2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Engine Problems

12 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

12 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

12
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11473780 |
The electrical system is malfunctioning the fans do not kick on at all,even after reaching temperature.Even when the "Air" condition is turned on full blast or the "Heater" it doesn't matter which one is used it still doesn't engage the "Fan".
#11252658 |
CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH OVERHEATING (ALSO FOUND OUT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS MODEL AND MAKE). THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN BREAK DOWN ON ROAD WHICH CAN EITHER CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSE ROAD BLOCKAGE. *JS
#11118289 |
ENGINE FAN DOES NOT TURN ON CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER OWNER THAT HAVE A PT CRUISER (DIFFERENT YEARS) AND THEY ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FAN. I CALLED THE CHRYSLER DEALER WHICH DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SO THEY ARE NOT ISSUING ANY RECALLS YET. I TOOK THIS CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS BUT HE DID NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO CHECK THE CAR COMPUTER. ANOTHER PLACE HAS THE EQUIPMENT BUT WANTS $200. TO SEE IF IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD COVER THIS SINCE IT DOES NOT JUST EFFECT MY VEHICLE BUT MANY PT CRUISERS.
#11024099 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, REPLACED ALL OF THE SENSORS ON THE VEHICLE, THE RELAYS, AND THE ELECTRICAL FUSES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
#11015403 | Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND RUSHED AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. IT WAS NOT INDICATED IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SENT A TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
#10838021 |
"TAKATA RECALL " IN MY PT CRUISER THE ENGINE DROPPED DOWN IN THE CAR AND THE FRONT AXLE BAR AND FRAME WAS BROKEN AND THE WHEELS COULD NOT TURN OR CONTROL THE CAR I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TRYING TO TURN INTO A ICE CREAM SHOP THE CAR IS STILL DOING A SUDDEN JERKING WHEN DRIVEN AND AFTER PAYING A LOT OF MONEY TO GET IT STARTED AND FIXED I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND NO MONEY TO GET ANOTHER.
#10722604 | Fire
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE GOING 55 MPH AND DASHBOARD FAULTS OUT WITH INCOHERENT READINGS AND TRANSAXLE SHIFTS SELF INTO NEUTRAL. I SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE. DASHBOARD READINGS GO BACK TO NORMAL AND TRANSAXLE GOES BACK INTO DRIVE. 15 SECONDS LATER BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. CONTINUE DRIVING TO FIND A PLACE TO PARK. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS ENGINE STALLS OUT. SHIFT GEAR SELECTOR INTO NEUTRAL AND TRY TO RESTART VEHICLE BUT IT WON'T START. COAST TO A STOP AND OPEN HOOD. NOTICE AN ODD SMELL. OPEN HOOD AND ALTERNATOR IS ON FIRE. CLOSE HOOD AND GRAB PERSONAL BELONGINGS (EXCEPT FOR PHONE CHARGER) OUT OF VEHICLE. CALL 911 AS VEHICLE BURNS UP. FIRE AND POLICE ARRIVE AND EXTINGUISH FIRE BUT VEHICLE BADLY DESTROYED BY BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
#10667333 |
I FILED A CLAIM WITH CHRYSLER ABOUT THE RUSTED OUT ENGINE CRADLE AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT. *TR
#10618885 |
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR TO INCLUDE ELECTRICAL, OVER HEATING (WHICH WAS NEVER FIXED EVEN AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES), AND TRANSMISSION. IN 2013 AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY 4 LANE HWY. I HEARD A SUDDEN AND LOUD BOOMING NOISE AND THE CAR BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THINKING THAT I HAD HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD I BEGAN SLOWING DOWN AND MAKING MY WAY TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HWY. BUT BEFORE I COULD GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HWY. THE CAR MADE THAT LOUD BOOMING NOISE A SECOND TIME AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY AGAIN. IT THEN LOST ALL POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HWY. AFTER REMOVING AND OPENING UP THE TRANSMISSION I FOUND THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT IN THE CENTER OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD SHEARED IN HALF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I BELIEVE THAT THE...
#10595288 |
I FIRST SENT THIS COMPLAINT ON MAR 7, 2014 AND RECEIVED AN EMAIL REPLY ACKNOWLEDGING IT, BUT SINCE HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. IS MY COMPLAINT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY? IT IS A SERIOUS COMPLAINT AS FOLLOWS: ON FEB 5, 2014, MY 2001 PT CRUISER SHUT DOWN WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN DOWN A BUSY STREET. IT DIDN'T MAKE A SPUTTER OR A SOUND, IT JUST DIED. LUCKILY, IT COASTED LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL OFF ONTO A QUIETER STREET AND UP AGAINST A CURB. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP THE EXPLANATION FOR THE MOTOR SHUTTING DOWN WAS ALARMING. THE AUTOMOTIVE TECH REPORTED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. AS I UNDERSTAND, WHEN THIS SENSOR GOES BAD, THE ENGINE AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS DOWN. WITH NO WARNING. I HAD GAS IN MY PT. I DON'T THINK PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS; THE TECH SAID MOST CARS THAT ARE 'NEWER' (AS FAR BACK...
#10568739 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
#10541698 | Crash
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A MAIN ROAD ONTO A SIDE STREET. WHILE THE CAR WAS TURNING, I HEARD A CLUNK AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKED FROM MY HANDS. THE CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE CURB. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE SERVICE TECH SHOWED ME THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE K FRAME WAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THRU. IT'S TO RUSTED TO BE WELDED AND I WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISER AND DODGE NEON, SINCE THEY USE THE SAME FRAME. THE TECH ALSO TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY THAT I WASN'T MOVING AT HIGH SPEED OR THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, THEY ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND THEY BASICALLY IGNORE ANY COMPLAINTS. *JB

