2002 Plymouth Prowler problems

General information about Plymouth-Prowler
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Plymouth Prowler, later the Chrysler Prowler, is a retro-styled production sports car manufactured and marketed from 1997 to 2002 by DaimlerChrysler, based on the 1993 concept car of the same name.

The Prowler was offered in a single generation in a front-engine, rear-drive, rear-transmission configuration—with an overall production of 11,702.

Design

Chrysler engineers were given free rein to design whatever they wanted in a "hot rod" or "sportster" type vehicle. Chrysler's design and international director Thomas C. Gale said his "love for 1930s-era hot rods inspired Chrysler's latest design triumph, the retro-styled Plymouth Prowler." Gale, who has a hotted up 1932 Ford in his garage, approved the hotrod-inspired Plymouth Prowler as the company's follow-up show-stopper to the Dodge Viper. An early influence is credited to a Chrysler-sponsored project at the Art Center College of Design. This resulted in a thesis by Douglas "Chip" Foose, which included drawings of a retro-roadster. Foose "designed it as a coupe for Chrysler to begin with but modified it to a roadster version."

One of the most striking design features of the Prowler is the open, Indy racer-style front wheels. The Prowler featured a powertrain from Chrysler's LH-cars, a 24-valve, 3.5 L Chrysler SOHC V6 engine producing 214 hp (160 kW; 217 PS) at 5850 rpm. For the 1999 model year, the engine was replaced with a more powerful, aluminum block, 253 hp (189 kW; 257 PS) at 6400 rpm version of the engine. Both engines were coupled to a four-speed Autostick semi-automatic transmission. The transmission was located at the rear of the vehicle and joined to the engine by a torque tube that rotated at engine speed, an arrangement similar to that used by the C5 Corvette, Porsche 944, and Alfa Romeo 75, and helped to facilitate a desirable 50-50 front-rear weight distribution. The Prowler was the first rear-wheel drive Plymouth since the 1989 discontinuation of the Plymouth Gran Fury and would stand as the last Plymouth model with that layout. While criticized for having only a V6 engine, Chrysler's High Output 3.5 had a horsepower rating similar to (or higher than) the company's Magnum V8s of that era. While not making nearly as much torque as a V8, the Prowler's light weight helped to achieve rapid off-the-line acceleration.

The car prominently featured aluminum construction, in many cases adhesively bonded, chiefly in the chassis. The body was produced in Shadyside, Ohio, and the car was assembled by hand at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (CAAP) in Detroit, Michigan.

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Common 2002 Plymouth Prowler problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Plymouth Prowler 2002, here is a list of common problems with this car:

Structural Problems:
- Owners have reported 16 issues related to the vehicle's structure. Structural problems can impact the car's integrity, leading to safety concerns and potential performance issues.

Steering Concerns:
- Some owners have experienced steering problems, with 5 reported complaints. Steering issues can affect the car's maneuverability and overall driving experience.

Latches/Locks/Linkage:
- Owners have reported 3 complaints related to latches, locks, or linkage. Issues in this category can impact the car's security and convenience features.

Power Train Troubles:
- There have been 3 complaints regarding the powertrain of the Plymouth Prowler. Powertrain issues can affect the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability.

Air Bag Concerns:
- 2 complaints have been reported regarding the airbags. Airbag problems are critical for safety and should be addressed promptly to ensure the car's occupant protection systems are functioning correctly.

Interior Lighting Issues:
- Owners have reported 1 complaint related to interior lighting. While this may seem minor, interior lighting problems can affect visibility inside the car, especially during night driving.

Other Fuel System Problems:
- 1 complaint has been made regarding the fuel system. Fuel system issues can impact the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.

Unknown or Other Concerns:
- 1 complaint falls under the category of unknown or other issues. These complaints may encompass a range of miscellaneous problems that owners have encountered with their Plymouth Prowler.

Engine and Engine Cooling:
- 1 complaint has been reported regarding the engine and engine cooling system. Issues in this area can lead to overheating, loss of power, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Electrical System Troubleshooting:
- 1 complaint has been made regarding the electrical system. Electrical problems can affect various components of the car, leading to malfunctions and potential safety hazards.

Visibility Concerns:
- 1 complaint has been reported related to visibility issues. Poor visibility can compromise the driver's ability to see clearly, impacting safety and overall driving experience.

These common problems reported by owners of the Plymouth Prowler 2002 highlight various areas where this car may experience issues. Addressing these problems promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle.

What was wrong with the Plymouth Prowler?

