This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Air conditioner (A/C) compressor failed at 51,000 miles. Resulting in replacement of compressor, condenser, line orifice tube, map sensor, and drier. Total repair $1,600.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler PT CRUISER. After purchasing the vehicle the brakes began squeaking. The contact was told that the brakes would be replaced before she bought the vehicle. When she arrived to pick up the vehicle she was informed the dealer that the brakes were still squeaking. The dealer stated that it would take two to three days before the brakes would stop squeaking. However, the failure continued. A few days later the contact returned to the dealer the tires were removed and orange dust was found on the brakes. The dealer cleaned the brakes, but never replaced them. Three weeks after purchasing the vehicle the contact had the air conditioning repaired because it would not blow cool air. In August 2006 the vehicle began running hot and failed while driving 58 mph. The vehicle was towed, and shortly thereafter the failure recurred and the vehicle was towed again. In September 2006 the engine was replaced. On April 19, 2007, a diagnostic test was performed on the vehicle because of steering failure. The contact was told that the steering wheel needed immediate attention because steering fluid was leaking into the bottom of the car and could cause a fire. She was informed that the engine that was installed in September 2006 failed. The contact did not provide an accurate VIN. The current mileage is 50,400, and failure mileage was 35,326. The consumer stated she went to the dealership to have the car repaired and they were rude and refused to help her. Later, the dealership asked for information to rent the consumer a car and the rental place refused to rent her a car if the vehicle was not fixed by smith Chrysler. The consumer stated the dealer sold her a car then changed the name on her paperwork, refused to give her the tags to the car unless payment was provided and told her she had the wrong VIN number for the car. The consumer stated wants her money back for the car and the dealer to take the car back. Updated 07/06/07
The air conditioner began malfunctioning. The car, a 2003 PT CRUISER with approximately 38,000 miles, was just out of warranty. It was the middle of the hot summer, and instead of taking the car across town to a dealer, I took the car to a local mechanic, who determined that the low speed on the fan relay had gone bad. He told me the part was on national back order, and they were replacing about 300 per week. This is a high number, plus this part shouldn't fail with this many miles in my opinion. I spend $500 total to replace it (labor, diagnostics, and part). I contacted Chrysler, who was sympathetic, but after sending them the original copy of the invoice, they told me they couldn't pay for it since it wasn't done at their dealership. I believe a recall is in order to prevent the same thing happening to other consumers.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- St Charles, MO, USA