Other 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Problem Areas

Structure 53 complaints Electrical System 45 complaints Wheelsrim 35 complaints Unknown Or Other 29 complaints Wheels 25 complaints Air Bags 23 complaints Exterior Lighting 23 complaints Steering 23 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm 20 complaints Suspension 19 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 18 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 18 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengine 17 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedelivery 16 complaints Tires 15 complaints Exterior Lightingfog Lightsswitch 12 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 11 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 10 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections 10 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 10 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 9 complaints Suspensionrear 9 complaints Electrical Systemignition 8 complaints Power Train 8 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 8 complaints Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm 8 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm 7 complaints Power Trainmanual Transmission 7 complaints Suspensionfront 7 complaints Air Bagssidewindow 6 complaints Electrical Systemhorn 6 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 6 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline 6 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 6 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 6 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor 6 complaints Structurebody 6 complaints Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 5 complaints Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc 5 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 5 complaints Seat Belts 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings 5 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 5 complaints Tirestreadbelt 5 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 5 complaints Child Seat 4 complaints Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 4 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood 4 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers 4 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch 4 complaints Service Brakes 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads 4 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump 4 complaints Visibility 4 complaints Electrical Systemwiring 3 complaints Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys 3 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 3 complaints Seats 3 complaints Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components 3 complaints Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar 3 complaints Steeringcolumn 3 complaints Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields 3 complaints Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing 3 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 2 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 2 complaints Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch 2 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch 2 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 2 complaints Interior Lighting 2 complaints Parking Brake 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assembly 2 complaints Power Trainclutch Assembly 2 complaints Seat Beltsfrontretractor 2 complaints Seat Beltsrearother 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc 2 complaints Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid 2 complaints Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 2 complaints Structurebodydoor 2 complaints Tiressidewall 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 2 complaints Visibilityglass Siderear 2 complaints Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 2 complaints Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitionswitch 1 complaint Electrical Systemstarter Assembly 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv 1 complaint Equipment 1 complaint Equipmentelectrical 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices 1 complaint Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift 1 complaint Exterior Lightingback Up Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingfog Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lights 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tank 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap 1 complaint Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly 1 complaint Parking Brakeconventional 1 complaint Parking Brakeconventionalmechanical 1 complaint Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch 1 complaint Power Traindriveline 1 complaint Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly 1 complaint Seat Beltsfrontanchorage 1 complaint Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdisc 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdisccaliper 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder 1 complaint Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion 1 complaint Steeringlinkages 1 complaint Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments 1 complaint Structurebodyhood 1 complaint Structureframe And Members 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint 1 complaint Suspensionfronthub 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Tiresvalve 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor 1 complaint Visibilitywiper 1 complaint
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