On July 30, 2005, I was driving home from work when I suddenly heard a horrible screeching/grinding noise. I managed to get my car to the nearest Chrysler dealership and was informed that there were no rear brake pads left and that there were grooves in the rotor (metal on metal). I recently had my front brakes replaced in May 2005 and the rear brakes were in good condition with 1/2 brake pads left on both sides. I primarily do highway driving so my brakes tend to last long. I was informed that Chrysler uses metallic brake pads on the PT CRUISER which most manufacturers do not use as it causes much heat and friction when stopping and prematurely wears out the brakes. There was no indication that the rear brake pads were low, there were no noises, squeaking, etc. The only noises I heard were when the brake pads were completely gone and the caliper was digging into the rotors every time I stepped on the brake pedal. I later learned that Chrysler uses wear indicators only on the two front brakes, not the rear. There are no wear indicators on the rear brakes so customers will never know that the rear brakes are getting low until they have no more brake pads left and the caliper starts eating up the rotor. This is a huge safety issue. I routinely have my car inspected (every month). The rear brake pads should have never worn so prematurely in the span of 3 months, considering 95% of my driving is on the highway. Additionally, there is no excuse for not having wear indicators on all 4 brakes. It is unacceptable to be driving around with only 2 front brakes and no rear ones and to not even know it until it is too late!

- Bayonne, NJ, USA

While driving a noise was heard coming from the rear. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and mechanic determined that rear brake was leaking. Mechanic replaced new cylinder and cleaned the surface of the brake pads. One month later, consumer experienced the same problem.

- Fresno, CA, USA