Subscribe
Save article | View favourites
July 9, 2009
There’s an electrical problem detailed here wherein the multi-function switch that controls the headlights and turn signals fails. The most common result is that the fog lights come on and stay on when the car is off, draining the battery. Many owners report that leaving the turn signal switch in the “left” position when the car is off shuts the fog lights off. A better solution, I think, is having the switch replaced, which would probably run about $300 at a Chrysler dealer. There are owners’ reports of other electrical issues too.
   2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Click image to enlarge |
Wheel bearings are problematic too, with front bearings often needing replacement relatively early in the car’s life. Details can be found here. Consumer Reports notes this issue in its suspension category, where the PT scores much worse than average for durability.
The PT’s motor mounts look like a source of problems, as well.
According to one particularly helpful member in the forums at PTCruiserLinks.com, the PT’s four-speed automatic transmission is a “weak link,” something that’s backed up by the data found at Consumer Reports, at least for earlier models. Their data suggests that 2004 and newer models have fared better. My feeling is that while the automatic transmission is a known trouble spot in Chrysler’s minivans, the PT’s less powerful engine (in non-turbo form) and lighter weight will put less stress on the transmission and result in less likelihood of serious problems.
Crash safety is better, at least accord to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which gave the PT four stars for both driver and front-seat occupant protection in its frontal crash test, and four and five stars for front and rear seat occupant protection, respectively, in side impact tests. Side airbags were optional in 2001 and became standard in some uplevel models from 2002 onward. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn’t conduct crash tests on the PT.
According to Canadian Black Book, used PT values range from $4,175 for a 2001 base model, to $19,425 for a 2008 PT convertible in Touring trim, with optional turbocharged engine and alloy wheels. A 2005 GT model with manual transmission is an attractive package for about $10,000, but I suspect some bargaining would get you an even better deal. If the non-turbo engine is enough for you, a 2005 base model with manual transmission is worth a little more than $8,000.
The PT is a handy and practical little carry-all that has the added bonus of not looking like a brick on wheels. While the reliability troubles are, well, troubling, low resale values mean that, in theory, you could buy a used PT for a good price and bank the rest of your car budget for future repairs. If you need an automatic tranny, look for a PT that’s either just had it replaced or has been very well-maintained, and install a tranny fluid cooler to help extend its service life. So-so reliability makes the PT a less-than-ideal buy, but choosing one that’s been well-maintained and that checks out with a trusted mechanic could prove decent if you need lots of practicality at a low price.
|
Pricing
Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) July 2009:
Online resources
Recalls
2001-2005: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L non-turbo engine and an automatic transaxle, routing variation in the high pressure power steering hose could allow contact with the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose. Subsequent fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under-hood fire. Correction: 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.Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002150; Units affected: 33,929 2001-2002: On certain vehicles, frontal barrier collision tests have indicated that the top flange surface of the fuel pump module may crack resulting in a possible fuel leak and risk of fire. Correction: Dealer will install a secondary seal on the affected vehicles. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002149; Units affected: 12,844 2001: On certain vehicles, the fuel supply line may contact the air conditioning tube service port. This could potentially cause a rub-though condition and a subsequent fuel leak that could possibly result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and to install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2001227; Units affected: 1,084 2002 (other models affected): 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. Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will re-flash the cluster software to correct the condition. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007111; Units affected: 2,689 2005-2006: On certain vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle. If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle and cause a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003066; Units affected: 97 2003: On certain turbo vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, a welded pin internal to the dual-mass flywheel (DMF) assembly could become unseated and lodge between the flywheel and the clutch disc. If this occurs, the clutch may not disengage when the clutch pedal is depressed. Correction: Dealer will replace the flywheel and clutch assemblies. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004367; Units affected: 5 2005: Certain vehicles equipped with 4-wheel ABS, a 2.4L turbo engine and 5-speed manual transaxle may have inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing. Contact between the brake tube and transaxle housing over an extended period of time may eventually lead to perforation of the brake tube that could result in loss of braking at the left front and right rear wheels. Reduced braking efficiency could result in extended stopping distances, which may lead to a crash, causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install a revised brake tube.
Crash test results
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
Related posts:
- Used Vehicle Review: Chrysler PT Cruiser, 2001 – 2003
- Used Vehicle Review: Chrysler Sebring, 2001-2005
- Test Drive: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser — second look
- Chrysler unveils 2009 PT Dream Cruiser
- Test Drive: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Review by 