I'm aware that there are not that many of us with 2004 PTs that have manual transmissions, (we had to have ours specifically built for us) so you're not going to see huge numbers of this problem and it's easy for dealers or mechanics to just say that we're hard on our clutches. However, like the two other people listed on this site with the same problem, I have driven cars with stick shifts for over 36 years and have NEVER had to replace a clutch before this. I do not ride the clutch, I do not pop the clutch and I don't hot rod around. But, at 56,000 miles my clutch went out. I had it replaced for $708.00 (plus $100.00 towing!) and, while the mechanic was diplomatic about it, it was clear that he thought it was needed because of the way I drove the car. Ok, fine....off we go; problem solved. But wait! 16 months and 13,000 later at 69,000 miles, my clutch is going out again! Back to the mechanic. This time, he checks things over and begins to think maybe it ISN'T my driving; he suggests that something in the hydraulic system is binding, keeping the pedal pressure when things get hot (the clutch is not completely gone yet; problem shows when it gets hot). Or, he suggests it may be improper flywheel step was cut when originally made. Doesn't either of these things sound like it's Chrysler's responsibility? He suggests I go to the dealer, which I will do, however I feel like it's unlikely that they will say it's a defect. I'm very frustrated because we like our little car and would like to keep it, but at this point, we can't afford to have to replace the clutch every year or two.
This is the 2nd time the clutch is going out and this time after only 13,000 miles. (Full story under 1st complaint). We'll see what Chrysler has to say about their responsibility in this whole mess. I'm trying to gather as much info as I can to support my thought that there was something wrong with the car when I first got it because this clutch problem is outrageous.
Replaced clutch the first time @ 18,000 miles, this one's going in @ 40,000 miles. What's wrong with the PT Cruiser clutch? Pretty sure it's not my driving since have driven cars with manual transmissions for 40 years. Only once did I have to replace a clutch on a high mileage Honda Civic. I put three timing belts into that car compared to one clutch in 175,000 miles. Am also curious why this car gets about 16 mpg around town and 21 on the road. It started out getting about 22 mpg in town and, maybe, 26 on the road. The aforementioned high mileage Honda still got 29-30 mpg in town at the end.
I have driven Sticks for 35 years & never replaced a clutch except when the trans was out for other reasons & never with less than 120,000 miles on the car. Chrysler claims the clutch failure at 42,000 is normal. The Dealer Service Manager told me "there were no signs of abuse & the plates were not worn. The clutch was clearly a defective part when new". They were sympathetic, but Chrysler could care less. Next time, were going Honda or Toyota.
- Andre` P.,
Akron, OH, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I'm aware that there are not that many of us with 2004 PTs that have manual transmissions, (we had to have ours specifically built for us) so you're not going to see huge numbers of this problem and it's easy for dealers or mechanics to just say that we're hard on our clutches. However, like the two other people listed on this site with the same problem, I have driven cars with stick shifts for over 36 years and have NEVER had to replace a clutch before this. I do not ride the clutch, I do not pop the clutch and I don't hot rod around. But, at 56,000 miles my clutch went out. I had it replaced for $708.00 (plus $100.00 towing!) and, while the mechanic was diplomatic about it, it was clear that he thought it was needed because of the way I drove the car. Ok, fine....off we go; problem solved. But wait! 16 months and 13,000 later at 69,000 miles, my clutch is going out again! Back to the mechanic. This time, he checks things over and begins to think maybe it ISN'T my driving; he suggests that something in the hydraulic system is binding, keeping the pedal pressure when things get hot (the clutch is not completely gone yet; problem shows when it gets hot). Or, he suggests it may be improper flywheel step was cut when originally made. Doesn't either of these things sound like it's Chrysler's responsibility? He suggests I go to the dealer, which I will do, however I feel like it's unlikely that they will say it's a defect. I'm very frustrated because we like our little car and would like to keep it, but at this point, we can't afford to have to replace the clutch every year or two.
- Pam C., Pacifica, CA, US