Review: Chrysler Mk.I PT Cruiser (2000-04)

Overview

Released in July 2000, the Chrysler Mk.I PT Cruiser was a five-door wagon with retro-styling. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive Mk.I PT Cruiser was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The PT Cruiser range initially consisted of Classic and Limited variants, though limited-run Touring and Street Cruiser 2 variants were released in 2003.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

The PT Cruiser was 4288 mm long, 1705 mm wide, 1601 mm tall and had a 2616 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the PT Cruiser had MacPherson strut front suspension with asymmetrical lower control arms and a twist beam rear axle with trailing arms and Watts linkages.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Touring and Limited variants were also fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags. In December 2002, however, front side airbags were made standard across the range.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the PT Cruiser – fitted with front side airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21. In the frontal impact test, protection for the driver’s head, chest and upper legs was marginal, while the bolster fitted to cushion the front occupants’ knees presented a risk of severe feet and knee injuries.

Features

Standard features for the Classic included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, 65/35 split, folding removable rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors, a cargo net and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Limited added 16-inch chrome-faced alloy wheels, combination leather/suede upholstery, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2003 PT Cruiser Touring

In May 2003, a limited-run Touring variant was released. Compared to the Classic, the Touring added 16-inch aluminium wheels, front fog lights, a digital display for compass and outside temperature and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2003 PT Cruiser Street Cruiser 2

In June 2003, a limited-run Street Cruiser 2 variant was released. Compared to Classic, the Street Cruiser 2 added 16-inch chrome-faced alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, leather trim, side protection mouldings and chrome exterior highlights.

Review: Chrysler Mk.II PT Cruiser (2004-05)

Overview

Released in December 2004, the Mk.II PT Cruiser introduced a more powerful, 2.4-litre four cylinder engine and additional features. The PT Cruiser range was also expanded with the introduction of a Grand Touring variant which was positioned between the Classic and Limited.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, twin-counter rotating balance shafts, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Features

A rear tailgate latch with electronic touch pad was standard across the range, as was cruise control with the exception of the manual Classic variant.

Compared to the Classic, the newly introduced Grand Touring was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, front and rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, additional silver and leather trim, rear roof-mounted spoiler.

Review: Chrysler Mk.III PT Cruiser (2005-10)

Overview

Released in November 2005, the Mk.III PT Cruiser featured an updated interior, revised styling, greater refinement and additional features.

Visually, the Mk.III PT Cruiser could be identified by its smoother front and rear fascias, new front grille with winged Chrysler badge, scalloped headlights, round fog lights and body-coloured rear spoiler. Inside, there were new seat trims, a three-dial instrument panel with larger gauges and satin-silver finish, analogue clock, centre console with storage compartments and bigger glovebox.

Features

Standard features for the Mk.III PT Cruiser Classic included a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and contoured bucket seats with ‘Bauhaus’ fabric. The Limited was also equipped with heated front seats.

2006 PT Cruiser Route 66

A limited-run Route 66 variant was released in December 2006; based on the Grand Touring, the Route 66 was distinguished by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, firmer suspension, larger rear spoiler, body-coloured grille, yellow painted brake calipers and black or yellow paint finishes.

2009 PT Cruiser Special Edition

In September 2009, a limited-run Special Edition variant was released with 17-inch SRT alloy wheels, a 368 watt Boston Acoustics amplifier with six-disc CD player, ‘Embossed Momentum’ cloth trim, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver spokes, satin-silver instrument cluster with chromed rings and deep-tint UV-protecting glass. The Special Edition could also be identified by its cross-hatched solid billet aluminium upper grille, chrome exterior highlights and ‘Brilliant Black’ exterior paint.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Chrysler PT Cruiser

Recalls: Chrysler PT Cruiser

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally. 

