Model year
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 511 complaints for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (56), STRUCTURE (47), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (34). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,050–$3,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 618 complaints
- 2002 511 complaints
- 2003 258 complaints
- 2004 217 complaints
- 2005 187 complaints
- 2006 349 complaints
- 2007 150 complaints
- 2008 115 complaints
- 2009 97 complaints
- 2010 22 complaints
Recalls
04V268000 · Jun 3, 2004
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
02V215000 · Aug 8, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.
01V288000 · Sep 10, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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.
Complaints
511 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 40, fire flag on 34, injury field 50, deaths field 2. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02082 | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE · SEAT BELTS | Nov 6, 2002 | Apr 23, 2003 |
| PE04028 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES · STEERING; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER… | Mar 15, 2004 | Jun 18, 2004 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.