For 2001 PT cruiser Owners

[Vengence]

Just have a few questions like....

What known problems has the 01 had?

What problems have you experienced?

How you like the 01 compared to others you might have test driven or own?

and would you refer (01-present) the PT to anyone who was looking for a good, cheap, reliable car?

[Pat1USMC]

I'm the first and only owner of my 2001. In 90,000 miles, I've only had to replace rear suspension bushings and recharge the a/c. Thats it. (knock on wood!) Everything else was routine maintenance like the timing belt or brakes. Now I did put a supercharger on it back in 2003 which caused me to have to replace the catalytic converters and oxygen sensor and MAP sensor because it was running rich for a long time, but that has FINALLY gotten fixed. I have been more than pleased with how reliable it has been. I have driven my father's 2008 and it just felt different to me. I really think the 2001s were built pretty solidly, especially for a new model.

[Travis2k7]

Originally Posted by Vengence

What known problems has the 01 had?

There was a power steering recall. Ignored could result in this.

PT Cruiser went ablaze on Saturday..

[CREWZIN]

I've had mine since Sept 2000 with the fan motor burning out, power steering pump going south and the wiring harness from the Camshaft sensor coming loose and cutting the wires.

Any of those could, and have happened to newer models.

Travis mentioned the power steering line recall, there were 3 others. The fuel line running across the engine is too close to the air-conditioning lines and could rub causing a leak in fuel and eventual fire. There a doughnut ring on the fuel tank that has to be put in around the fuel pump/filter so if the PT is rolled over in a crash, the fuel doesn't spill out. There was also a recall to do with the child seat safety rings in the back seats but I forget exactly how that worked.

The 2001 model has things that the other years do not. The plastic vanity cover over the engine, the front passenger outside door lock (yes they did away with the key lock itself), the rear cargo tray and cargo net (you now have to buy them except for the high end model) and last but not least, all the 2001 buttons inside the car light up at night with the headlights. Chrysler took out the bulbs of some of the buttons in later years.

The one thing you don't have is a front passenger arm rest. Chrysler actually added an arm rest for the passenger in 2002, but there are arm rests that can be added to the 2001.

[Vengence]

I'm the proud owner of 2 2001 PT Cruisers, both limited edition and the same color. i painted the 2nd one i bought to navy blue. but the recall was with the power steering? i thought there was a recall for the gas line or the acceleration pedal getting stuck too? i took the Cruisers in for the power steering recal, and i have had a few problems with my one 2001 PT.

Had to change the tie rods 4 times, Watts Link 3 times, brakes 3 times, dashboard lights once, gas tank once, (had a nasty hole) had to replace the headlight housings, but im working around that with retro-fitted projectors that im working on myself, airbag sensor, and finally the ball joints 8 times since i bought my 2nd PT 1yr 4 months ago.

a lot of things gone wrong with it since then but now it seems to run fine. thank god.

but anything else anyone just bring it up. I love to here about other peoples Cruisers since it is a great car that can fit into tight spaces lol.

oh yea, and driving PT's from 07 to present, it seems like the visibility has gone down, like you cant see as well as you can with the 01. that might be me, but thats what i've seen.

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Vengence

but the recall was with the power steering? i thought there was a recall for the gas line or the acceleration pedal getting stuck too? i took the Cruisers in for the power steering recal, and i have had a few problems with my one 2001 PT.

Vengence,

As stated above the recall was for the gas line in the engine compartment being too close to the air-conditioning lines. There was no recall for the accelerator pedal. On the power steering. There are two lines running from the power steering unit going from the right side of the car to the drivers side. These lines passed under the transaxle and on some cases, the lines were rubbing on the transaxle and causing a leak in the hose which could cause a fire. The recall was only for the inspection of the hoses. I did it myself.

[RNCRUZR]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

The one thing you don't have is a front passenger arm rest. Chrysler actually added an arm rest for the passenger in 2002, but there are arm rests that can be added to the 2001.

That is good to know. I really miss the armrest when I'm the passenger.

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by RNCRUZR

That is good to know. I really miss the armrest when I'm the passenger.

The replacement actually takes the place of the single drivers arm rest with one that is twice as wide. Come sin leather or cloth. It's big enough for two arms (drivers/passengers).

[RNCRUZR]

If it is that wide, will it raise up?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by RNCRUZR

If it is that wide, will it raise up?

Yes. here's picture of the cloth one.




....and leather