2003 PT Crusier control arm bushings 19k miles

[Richard]

lower control arm bushing are bad after 19k miles. That sounds like bad bushing. Anyone else run into problems like this.

[Benoit Gravelle]

Richard wrote:

lower control arm bushing are bad after 19k miles. That sounds like bad bushing. Anyone else run into problems like this.

Hi Richard,

I have the same problem and the problem started to appear at arount 42,000KM. My Chrysler dealer says that it need eimmediate replacement of the lower control arm assembly on both left and right. An invoive of 734$ Cdn (around 650$ US parts and labor) Unfortunatly, they cannot replace the bushings only because it comes with the control arm assembly. What a waste of money. I intend to fight this with Chrysler Canada because this is not normal after on 42,000km. My 3 year guaranty is over since August 12th. This is negotiable...I hope.

Benoit Gravelle
Gatineau, Province of Québec, Canada

[Steve in Atlanta]

The bushing kit is $45.00 takes a few hours and a press. $650 sounds like a total rip off.

[Marcie]

I also had the same repairs although mine was covered by the extended warranty. When I took my car in for an oil change the service rep told me that they found the problem. He said that Chrysler does not pay for items found during a checkup but ONLY if the customer has a complaint. He advised me to call the service dept. the next day and say that I heard a clicking sound. The repair was promptly repaired and paid in full the following week. This is the only repair in 3.5 years; however, it does sound suspicious that other pt's are having the same repair. - from Ontario, Canada

[Melissa]

I have a 2002 cruiser with only 47,000km and today will be the second time getting the front control arm bushings repaired! The first time was covered under warranty but this is now coming out of my pocket and I'm scared that in another 2-3 years I'll be in the same prediciment. I intend to get some sort of answer from Chrysler on this subject...one way or another!
Melissa
Ontario, Canada

[Jane Ontario Canada]

I just found out today that I need the front control arm bushings replaced at mileage 43,000 on my PT Cruiser 2001.

[Norm Smith]

Ok, I just thougth it was a fluke. The bushings on on my 2003 are gone as well. 75000 k

[Terry Blankenship]

I HAVE BEEN HEARING A NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2002 CRUSIER IT ONLY HAS 41000 MILES ON IT . AFTER READING YOUR COMMENTS I GUESS THE NOISE MOST BE THE CONTROLE ARM BUSHINGS . HAS ANYONE OF YOU HAD A PROBLEM WITH YOUR HEAD LITE SWITCH ? I HAD TO UNHOOK THE FOG LAMPS ON MINE CUZ THE HEAD LITE SWITCH IS MESSED UP AND MY FOG LAMPS WILL NOT TURN OFF

[Chris Graham]

I am in the exact same situation as you Benoit. My 2003 SX 2.0 (aka Neon) needs the left and right control arm bushings replaced. The 3 year warranty expired in April, but the car has only 45 000km on it. This is not "normal wear and tear", so I intend to take the issue to Daimler Chrysler Canada as well.

It would be a great help if you could let me know how your situation turned out. Were you successful in getting any help from DC?

Benoit Gravelle wrote:

<quoted text>
Hi Richard,
I have the same problem and the problem started to appear at arount 42,000KM. My Chrysler dealer says that it need eimmediate replacement of the lower control arm assembly on both left and right. An invoive of 734$ Cdn (around 650$ US parts and labor) Unfortunatly, they cannot replace the bushings only because it comes with the control arm assembly. What a waste of money. I intend to fight this with Chrysler Canada because this is not normal after on 42,000km. My 3 year guaranty is over since August 12th. This is negotiable...I hope.
Benoit Gravelle
Gatineau, Province of Québec, Canada

[Terry Pohorence]

I have had the same problem with my control arm bushings. I also have had my front wheel bearings go. Has anyone had the same problem? Has anyone actually contacted Chrysler?

[Ken Koczur]

My control arm bushings went bad on my 2003 PT at 37,000 miles. Because I bought the car used (one year old), the warrenty was up by 1,000 miles. I called Chrysler direct and they could care less and would not cover the cost. They wanted $436.00 to replace them. I had a mechanic friend of mine do it complete for $140.00. Now at 69,000 miles, they are again bad. I used Chrysler parts right from the dealer. Not this time. I will replace them with aftermarket parts of a better quality. I understand that GM has the same problem with their lower control arms, too. And then they wonder why people buy Jap cars!!!

[Rob]

sorry, mines not a PT, but a 2003 Neon, same chassis i think though

[Rob]

must be that time of year, at 33,000 my control arm bushings are shot too, I am 6 months out of the 3 year/36,000 warrenty. my wife barely drives the car. but i needed tires already as well, the tire place wanted like $900 USD to repair... I need to look at other options

[Dave]

Richard wrote:

lower control arm bushing are bad after 19k miles. That sounds like bad bushing. Anyone else run into problems like this.

I have an 01 PT and have the same problem also and was told by the dealer that Chrysler knows its a problem but they refuse to recall the cars

[jack]

I have a 2001 pt and have the same problem.Its the the left side of the car standing facing the car.I took it to my Dealer/they could not find it.Sear's founder it and said it would cost about 700 dollars. I am in chicago,ILL

[jack]

Steve in Atlanta wrote:

The bushing kit is $45.00 takes a few hours and a press.$650 sounds like a total rip off.

Hi Steve,can u give more info on this.I am tring to svae some money.Please help

[Brian]

Cleveland, Oh

I have the same issue with my control arms. My 2002 PT cruiser only has 33000 on it. I contacted Chrysler and they said it is not covered. I argued that warranties need to be mileage and 3 years or 36000. I am fighting with them now since the car is under 36000. Conrades total care care here wants $1100 to do the job, what a rip off.

[DC Knows]

The rear bushing in the front passenger side lower control arm went bad on my SRT-4. It is a 2004 with 47,000 miles on it. I was told by the dealer that they have seen this problem in PT Cruisers and Neon all the time and had 13 bushings in stock at all time because they had to change them so often. DC knows there is a problem with them and refuses to have a recall. The dealer said it would be $168 to replace the bushing. The cost of the bushing is $45. I called DC and told them that I didn't think I should have to pay for a faulty part. They asked me what I expected them to do and I told them I just wanted the vehicle fixed. The lady I talked to looked up my record and since I had bought 10 vehicles from Chrysler in the last 12 years, she agreed to have my vehicle fixed (Even though it was out of warranty) if I would pay a $50 deductible. The number I called to complain is: one - eight hundred, - nine, nine, two - one, nine, nine, seven.

[Tar Heel]

I am looking at A 2003 PT and would like to know waht are the problems that have been occuring??

[Robert C Maschino]

At 75,000 miles. 4 sets of tires. Controll arm bushings plus tie rod ends. it needs to be realinged. Cost--$850.00 Now the front Carrier bearings,Two weeks later. Sounds like Road or tire noise. Cost---$550.00 Also turn sigonal switch. Cost---$75.00 Just as it was Paid Off. Oh almost forgot---Water Pump---Still leaking. These Cars are JUNK.