2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Chrysler PT Cruiser first registered in 2002 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 244 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 244 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usualChrysler PT Cruiser19.7% All 2002 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Common 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes34% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Steering14% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Chrysler PT Cruiser compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 233 | Suspension 52% |
| 2007 | 1,383 | Suspension 56% |
| 2006 | 1,297 | Suspension 57% |
| 2005 | 993 | Suspension 58% |
| 2004 | 671 | Suspension 61% |
| 2003 | 603 | Suspension 64% |
| 2001 | 238 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 104 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Chrysler PT Cruiser cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score