed 2008-03, 80,267 miles“After 38,000 miles the transmission pump went out. The dealer stated the warranty ran out at 36,000 miles and there is no drive train warranty. It will cost me 1,6000 dolars to replace. Never will I buy from Chrysler again!”
NHTSA complaint #10059019, filed 2004-02, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10012813Feb 19, 2005Transmission gear rattle sound at idle.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 10 | 9% |
| 2007 | 17 | 11% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 35 | 7% |
| 2001 | 47 | 8% |
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 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