2007 chrysler pt cruiser. Clutch fails to disengage resulting in driver being unable to shift gears on the manual transmission and resulting in difficulty in stopping the car.

This problem is a result of the pressure plate failing and is not covered by the power train Warranty even though pressure plate failure is almost unheard of in most cars.

Most owners are unaware of the actual cause and try repairing the hydraulic portion of the clutch system.

This appears to be a fairly common problem in the pt cruiser when one checks on the internet and should possibly result in a recall of these vehicles.

Complained to dealer about clutch not fully disengaging. Accused of not pressing clutch all the way to the floor (to the floor? really!) Would grind when going into reverse. Was minor at cold start and became much worse after a couple of hours driving. Since I had driven straight there in the am the problem was not significant enough for the dealer and said to bring it back when it was worse. (left upset). He didn't even get in and try it! At worst had to turn off engine and shift, then restart.

A few months after last repair for this same problem began experiencing the problem again. Hated the idea of going back in to the incompetent mechanics at the dealer until I could not stand it anymore. Clutch would not fully disengage and ground when going into reverse and had to stop engine to shift, then restart engine. New person greeted and gave a whole different experience and for the first time they got in and tried the clutch without the need for ranting. Was told the slave/master cylinder was not replaced last time but only a switch was replaced. Mechanic found loose bolt between slave/master cylinders. He didn’t go any further. It was blessed as fixed. Within a couple of hours, the problem was back.

Update from Oct 6, 2011: Dealer wouldn't do more than replace the clutch. $1200 job. Had a good discussion with owners son price dropped to just under $800 and I asked for and received guarentee to cover the complaint not just the parts and threw in throw out bearing at my request. After repair drove home then next morning the clutch went completely out 3/4 mile from home. Dealer towed and replaced entire master/slave cylinder. The clutch was adjusted so high it disengaged in 1/2 inch. Had master mechanic friend readjust clutch to normal movement. (I hate those dealer mechanics) Anyway, I have not had a single issue with the clutch since the master/slave cylinder was replaced. I was right all along.

Drove in to dealer with continued complaint that clutch was not fully disengaging and experienced grinding going into reverse. At worst had to turn off engine to shift then restart. Was told I had to drive it to the dealers other place in a town 45 minutes away. Got angry and had a seat to wait for dealers son to get back from lunch. A sales rep finally asked about my problem and he was the first to hop in and try the clutch. He agreed. (glory be!) The mechanic later said he replaced the slave/master cylinder and that it was fixed.