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2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series I

The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series I is a 150-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $23,395 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

It makes 150 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The PT Cruiser measures 168.8 inches long on a 103.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,123 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$23,395 ($42,264 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.4L NA I4, DOHC 16V
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower150 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16-valve
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity15 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16.0"
Wheels Rear16.0"
Tires FrontP205/55R16
Tires RearP205/55R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length168.8 in
Width67.1 in
Height63 in
Wheelbase103 in
Ground Clearance6 in
Curb Weight3,123 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.4 in
Headroom Rear39.6 in
Legroom Front40.6 in
Legroom Rear40.8 in
Shoulder Room Front54.6 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.9 in
Hip Room Front54 in
Hip Room Rear54 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR.

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

Apr 14, 2008 · SUSPENSION

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

NHTSA campaign 08E033000

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.

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 04V268000

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.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 02V215000

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.

Consequence: DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 01V288000

523 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER

Owner Complaints

523 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chrysler PT CRUISER (41 mention a crash, 35 a fire, 45 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System98
Structure68
Exterior Lighting55
Steering46
Air Bags45
Suspension43
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 20, 2024 · Visibility, Structure
“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…”
Jul 31, 2023 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“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…”
Jun 11, 2023 · Steering
“Hello My name is [XXX]. 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…”
Nov 21, 2021 · Steering, Wheels, Unknown Or Other
“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…”
Jul 27, 2021 · Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System Fire
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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