Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The electrical system is malfunctioning the fans do not kick on at all,even after reaching temperature.Even when the "Air" condition is turned on full blast or the "Heater" it doesn't matter which one is used it still doesn't engage the "Fan".
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and rushed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle exploded. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. It was not indicated if a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a technician to inspect the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was not provided.
I was making a right hand turn from a main road onto a side street. While the car was turning, I heard a clunk and the steering wheel was jerked from my hands. The car pulled hard to the right and crashed into the curb. The car was towed to the repair shop and the service tech showed me the engine cradle was completely rusted out and the k frame was cracked all the way thru. It's to rusted to be welded and I was told this is a common problem with the Cruiser and Dodge neon, since they use the same frame. The tech also told me I was lucky that I wasn't moving at high speed or the results could have been fatal. He also told me that Chrysler is aware of this problem, they are completely out of replacement parts, and they basically ignore any complaints.
Was driving vehicle going 55 MPH and dashboard faults out with incoherent readings and transaxle shifts self into neutral. I shift gear selector into neutral and back into drive. Dashboard readings go back to normal and transaxle goes back into drive. 15 seconds later battery light comes on. Continue driving to find a place to park. After about 10 seconds engine stalls out. Shift gear selector into neutral and try to restart vehicle but it won't start. Coast to a stop and open hood. Notice an odd smell. Open hood and alternator is on fire. Close hood and grab personal belongings (except for phone charger) out of vehicle. Call 911 as vehicle burns up. Fire and police arrive and extinguish fire but vehicle badly destroyed by being engulfed in flames.
Engine fan does not turn on causing car to overheat. I have spoken to other owner that have a PT Cruiser (different years) and they also have the same problem with the fan. I called the Chrysler dealer which did not have enough complaints about this so they are not issuing any recalls yet. I took this car to my mechanic and he could not determine what is causing this but he did not have the equipment to check the car computer. Another place has the equipment but wants $200. To see if it is a problem with the computer. I feel that Chrysler should cover this since it does not just effect my vehicle but many PT cruisers.
"Takata recall " in my PT Cruiser the engine dropped down in the car and the front axle bar and frame was broken and the wheels could not turn or control the car I am lucky to be alive the vehicle was in motion on a city street trying to turn into a ice cream shop the car is still doing a sudden jerking when driven and after paying a lot of money to get it started and fixed I am still having problems with this car and no money to get another.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact, a certified mechanic, replaced all of the sensors on the vehicle, the relays, and the electrical fuses; however, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Car has problem with overheating (also found out this is common with this model and make). This is a safety issue as you can break down on road which can either cause an accident or cause road blockage.
Over approximately the past year I have been dealing with thelen auto group in bay city, michigan regarding defective rims on my 2001 PT Cruiser. I am constantly replacing air in fairly new tires due to this. After speaking to thelen several times chrylser was called in December of 2005 (date below is approximate). After the dealer scraped and sprayed the rims to stop the peeling a couple of times thelen's mechanic (pat) stated that this just wouldn't work. Pat also went on to add (in the presence of my father) that he never saw such a thing. This was on a June 2006 visit to replace my radiator. After several phone calls Chrysler now states that the dealer told them it was just salt erosion and they would not replace the rims. Chrysler also states that this info was given to them from mike thelen and his mechanic. Mr. Thelen states he did not says this. …
I purchased a used 2001 PT Cruiser on the way home when I came to a stop at a light, it sounded like water rapidly boiling with smoke coming out from under the hood. I have look up this problem and saw that this is a common problem from 2001 to 2008 PT cruisers, no one seems to know what the problem is, it went from a radiator cap to the blades coming off of the fan. I don't know how so many vehicles can have this same problem without there being a recall to fix this. To lower the engine heat I have to put the heat or ac up to the highest setting. I have had the thermostat and radiator cap replaced. How can this same problem go unfixed from year to year? I have looked into this till I exhausted all avenues to look, everyone says the same thing, from year to year, water boiling sound, car overheating almost everything under the hood replaced and still this same problem exist. …
Engine complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 12% of the model year's 618 complaints. The component named most often is engine (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.