Research · Two Seaters

2002 Chrysler ProwlerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Prowler. Most complaints involve suspension (3) and latches/locks/linkages (2). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
13
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Chrysler Prowler as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2003 – Dec 2010
  1. Suspension3
  2. Latches/locks/linkages2
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Equipment1
  5. Seats1
  6. Engine and engine cooling1
  7. Structure1
  8. Power train1
  9. Steering1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Prowler model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

3 reports
“TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 2W125384-F23 FOR LOWER BALL JOINTS FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND CHRYSLER HAS TOLD HER THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY ONLY GET ENOUGH PARTS TO DO 1 CAR A WEEK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE MAKES A RIGHT TURN, THE CAR FEELS AS THOUGH SHE HAS RUN OVER SOMETHING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2006SuspensionODI 10176661

Latches/locks/linkages

2 reports
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TAILGATE OPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO OCCURRENCES THAT WOULD HAVE AN AFFECT ON THE LATCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED AT BY THE DEALER.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 19, 2006Latches/locks/linkagesODI 10162884

Electrical system

1 report
“I JUST BOUGHT A 2002 PT CRUISER FROM JUST ADD GAS IN ALBANY LOUISIANA I LOVE THE CAR , BUT AFTER I GOT IT HOME AND DROVE IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS I FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAIN IS HAVING PROBLEMS , I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD THEM PUT THE TESTER ON IT AND THEY DETERMINED THAT IT IS THE BRAIN ,OR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM GOING TO THE BRAIN , I AM TRYING TO LOCATE ONE AT THIS TIME . *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2010Electrical system, EquipmentODI 10371193
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S4)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Prowler
Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162118$3,550494
  • Prowler
    Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Chrysler Prowler as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 4553
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 Prowler questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Chrysler Prowler have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.

What are the most common 2002 Chrysler Prowler problems?

Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (3), latches/locks/linkages (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Chrysler Prowler get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Chrysler Prowler at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026