CarRecallDB

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

3 recalls and 511 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

3
recalls
511
owner complaints
40
complaints mentioning a crash
34
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 04V268000 · reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 438,391 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
The fix
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.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 02V215000 · reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 345,436 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: wiring, interior/under dash

NHTSA campaign 01V288000 · reported September 10, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 43,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 20, 2024 · Visibility · 70,000 miles

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…

Jul 31, 2023 · Fuel system, gasoline · 138,000 miles

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…

Jun 11, 2023 · Steering

Hello My name is […]. 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…

Nov 21, 2021 · Steering

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…

Jul 27, 2021 · Engine · fire reported

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…

PT Cruiser model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 56183617
2002 35114034
2003 22582215
2004 12171615
2005 31871112

Across all years, the 2001 PT Cruiser has the most complaints (618). All Chrysler PT Cruiser years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent reported on June 3, 2004 (Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners have filed 511 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (97 complaints), followed by structure (67).
How many 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints mention a crash or fire?
40 of 511 complaints report a crash and 34 a fire; 50 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 20, 2024.