Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 9 recalls and 2,524 owner complaints for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (model years 2001–2010). The most reported problem area is electrical system (560 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (249 complaints). The 2001 model year has the most recalls (5).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 97 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 115 | 11 | 6 | |
| 2007 | 0 | 150 | 18 | 3 | |
| 2006 | 1 | 349 | 35 | 5 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 187 | 11 | 12 | |
| 2004 | 1 | 217 | 16 | 15 | |
| 2003 | 2 | 258 | 22 | 15 | |
| 2002 | 3 | 511 | 40 | 34 | |
| 2001 | 5 | 618 | 36 | 17 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2001 (618), 2002 (511) and 2006 (349). Among model years at least two years old, the 2010 has the fewest complaints on file (22).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Chrysler PT Cruiser model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 560 | 10 of 10 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 249 | 10 of 10 | |
| Air bags | 226 | 10 of 10 | |
| Steering | 220 | 10 of 10 | |
| Exterior lighting | 220 | 10 of 10 |
Latest 8 of 9 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07V149000 | Apr 4, 2007 | Visibility: glass, side/rear | 2005–2006 | 38,447 |
| 04V481000 | Oct 8, 2004 | Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip | 2005 | 115 |
| 04V268000 | Jun 3, 2004 | Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections | 2001–2005 | 438,391 |
| 03V076000 | Mar 10, 2003 | Power train: clutch assembly | 2003 | 816 |
| 02V215000 | Aug 8, 2002 | Fuel system, gasoline: delivery | 2001–2002 | 345,436 |
| 02V214000 | Aug 8, 2002 | Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 2001 | 97,779 |
| 02V162000 | Jun 14, 2002 | Seats: front assembly, recliner | 2001 | 77,000 |
| 01V288000 | Sep 10, 2001 | Electrical system: wiring, interior/under dash | 2002 | 43,000 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 194 complaints and a fire in 109 complaints; 208 people injured and 7 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.