NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 510 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chrysler dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser owner complaints

Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, describing incidents dated January 7, 2001 to June 13, 2024.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 97 complaints
Structure 67 complaints
Engine 60 complaints
Exterior Lighting 55 complaints
Steering 45 complaints
Air Bags 44 complaints

Of the 510 complaints on file, 40 report a crash and 34 a fire; across all 510 complaints, owners report 50 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11595572 · Filed June 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the rear quarter glass fasteners on both sides of the vehicle had started to separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windows were violently shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact was concerned that the…
ODI #11535544 · Filed July 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she could smell fuel in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who located a fuel leak on the fuel trail line. The vehicle was not repaired…
ODI #11526442 · Filed June 11, 2023
Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasn’t far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in…

Read all 510 complaints

Owner-reported

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser mileage at failure

344 of the 510 complaints on file for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Electrical System	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–100,000 miles	Based on 73 complaints
Structure	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–95,000 miles	Based on 39 complaints
Engine	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–100,000 miles	Based on 44 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–110,000 miles	Based on 43 complaints
Steering	Median 50,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–100,000 miles	Based on 31 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE04-028: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Closed June 18, 2004
- Recall 04V-268
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-082: SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Closed April 23, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #08E033000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice

Reported April 14, 2008 · FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS

Potentially affected: 6,903 vehicles

Owners notified May 22, 2008

Defect description

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Safety consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #04V268000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 438,391 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign D18 · Owners notified September 20, 2004 · Vehicles built January 17, 2000 – April 26, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE.

Safety consequence

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D18.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE

NHTSA #02V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery · NHTSA notice

Reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 345,436 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign B23 · Owners notified August 12, 2002 · Vehicles built October 4, 1999 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY SEAL OVER THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO.B23.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

DAIMLERCHRYSLER/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

NHTSA #01V288000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Interior/Under Dash · NHTSA notice

Reported September 10, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 43,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 994 · Owners notified October 8, 2001 · Vehicles built July 1, 2001 – August 16, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLUSTER, WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS GAUGES, ILLUMINATION, AND WARNING LAMPS, COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Safety consequence

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE CLUSTER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

510 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Visibility; Structure

ODI #11595572

Incident: June 13, 2024 · Filed: June 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the rear quarter glass fasteners on both sides of the vehicle had started to separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windows were violently shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact was concerned that the windows might fall out while driving and cause injury to a pedestrian. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #11535544

Incident: July 20, 2023 · Filed: July 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, she could smell fuel in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who located a fuel leak on the fuel trail line. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Steering

ODI #11526442

Incident: June 11, 2023 · Filed: June 11, 2023

Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasn’t far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in great condition! I’m really concerned because I had my 6 year old child in the car! I now can’t make appointments work or even take my child to school I’m in need for help! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Steering; Wheels; Unknown or Other

ODI #11441234

Incident: November 13, 2021 · Filed: November 21, 2021

Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the vehicle are cracked/cracking & I believe one has a hole or 2 & another 1 is forming one. It's also scratching & ruining the rotors. Its not the pads they are fine but I need at least 1 new rotor & can't because the rims are defective causing it to happen again which can easily damage the calipers locking up the wheel causing a crash plus sometimes theres a loud crunching noise not grinding like the pads are bad cause they are not. I know the difference. The trac off & airbag lights are on then they go off then come back on again.The dashboard is cracked and it caused the vent to break where anything can get in it.The clear coat is peeling and yet the paint under it is in great shape.I also believe that the instrument cluster is causing the lights to come on the dashboard.The vehicle can be picked up when ever you have a spot open for it. I would like 48 hours notice due to work. This is a safety issue if the power steering goes while driving I cant steer it because I didn't know it was leaking it went out and I was stuck blocking traffic and couldn't turn it the passenger had to do it for me, If the rims get worse or hole bigger it can crack or break in half while I am driving. The defrost vent is open to particles that can get in there that shouldn't. The airbag light on could be a defect or the air bags defective. Nothing has been inspected on it since I just found out when looking up this make, year and model a price on power steering to find out there's a recall on it as well as other issues. There were no warnings and the only code that came up was the high fan relay switch. Since then the trac off light goes on and off as well as airbag light and now is currently on.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11426744

Fire

Incident: July 26, 2021 · Filed: July 27, 2021

While driving the vehicle I could begin to smell a strong odor of gas them almost like the smell of plastic melting and the vehicle engine started running hot temperature so I immediately turned off the engine as I pulled over to the side of the road and as I stepped out of the car aflame began under the hood and ended up burning my entire engine. Fire department had to come and extinguish the car.

Air Bags

ODI #11386397

Incident: January 2, 2021 · Filed: January 4, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Steering; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11271512

Fire

Incident: October 20, 2019 · Filed: October 28, 2019

DROVE THE VEHICLE 12 MILES TO GET HOME. (THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) IMMEDIATELY TURNING OFF ENGINE AFTER MAKING IT HOME. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE (BIG LEAK) FROM HOSE AND SMOKE SMELL FROM UNDER HOOD. (ENGINE LOOKS CHARD)

Electrical System; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Engine

ODI #11242425

Incident: June 21, 2019 · Filed: August 8, 2019

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. MY AC DOESN'T WORK MY RADIATOR SEAL HAS BEEN REPLACED MY CAR WILL MAKE A GUZZLING NOICE DUE TO THE COOLANT . THE LIST GOES ON. I BOUGHT MY VEHICHLE APPROX. 4MONTHS AGO. THE ISSUES HAVE PROGRESSED OVER THE PAST MONTH.

Air Bags

ODI #11233840

Incident: January 1, 2018 · Filed: July 22, 2019

UPON STARTING VEHICLE ALL WARNING TEST LIGHTS SUCH AS AIRBAG,OIL PRESSURE ETC. COME ON AS NORMAL,BUT OFTEN THE RED "AIRBAG" LIGHT STAYS ON INDEFINITELY OR GOES OFF THEN BELLS AND "AIRBAG" RED LIGHT REAPPEAR AND STAY ON 5 TO 10,SECONDS THEN GO OFF EVERY FEW MINUTES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN I AM IN 1000 TO 1500, LOW ROOMS LIKE WHEN I'M SLOWING TO MAKE A STOP.YESTERDAY, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON THE ENTIRE 20 MINUTE TRIP. I TOOK CAR IN FOR REPAIR ON MY OWN $ BUT PROBLEM RETURNED. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT ALL,HIGHWAY AND STREET SPEEDS BUT MOSTLY WITH DECELERATION TURNING THE AIRBAG OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. WHY HAVEN'T YOU PUT THE PT CRUISER ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST? I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2002 AND AM,THE SOLE OWNER.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11219448

Incident: June 11, 2019 · Filed: June 12, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEAD LAMPS WOULD ILLUMINATE RANDOMLY DAY OR NIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN ONE WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE HEADLIGHTS WAS REPLACED BY HIM. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC CLIP HOLDING THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS TO THE SWITCH HAD BURNED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser model years

Check your 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chrysler PT Cruiser at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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