Vehicle Data Hub

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems

Owners reported steering problems in 49 complaints for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 7% of the complaints on file.

At a glance

Complaints
49 7% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
40,000 miles 35 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
1 and 7
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When steering problems show up

Steering complaints by mileage, 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 40,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 5 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 13 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 5 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 2 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 2 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 4 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 2 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 1 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 1 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 40,000 miles
Based on 35 complaints that include mileage. 66% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles5
20k to 40k miles13
40k to 60k miles5
60k to 80k miles2
80k to 100k miles2
100k to 120k miles4
120k to 140k miles2
140k to 160k miles1
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles1
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 35 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 40,000 miles, and 66% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 7 fires.

What owners wrote

The car had a fitting in the power assist steering system that was loosening. In a driving condition of high pressure, the system developed an instant, fast leak, which reacted to the high temperatures of the exhaust system. This reaction ultimately started the fire, which burned the engine compartment of the vehicle. Same incident as voq#10039792 per conversation with paul abbey on 6/16/04. Pe04029_cat

Reported at 51,869 miles, May 2003 Fire

Leaking steering rack and solenoid pack. Possible leak in steering pump also. Safety of tie rod ends, bushings, sway bars, control arms noted in inspection of front end both by a chrysler dealer and by an auto-repair chain. Both recommended replacement of parts (in shop right now) to eliminate a safety risk. In speaking to another owner of this same year and model of car with low mileage, I learned that he has experienced the same problems.

Reported at 32,000 miles, February 2008

Other problems reported for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Steering problems in other years

Steering problems across all Chrysler models