Sell your 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser for cash

The 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a SUV that came with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine. At 24 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines2.4L 4-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy17–19 city / 23–27 highway / 20–22 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,050–$3,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂404–444 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations
Age24 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 24 years old, most of a 2002 PT Cruiser's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the electrical system, typically around 92,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

SteeringJun 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V268000

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.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Fuel System, GasolineAug 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V215000

On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Electrical SystemSep 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V288000

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.

Risk: Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Common 2002 PT Cruiser problems

Owners have filed 511 complaints about the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. 40 reports involved a crash and 34 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 50 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Electrical System56
  • Structure47
  • Exterior Lighting34
  • Air Bags29
  • Unknown or Other27
  • Power Train24

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Electrical System92,000 mi
  • Structure56,000 mi
  • Exterior Lighting85,000 mi
  • Air Bags70,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other65,000 mi
  • Power Train52,000 mi

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 68 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Electrical System7
  • Equipment6
  • Structure6
  • Equipment5
  • Unknown or Other5
  • Power Train4

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 23-015-20

    Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 08-049-20

    Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

SteeringPE04028 · opened Mar 2004, closed Jun 2004Led to recall 04V268000

Engine compartment fires

Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 PT Cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified NHTSA of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 PT Cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall

Seat BeltsPE02082 · opened Nov 2002, closed Apr 2003

Safety belt cinching latch plate

There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. A

Selling a 2002 PT Cruiser: questions

How much is a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2002 PT Cruiser that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2002 PT Cruisers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2002 PT Cruiser with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2002 PT Cruiser?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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