Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 22 | −91% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 97 | −54% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2008 | 115 | −48% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2007 | 150 | −41% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2006 | 349 | 1.5× | 1 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2005 | 256 | typical | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2004 | 217 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2003 | 258 | 1.2× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2002 | 511 | 2.4× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2001 | 618 | 2.9× | 5 | Wheel & Tire | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median PT Cruiser year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Latest Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners May pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on April 30, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), 2.4l high output turbocharged engine, and 5-speed manual transaxle, May exhibit inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began October 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose May contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on September 20, 2004.
Power train › Clutch assembly
On certain passenger vehicles, manual transmission models only, a welded pin internal to the dual-mass flywheel (dmf) assembly can unseat and become lodged between the flywheel and the clutch disc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the flywheel and clutch assemblies with the updated design parts. Owner notification began on April 14, 2003.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Owner notification began August 12, 2002.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser should you avoid?
2001, 2002 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other PT Cruiser years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other PT Cruiser years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (579), engine & cooling (452) and suspension (236). Electrical complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Chrysler PT Cruiser had?
9 recalls across 2001–2010. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.