2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 52 complaints for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 8% of the complaints on file.

Complaints: 52 8% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 71,000 miles 38 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 1 and 13
Injuries and deaths: 5 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Based on 38 complaints that include mileage. 42% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	4
20k to 40k miles	10
40k to 60k miles	2
60k to 80k miles	5
80k to 100k miles	5
100k to 120k miles	4
120k to 140k miles	2
140k to 160k miles	1
160k to 180k miles	1
180k to 200k miles	2
200k+ miles	2

What the data shows

Of the 38 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 71,000 miles, and 42% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 13 fires, 5 injuries.

What owners wrote

I was in my car, parked in my driveway, when the entire front of my car burst into flames. The occupant compartment was quickly involved in fire. I exited my car and attempted to put the fire out with a garden hose. The flames shot underneath my car and up the back end. I called 911. I received burns on the top of my head and smoke inhalation damages to my lungs.

January 2003 FireInjury

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.

Reported at 147,000 miles, June 2019

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Chrysler models