Most common 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints by model year
Best PT Cruiser years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Engine & cooling
The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can't figure out what's wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs... everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.
I drove 15 miles an pulled at 55 MPH into oskaloosa ia reduced speed to 35 down to 25 an thought I smelled something burning like wires an antifreeze ,black smoke rolled out from under neath my hood on passenger side put in park popped hood opened hood flames coming from underneath engine in front of alternator grabbed snow throwing it on flames called 911 got fire extinguisher sprayed got fire out fire dept.showd looked they said smelt like wiring& antifreeze burnt smell .then looked in side of car keys in my hand dash lights all lite up an flashing .fireman said electrical melted the windshield washer fluid container .cause car was off we discounted battery took neg off laid it where nothing touch an went take pos.off sparks shot out of neg.cable end. …
Seats
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side seat inadvertently moved forward toward the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was able to adjust the front driver's seatback to its original position; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle seat control broke and as a result she could not adjust the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated four times that it was a design flaw and it needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance and referred her to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 5,080 and the current mileage was 13,708.
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving various speeds, all of the warning indicators illuminated. The acceleration and power steering failed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The failure recurred two additional times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated they would respond back to the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that when driving at low speeds and turning, the steering column would emit a loud noise and the steering wheel would become difficult to manuever. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the power steering reservoir was severely rusted and caused a leak. The power steering reservoir needed to be replaced as a result. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the part being on back order. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 PT Cruiser rates better than average: 91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the PT Cruiser at the same age. It is one of the best PT Cruiser years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the seats (4) and steering (3).
How many recalls does the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002 and 2006. See the full Chrysler PT Cruiser years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.