And earlier this month a Prowler and matching trailer went for over $33,000 on the same site. As a car, the Prowler failed. It was uncomfortable to drive, and the strange cockpit layout was disorienting. Not to mention it had a weak engine, no manual transmission, and looked bizarre.

Why was the Prowler discontinued?

Sure it failed to sale, with fewer than 12,000 sold by the end of its production run. It failed to reinvigorate and save the Plymouth brand, and it failed to impress critics as a sports car. Mostly due to its transmission, a lack a manual was a mistake to say the least.

How long did the Plymouth Prowler last?

How much is a Plymouth Prowler worth today?

Prices for a used Plymouth Prowler currently range from $19,999 to $49,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 1,352 to 62,067. Find used Plymouth Prowler inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

What was wrong with the Plymouth Prowler?

Why did they stop making the Plymouth Prowler?

Let alone a set of golf clubs. And the prowler's low ground clearance. And stiff suspension made it a bumpy ride. Especially on poor maintained roads. But hey if you wanted practicality.

How long did the Plymouth Prowler last?

What engine is in a Plymouth Prowler?

but it's pretty crazy looking 1999 Prowlers had a 253 horsepower 3.5 liter aluminum block V6. which would also be in the Chrysler.

2002 Plymouth Prowler car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Prowler problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Suspension problems
Steering problems
Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Plymouth Prowler vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2002 Plymouth Prowler complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Plymouth Prowler.

2018-05-29

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-05-24
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PLYMOUTH PROWLER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PULLED OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FIRST CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (280 EAST WASHINGTON ST ROUTE ONE, NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, MA) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BALL JOINT DETACHED AND THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO COVER THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V034000 (SUSPENSION) BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,080. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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2012-10-08

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-10-07
Crash: 1
VIN: 1C3EW65G92V
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: THE ORIGINAL CASE NHTSA CAMPING ID NUMBER 03V034000 HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY RESOLVE THE CAR'S CONTINUES TO LOOSE CONTROL BY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM JOINTS SEPARATE AND THE COMPLETE WHEEL SEPARATE FROM THE CAR CAUSING THE COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CRASH OF THE CAR. IS THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AGAIN! *TR

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2005-07-15

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-07-09
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: 1C3EW65G02V
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: THE VEHICLE'S HOOD SHOCKS DO NOT SUPPORT THE HOOD'S WEIGHT. I HAVE HAD THE HOOD CRASH DOWN SEVERAL TIMES, INCLUDING ONCE ON MY HAND CAUSING INJURY. OTHER OWNERS OF PLYMOUTH/CHRYSLER PROWLERS HAVE REPORTED CHANGING THE HOOD SHOCKS SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE ALSO REPORTED BEING HIT ON THE HEAD WHILE LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD, HAVING INJURED THEIR WRISTS AND FINGERS FROM HOODS CRASHING DOWN. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN WHICH RESULTS IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND REMEDY VOLUNTARILY.

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2002 Plymouth Prowler recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2002 Plymouth Prowler.

2006-10-23

Manufacturer: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Consequence: FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

2006-03-13

Manufacturer: BRAKE PARTS, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

2003-02-05

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF LUBRICATION THAT CAN RESULT IN ACCELERATED WEAR AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.
Consequence: A BALL JOINT THAT HAS SEPARATED MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS WITH MODIFIED ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403 OR CHECK ON-LINE AT HTTP://WWW.CHRYSLER.COM/WEBSELFSERVICE/CHRYSLER/INDEX.JSP

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Plymouth Prowler problems:

Prowler....... | Allpar Forums

https://www.allpar.com/threads/prowler.171377/

Apr 16, 2018 ... Two are minor and correctable. The third can be a life altering event if a failure occurs and you are at speed. First- At some time the speakers ...

Expert Q&A: Troubleshooting Plymouth Prowler Transmission Issues

https://www.justanswer.com/car/cqmjp-2000-prowler-11000-miles-shift-hard-when.html

Aug 8, 2019 ... I have a 2000 prowler 11000 miles it shift hard when i take off? No leaks. Thats all need to know how to fix it i just - Answered by a ...

2002 Chrysler Prowler Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost

https://repairpal.com/cars/chrysler/prowler/2002

Get 2002 Chrysler Prowler repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Chrysler mechanics near you.

Q&A: 2001 Chrysler Prowler Instrument Cluster Issues - Expert ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/6owbl-2001-chrysler-prowler-instrument-cluster-reads.html

May 20, 2012 ... I have a 2001 chrysler prowler. My instrument cluster reads" no bus". I tried to start it three times. It would start a - Answered by a ...