Recalls: Chrysler PT Cruiser

• In February 2003, a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles was issued due to the fuel pump module mounting flange potentially leaking if the vehicle was involved in a rollover collision (PRA 2003/6005).
• In February 2005, a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles was issued due to the fuel line jumper tube in the engine compartment potentially chafing against the throttle cable. Over time, this could result in a fuel leak (PRA 2005/7559).
• In September 2006, a recall was issued for 2006 PT Cruiser models built before 10 January 2006 (MDH 011015) with side repeater lamps. In these vehicles, a software problem in the Totally Integrated Power Module could affect the correct functioning of the directional ‘telltale’ lights in the instrument cluster in the event of a failure to an external turn indicator globe. As such, the driver would not receive proper feedback when a turn indicator globe failed (PRA 2006/8740).
• In June 2007, a recall was issued for Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles  manufactured from 17 May 2005 to 1 September 2005 due to potentially inadequate fixing of one or both of the rear quarter windows such that it may dislodge while driving (PRA 2007/9334).

Problems and faults: Chrysler PT Cruiser

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Chrysler PT Cruiser: engine doesn’t start/crank

In July 2008, Technical Service Bulletin 08-007-09 REV A was issued for 2006-08 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles that were manufactured on or before 5 May 2008 because the engine may not crank or start due to electronic lock-up of the Wireless Control Module (WCM) – also known as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) – and the remote keyless entry (RKE) system does not operate. This may occur because of an electrostatic charge within the Wireless Control Module (WCM). To fix, the WCM needed to be replaced.

Chrysler PT Cruiser: difficulty re-fuelling

In September 2009, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14-001-09 REV A was issued for 2004-09 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles with petrol engines. For these vehicles, the owner may experience difficulties when re-fuelling or the fuel pump nozzle may shut off repeatedly during re-fuelling. For these vehicles, the TSB described a diagnosis procedure which may identify the source of the problem as:

• The fuel filler tube;
• The vapour recirculation tube;
• The fuel tank itself;
• A blockage in the EVAP canister, ESIM, clean air hose or filter; or,
• The control valve to the EVAP canister tube.

Chrysler PT Cruiser: Problems and faults

• Difficulty starting may require replacement of the fuel pump module with one that has a screen in order to prevent contamination of the integral pressure regulator.
• For early Chrysler PT Cruiser models, the fuel gauge may not display a full reading – a revised fuel pump module was available to correct this.
• The rear seats may not unlatch due to a problem with the cable and its attachments.
• Whistling noises when the steering wheel is turned may require replacement of the power steering hoses.
• If the sunroof deflector vibrates (usually above 60km/h), a deflector mounting kit which relocated the mounting attachments was available.
• For PT Cruiser models with manual transmissions, a rattling noise when in neutral and with the engine running may require the clutch module to be replaced.
• A surge when cruising between 70 and 90 km/h during warm weather could be corrected by reprogramming the powertrain control module.

Released in July 2000, the Chrysler Mk.I PT Cruiser was a five-door wagon with retro-styling. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive Mk.I PT Cruiser was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The PT Cruiser range initially consisted of Classic and Limited variants, though limited-run Touring and Street Cruiser 2 variants werReleased in 2003… Read full Chrysler PT Cruiser review

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_01

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_02

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_03

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_04

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_05

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_06

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_07

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_08

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_09

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_10

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_11

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser1_12

Images: Chrysler Mk.II PT Cruiser (2004-05)

Released in December 2004, the Chrysler Mk.II PT Cruiser introduced a more powerful, 2.4-litre four cylinder engine and additional features. The PT Cruiser range was also expanded with the introduction of a Grand Touring variant which was positioned between the Classic and Limited. The 2.4-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, twin-counter rotating balance shafts, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_01

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_02

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_03

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_04

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_05

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_06

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_07

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser2_08

Images: Chrysler Mk.III PT Cruiser (2005-10)

Released in November 2005, the Chrysler Mk.III PT Cruiser featured an updated interior, revised styling, greater refinement and additional features. The Chrysler Mk.III PT Cruiser could be identified by its smoother front and rear fascias, new front grille with winged Chrysler badge, scalloped headlights, round fog lights and body-coloured rear spoiler. Inside, there were new seat trims, a three-dial instrument panel with larger gauges and satin-silver finish, analogue clock, centre console with storage compartments and bigger glovebox.

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_01

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_02

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_03

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_04

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_05

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_06

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_07

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_08

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_09

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_10

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_11

chrysler_ptcruiser_2000_ser3_12

Euro NCAP: Chrysler PT Cruiser crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the PT Cruiser – fitted with front side airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21. For more information about this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website.Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.